Bayonne freeholder will not seek reelection
On March 15 it was announced that Bayonne Freeholder Dr. Doreen DiDomenico will not seek reelection in the Democratic primary for the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders in June. She will retire at the end of her current term at year’s end because of personal and increased professional obligations.
DiDomenico, who is in her third term, was first elected in 2007. During her tenure she served as chairperson of the board and was well regarded by her colleagues.
Mayor Mark Smith and Bayonne Democratic Chairman Jason O’Donnell praised DiDomenico for her service.
“Doreen always fought for all of the First Freeholder District,” O’Donnell said. “She was a frequent voice for the disadvantaged, senior citizens, and our families.”
Smith has selected local educator Ken Kopacz to run in the primary as DiDomenico’s replacement. He is the principal of Washington Community School in Bayonne. Smith said that Kopacz’s experience as a teacher and as the father of a young family uniquely qualify him for elective office.
Kopacz will be running on the Hudson County Democratic Organization Line.
Joseph Lee Edwards, ‘Coach Joe’
Joseph Lee Edwards, 50, affectionately called “Coach Joe” by many, passed away on March 13.
A lifelong resident of Bayonne, Edwards was the owner of J&M Flooring. But he was so much more than just a business owner.
“He dedicated himself to all who needed him,” said a loved one. “Joey entered into all the youth programs with dedication and unselfishness. This included stints as the vice president of Bayonne youth football, and a coach for Marist football.
Edwards’s interest in helping others was evident in jobs he held over the years, including positions with Integrity House of Newark and the New Jersey Mentor Program and Community Access.
He is survived by his mother, Charlene, and siblings Grover Jr., Renee, Colin Michael, and Scott (Joyce) Edwards.
Former governor endorses mayor and team in election
State Sen. Richard Codey (D-NJ, 27th District) last week endorsed Mayor Mark Smith in his reelection bid.
“Proven leadership, proven results,” said Codey, a former New Jersey governor. “Mayor Mark Smith is a true public servant in every sense of the word. From his career in law enforcement to the mayor’s office, everything you want in an elected official is embodied in the mayor.”
“He fights hard for middle-class taxpayers, stands up for what he believes and he strives every day to create good paying jobs,” he said. “Bayonne is a better place to live because of Mayor Mark Smith. I am happy to put my full support behind him and his entire team.”
“I am honored to have earned the endorsement of Governor Codey,” said Mayor Smith. “Governor Codey has been one of the leading voices in the Democratic Party in New Jersey for almost 40 years. He has always stood up for middle-class families and I am proud to call him a friend.”
Chamber holding wine tasting event
The Bayonne Chamber of Commerce will hold its 1st Wine & Food Tasting Event on Thursday, April 3, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at R&B’z Restaurant, corner of Linnet Street and Broadway.
“We invite all of our Bayonne Chamber members, friends, and associates to join us for a delicious evening of socializing while enjoying a selection of fine wines paired with exquisitely prepared chef’s selections to complement the wines,” said spokeswoman Annette Rubin. “It’s an event you will surely not want to miss.”
The cost is $60 per person, and tickets are limited.
RSVP by calling Carin at (201) 436-4333 or emailing info@bayonnechamber.org.
Hudson Regional Health Commission holding Hurricane Sandy focus groups
Hurricane Sandy struck on October 29, 2012. The storm caused unprecedented damage to New Jersey’s housing, business, infrastructure, health and social service, and environmental sectors. After the initial response, it became apparent there was a longterm need to ensure that the outstanding health, behavioral health, and social services needs of Sandy survivors are identified and addressed.
The Hudson Regional Health Commission has received a grant to conduct a health and
wellbeing needs assessment for residents and business owners in Hudson County affected by Sandy.
“We feel that many people in Hudson County were affected by the storm to some extent, so we encourage all residents and business owners to complete the short survey,” a spokesman said. “This includes, but is not limited to, those who were victims of flooding, power loss, or are experiencing stress from the storm. Through this survey we hope to gain insight on the types of unmet needs that exist in the community. We will then develop a plan to connect individuals to the services they may need for recovery.”
If you are a resident or a business owner in Hudson County, your input is important in order to ensure that any recovery efforts as a result of this survey are directed to those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Share your thoughts by completing the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HRHCsandysurvey.
The commission will also be conducting focus group discussions about the storm. Participants are encouraged to share any experiences they may have about Sandy. Food and refreshments will be served and transportation costs will be reimbursed.
If you have any questions, or would like to participate in a Sandy focus group, contact Paul Teodoro, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program representative, at (201) 223-1133 or pteodoro@hudsonregionalhealth.org.