Four contested Kearny Town Council races are official for the June 2nd Democratic primary, with seats up for grabs in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wards.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The “Team Kearny” slate consists of 1st Ward Councilman George Zapata, 2nd Ward Councilman Dennis Solano, 3rd Ward council candidate, and 4th Ward Councilman Stathis Theodoropoulos.
Together, they filed over 500 signatures to secure their positions on the ballot in June, according to their campaign.
“We’re running to keep delivering for our neighbors. People across Kearny see the work we’re doing and they want us to keep it up. I want to thank everyone who signed our petitions and helped get us on the ballot,” Zapata said in a statement.
He will be defending his seat against Kearny Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA) executive director assistant and board secretary, Zayda Balcazar, who is on a slate backed by Mayor Carol Jean Doyle and the executive board of the Kearny Regular Democratic Organization.
2nd Ward Councilman Dennis Solano is running against Julio Huancaya, who is backed by Doyle.
Earlier this month, Kearny 3rd Ward Councilwoman Eileen Eckel announced she’d be retiring after 22 years in elected office, endorsing Bonilla before she was unveiled as a running mate on Team Kearny with three incumbents.
Bonilla is in a head-to-head matchup against Hudson County Improvement Authority commissioner (HCIA) and Kearny Democratic Committeeman Edmund Shea, part of Doyle’s slate.
Finally, 4th Ward Councilman Stathis Theodoropoulos taking on Hudson County Undersheriff Orlando Miranda, who rounds out the mayor’s ticket.
“Every one of these signatures came with a conversation with our neighbors, where they’re telling us what’s working and what they want to see next. We’re getting a lot of positive feedback and support across Kearny,” Theodoropoulos expressed.
The primary will be a bit busy in Kearny, given that Hudson County Commissioner Al Cifelli (D-9) and three Democrats are seeking to succeed him.
Alex Valdez, who has the backing of Doyle, Jersey City Mayor James Solomon, Secaucus Mayor Mike Gonnelli, and the Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO), Kearny Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) President Mina Elkadious and Harrison 3rd Ward Councilman Larry Bennett are all on the June 2nd ballot, as HCV first reported.
Additionally, Anmol Gopalak is also seeking the seat and he is the only Republican running to serve on the Hudson County Board of Commissioners.
