HOBOKEN – 4th Ward resident Rami Pinchevsky filed paperwork with the state this week to challenge Councilman Tim Occhipinti in the May 10 Hoboken election, when six ward seats will expire.
Occhipinti defeated former Councilman Michael Lenz in November in a special election. Occhipinti must defend the seat and run for office once again this coming May.
Pinchevsky filed papers with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) on Jan. 19 designating a deputy treasurer and establishing the “Rami Pinchevsky for City Council” committee.
Pinchevsky could not be reached for immediate comment.
In addition to Pinchevsky, Councilman Nino Giacchi, Councilman Peter Cunningham, Councilman Tim Occhipinti, 1st Ward resident Eric Kurta, and 2nd Ward resident Tom Greaney have filed paperwork to run for various seats in May.
City Historian Leonard Luizzi announced his intention to run for council in the 5th Ward in last week’s Hoboken Reporter, and Council President Beth Mason has announced she will defend her seat in the 2nd Ward, but has yet to file paperwork with the state.
Former Councilman Mike Lenz had not publicly said if he would run for the seat, but when asked on Friday, he threw support behind Pinchevsky.
“Tim Occhipinti ran as an independent, and his performance to date has shown he’s anything but,” Lenz said. “Voters in the 4th Ward deserve a credible alternative, and Rami Pinchevsky will certainly give them one.”
What do you think? Who are the early favorites? Let’s hear what you think in the comments section. – Ray Smith