Abortion an issue in freeholder campaign?

If he had his way, Independent candidate Michael Alonso would like the federal issue of abortion rights to play a part in the very local race for Bayonne county freeholder. He first proposed the notion in a Bayonne Community News letter to the editor. Other letter writers who do not support a woman’s right to choose have also weighed in.
Alonso is seeking the District One seat, which encompasses all of Bayonne as well as a portion of Jersey City. Freeholder Doreen DiDomenico is retiring from the post when her term expires Dec. 31.
“It’s extremely important,” Alonso said. “The county has a say in the funding of taxpayer-funded abortion through Medicare and welfare. [County Freeholders] are the ones that control the spending and relinquishing of the funds.”
According to Alonso the issue could affect the election’s outcome.
“Bayonne is extremely pro-life. There’s an extreme amount of Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical [people],” he contended. “A lot of the people are god-fearing and god-believing. I think people tolerate it; I don’t think they accept it.”
Alonso argues that these voters would support him in the Nov. 4 election because local politicians have ignored them in the past.
Alonso’s opponent, Democrat Kenneth Kopacz, said that nowhere has he made it an issue in the campaign.
“I want to make it perfectly clear that I’ve never made a statement on abortion, nor will you find it anywhere in my platform,” Kopacz said last week. “The focus of my campaign is dealing with county issues, such as public safety, economic development, and improving housing and senior services.”
Kopacz said the issue did not come up with a single voter as he campaigned for the Democratic primary in the spring, or in the general election campaign over the summer and fall.
“In Ward A, not one person has made comments on it, or asked about, or showed an interest or concern about the issue,” he said.
Alonso said he believes politicians’ stance on the issue speaks to their “conscience.” He also said that it’s an issue that touches on taxes and the county budget. If he becomes freeholder, Alonso said he would work to do away with taxpayer-funded abortions.
But Freeholder William O’Dea said that county government holds no sway on the topic of abortion.
“The county freeholders have absolutely nothing to do with that issue,” O’Dea said. “There are two levels that do; at the state assembly and senate and at the federal level in Congress.”
“Those are the only two that have any voting jurisdiction on the issue of abortion,” O’Dea continued. O’Dea said that since there is no independent county funding for abortion, no changes could be made in Hudson County on the policy. He further stated that the county has no authority to determine how money is spent on that procedure, since it is done at the federal level. All the county does is determine which individuals are eligible for social service programs, because the funds pass through the county.
“I think for Mr. Alonso, it would make sense for him to run for the assembly next year,” O’Dea said. “Run for an office and get elected to a position which you would best have a platform to try to make a change related to that issue.”
Kopacz believes that letters from Alonso and others on the topic are misguided.
“He has written a number of negative letters to the media,” he said. “His letters don’t speak to my views. I’ve never made a statement regarding abortion.”
Kopacz said he would maintain his upbeat politicking during the election.
“I’d like to emphasize that I pride myself on running a positive campaign,” he said. “It’s the respectable thing to do and what the residents of District One deserve.”
Alonso said he is courting the support of statewide groups on the abortion issue, though he wouldn’t say which ones.
“We’re still in the process with everybody,” he said. “Information will soon be forthcoming.”
Countered O’Dea, “In no way, shape, or form would that position be impacted by someone holding office at the county level, at freeholder.”
E-mail joepass@hudsonreporter.com.