In the history of Hudson County politics, the 2003 election will be remembered for a newcomer who scored a massive victory over politics as usual. By waging a clean, positive campaign, Militello helped bring the issues into focus for the people of Hudson County.

“Even though this is not the outcome we wanted, our work is not done,” Militello told supporters on Tuesday night. “For years, we’ve watched as Trenton did nothing to stop our property taxes and insurance rates go higher and higher. Our kids – the future of our community – go to schools that get worse every year, and no one in Trenton seems to care. And the seniors that built this community are continually forced to choose between paying for prescription drugs and property taxes that must be reduced.

“We cannot sit idly by and wait for change,” Militello continued. “We must continue to work. I look forward to working with Senator-elect Cunningham to find solutions to the problems in our community.”

Militello’s campaign built a foundation for his future in community service, and he did not rule out a future bid for public office.

“I want to thank the people of Bayonne and Jersey City,” Militello said. “I am proud to be a native son. I walked the streets of our community throughout the campaign, meeting many of you for the first time and getting to know many of you again. I look forward to working with all of you for many more years to come.”