BAYONNE – City businessman Anthony Zanowic, the third-place finisher in the city’s May 13 mayoral election, has thrown his support behind Mayor Mark Smith in his run-off with Police Capt. James Davis next month.
Zanowic garnered four percent of the mayoral vote, enough to stymie the other two candidates from reaching the required 50 percent plus one vote, and forcing the run-off on June 10.
On Friday, May 16, Zanowic endorsed Mayor Smith and his team for re-election, according to a statement released by the Smith campaign.
“After careful consideration and after meeting with both Mayor Smith and Jimmy Davis, I have decided to endorse Mayor Smith and his team,” Zanowic said in a written statement. “As a conservative, my most important concern is making government smaller and less expensive. Mayor Smith shares these goals. He has a solid plan with demonstrable results, like this year’s zero tax increase, while Mr. Davis offers no governmental or management experience whatsoever.”
“Mr. Davis’ promise to settle the teacher contract without explaining how he would pay for it is fiscally irresponsible and would cost the average taxpayer over $1,100 a year in higher property taxes,” Zanowic said. “Mayor Smith cares about our taxpayers and is being fiscally responsible with our money. We don’t agree on everything, but Mayor Smith is the clear choice in this election. For these and other good reasons, I urge my supporters to vote to re-elect Mayor Mark Smith and his team in the June 10 runoff election.”
Smith thanked Zanowic for his support, saying the endorsement was “an important step forward toward our goal on June 10.”
“Anthony Zanowic is a good man who loves our city and I appreciate his endorsement very much,” Smith said. “Above all else, Anthony speaks out for taxpayers, and we are both committed to efficient, affordable government. I look forward to working with Anthony and his team in the future.”
Smith received more than 49 percent of the vote on May 13, missing a first-ballot victory by about 180 votes. – Joseph Passantino
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