WEST NEW YORK — The defamation lawsuit filed by Dr. Felix Roque against West New York Mayor Silverio “Sal” Vega in the aftermath of the recall election last year will continue, according to a press release today.
Roque and his supporters filed paperwork last year to recall Vega, but ultimately, the town clerk ruled that there were not enough valid signatures. Roque, who said he wanted to eventually become mayor himself, filed a lawsuit after Vega sent out a political mailer during the summer calling Roque a fraud and questioning the methods in which the recall was conducted.
According to the press release, Superior Court Judge Velasquez denied defendant Vega’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit, because he and his political group did not render proof to support the charges of fraud made against Roque.
Roque, who has decried Vega for the city’s increased crime rate, high taxes, and poor services, will challenge Vega in the upcoming May election.