Candidates are popping up for the May municipal elections in West New York and possibly in North Bergen, promising a fun-filled silly season.
With the shift of municipal elections from May to November in Hoboken, the public will have all year to deal with never-ending political rhetoric.
West New York already has two tickets emerging, one with Commissioner Count Wiley at the top, and the other with Mayor Felix Roque. But many expect former Freeholder Jose Munoz to jump into the race as well.
Although driven out as freeholder by a coalition of Democratic heavyweights last June, Munoz is seen as a force to be reckoned with – someone who works hard and will have a lot of money.
Perhaps the biggest surprise in the upcoming race is former Police Director Michael Indri, who is serving as campaign manager for the Wiley ticket. Indri retired in 2013 and had some issues with Roque over the policy of having a police director rather than a chief of police.
But most of those in the opposing camps are surprised by Indri’s involvement, citing him as a good cop, but not the kind of guy to take his issues to the streets.
West New York could also see a partial ticket if Commissioner FiorD’Aliza Frias decides to run for reelection. She is not expected to be invited to join the Roque ticket.
Roque said he intends to unveil his candidates over the next couple of weeks.
Roque opponents are already taking aim at what they are calling “outside interference” in West New York, claiming that political bosses such as state Senator and North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco, Rep. Albio Sires and others are handpicking some of the candidates for Roque’s ticket.
Roque insiders say a number of people are recommending candidates, but that Roque has the final say in who will run with him.
Challengers hope that Roque has been weakened over the last two years. In 2011, Roque was able to carry his whole slate into office against a slate led by then-Mayor Sal Vega. In the upcoming election, opponents may be able to pick off one or two seats, giving them much more power on the inside than they currently have with only Wiley as an opposition commissioner.
North Bergen will likely see a challenge for mayor
Meanwhile, some are speculating on who will run against Sacco’s ticket in North Bergen.
Enrique Henry Marrero, who ran unsuccessfully in last June’s Democratic primary for freeholder against Anthony Vainieri, is one of the most prominent names mentioned.
Marrero said he is going to pick up the petitions and is strongly considering a run.
“I’m glad to see good news travels fast,” he said, noting that he has been approached by some interesting supporters.
His campaign may or may not be supported by Larry Wainstein and the Concerned Citizens of North Bergen. Wainstein and his group have been very vocal Sacco critics and will somehow be involved in a Sacco challenge.
What’s Stack going to do?
The role state Senator and Union City Mayor Brian Stack plays in any potential challenge in North Bergen remains one of the looming unanswered questions.
Although arch enemies for years, Stack and Sacco made peace over the last year. The two men might not like each other any better than they did in the past, but they appear to have come to the conclusion they can’t knock each off their political pedestals.
In their towns, Sacco and Stack are considered unbeatable. Both have formidable political machines that can churn out thousands of votes against any opponent.
Most political observers believe Stack will refrain from restarting a political war with Sacco – much to the chagrin of anti-Sacco hopefuls.
Stack has built political bridges with Sacco and other politically-powerful people in support of the reelection of Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise. For the first time in nearly a decade, Stack comes across as a team player rather than a maverick. Who knows, he might even get to like the new role.
Stack, however, has some choices to make, in particular when it comes to the Democratic primary for state assembly. While Stack does not run for reelection as state senator this year, both of his assembly running mates from two years ago have to.
Hoboken will be a battle ground – again
If you listen to Assemblyman Carmelo Garcia, he will retain Stack’s support for reelection in June. But others with some knowledge of the situation believe Garcia will not get Stack’s support.
Garcia was recently removed as Housing Authority executive director in Hoboken – a powerful position that allowed him to generate a significant number of votes. Still personally popular, Garcia may not be strong enough to justify Stack’s keeping him on. Will Stack want to alienate Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer, Garcia’s political nemesis, over the assembly seat?
Garcia may have to change his plans and run in the November municipal elections in Hoboken for 6th Ward against Jennifer Giattino. Indeed, he would likely win back a lot of support from anti-Zimmer forces who see Giattino as anti-middle and working class.
Many anti-Zimmer people are also waiting to see if there is any truth to the rumors that Zimmer will step down.
Ravi Bhalla’s appointment as council president positions him well as the next acting mayor if Zimmer does resign. This was something of a slight to David Mello, who has yet to serve as council president when every other Zimmer-backed council member has. This is Bhalla’s second term as council president.
Tidbits to the power list
By shortening this year’s power list from 30 to 25, we may have missed a few people this year. One of these is Cahn Communications, which serves as PR company throughout Hudson County for some of the most prestigious companies including Ironstate Development, Kushner Real Estate Group, and Bijou Properties to name a few. Also missing from this list this year was Fonseca Consulting Group, which helped reshape the political fortunes of WNY Mayor Felix Roque and managed two significant political victories this year in freeholder and Board of Education elections.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.