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Posted by Pepe Bonmot
on April 12, 2002 at 09:16:47:
DEGISE - HUDSON DEMS Urban Times Vol 41 Issue 85 By Steven Glazer The Hudson County Democratic Organization, led by Congressman Robert Menendez, turned out a showing of Democratic elected and appointed officials in an organizational show of support for Tom DeGise’s candidacy for Hudson County Executive. DeGise’s candidacy was one of many announced to the heavy lunchtime turnout at the plaza of the Brennan Court House. Menendez mentioned by name and office numerous elected officials present at the press conference and noted that eleven out of twelve Hudson County Mayors were in attendance. Mayor Glenn Cunningham of Jersey City was conspicuously absent as his recently-declared war of rhetoric with Menendez and support for opposing County Executive candidate Bernard Hartnett put Cunningham and Menendez squarely in opposite corners. Menendez’ remarks introducing DeGise included the statement that “we are unwilling to turn back the clock to Bossism,” as Menendez announced his own reelection bid for the Thirteenth Congressional District seat. Amongst other things, Cunningham recently denounced Menendez for Bossism in one of his recent press conferences. DeGise, who ran unsuccessfully against Mayor Cunningham in the recent mayoral contest also used the opportunity to get in a dig at his former opponent saying the he would represent all 550,000 citizens of the County and “not just one simple ego run amok,” an obvious reference to Mayor Cunningham. The most recent available Official United States Census Bureau Statistics put the population of the County at 608,975. Freeholder Nidia colon announced her candidacy for reelection to the Board of Chosen Freeholders for the Fourth District. One week earlier, Eliu Rivera announced that he would run with Bernard Hartnett on the Democratic ticket for the same Fourth District Board seat. Other Freeholders announcing reelection bids included Freeholder Barry Dugan, Freeholder Peter Brennan, Freeholder Maurice Fitzgibbons, Freeholder Bryan Stack, Freeholder Tom Liggio and Freeholder Al Cifelli. New to the race for seats on the Board of Chosen Freeholders were Jersey City Councilman Peter Brennan and former Councilwoman Melissa Holloway, both of Jersey City. Others who announced reelection bids included Congressmen Don Payne and Congressman Steve Rothman, Janet Haynes, Clerk of Hudson County, the highest elected office held by an African-America n in the county, introduced Congressman Robert Menendez, and pledged her support for Tom DeGise for County Executive. |
