Ian Rintel says he’s “exploring a run” for Hoboken’s 6th Ward council seat again in the non-partisan November 4th special election, a race that only has two declared candidates at the moment.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
:I have lived in Hoboken since 1998—and have been running a community oriented business here since 2002. Play! Hoboken is a unique facility in Hoboken that brings people together. It is truly a public amenity with no cost to the city (privately funded),” he explained.
“This isn’t my first time running, I previously ran at-large in 2021 and for the most recent 2023 6th Ward race. I’m involved in Hoboken at every level.”
The special election is necessary after then-Council President Jen Giattino unexpectedly passed away on Election Day last year, November 5th, at 53 years old.
The remaining eight city council members opted not to appoint anyone to succeed her, both as HCV first reported.
Rintel was in a three-person race against Giattino in 2023, which the incumbent won easily, getting elected to a rarely seen fourth term. Now, the political landscape is much different.
3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo backing Ryan Cunningham in the 6th Ward, while 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher is supporting Diane Imus – who also has the support of Joe Giattino, Jen’s husband – as HCV first reported.
“This particular election comes during a substantial municipal tax increase and a potentially larger tax increase to come. Mistakes have been made and the ship needs to be righted,” Rintel added.
“I am fiscally prudent and independent-minded and I who will work with everyone to spend every budget dollar in the wisest way possible.”
He further stated that he will not accept campaign contributions over $300, encouraging small donations as low as $18, with no donations from non-Hoboken residents taken.
“Efficient spending is the only way we can keep our services without increasing our overhead. Additional revenues may be possible, but I believe growing revenue has to be done carefully because new revenue is likely to come with additional overhead (expenses),” he added.
He also stated that “parking is already too difficult,” and therefore, perimeter parking lots, spots in front of owned driveways and Manhattan-style “valet lots” need to be explored.
Furthermore, Rintel said he supports completing the green circuit for cyclists, bike lanes on Upper Willow Avenue and in front of Wallace Elementary School, and pledges to provide shuttles to nearby pools .
“I hope to address just about every issue on my website before it is time to vote. I’ll be knocking on your door, if you live in the sixth ward, to make sure I’ve covered every issue (and I’ll add it to my website). My website is www.ianforhoboken.com and I plan to have updates and new information there almost daily,” he concluded.
“My campaign is rooted in localism and accountability. As an amenity/service based business owner I’m able to get very difficult things done at reasonable cost. I’m unencumbered by partisan or political machine influence or loyalty to other elected officials over loyalty to you. Please reach out to me at 201-479-2882 (text, call, voicemail) as I’d like to sit down and discuss what is important to you.”