Count Wiley names Hector Hernandez as latest commissioner candidate

West New York Commissioner Count Wiley, who expressed an interest to run for mayor next year all the way back in June 2012, has officially announced the latest member of his ticket: 37-year town resident Hector Hernandez. 

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

Hernandez, a strong supporter of Wiley since November of last year, is a father of five who has coached the Pop Warner Football and Little League baseball programs in West New York for over 25 years.

Also a housing authority employee for over 18 years, Hernandez succinctly told Hudson County View it was an honor to run with Wiley.

“It’s an honor to have been chosen to run with an individual that has the same drive and desire to make a change in our community as I do,” he said.

Hernandez also joins Pastor Ralph Sanchez, Jr. on the ticket, who preaches at the House of Ministries – located near the intersection of 59th St. and Buchanan Pl.

Wiley voiced his satisfaction with his current running makes in a prepared statement sent to Hudson County View.

“I’m very excited,” exclaimed Wiley.  “Pastor Ralph Sanchez Jr. and Hector Hernandez are both great people.  As Commissioners they both are going to do good things for West New York.”

Hernandez will be introduced as the latest member of the “Future of West New York Team” at Wiley’s mayoral kickoff fundraiser this evening, which takes place at North Bergen’s Waterside Restaurant at 7 p.m.

Wiley, the current WNY Commissioner of Parks & Public Property, has been Mayor Felix Roque’s most consistent antagonist in recent years, though the 2015 election will be at least a three-horse race – as retired police detective Carlos “Chucky” Betancourt will also vie for the mayor’s seat in May.