With the June 6 Democratic primary on the horizon, the Hudson County Democratic Organization again pledged their support to gubernatorial frontrunner Phil Murphy.
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“I’m hoping to see everybody out on the campaign trial, we’re going to be out campaigning and working hard. And we have to remember: take everybody you know if they don’t have a ride, take them to the polls,” said state Senator Sandra Cunningham (D-31).
“Encourage everyone to come out and vote. This is a different election, it’s a big election, it’s going to change the direction of our state. We all need to have a part in that.”
Cunningham joined dozens of HCDO mainstays, and an overall crowd of about 250, at the Liberty House Restaurant last night for the local Democratic party’s annual gala.
While the HCDO endorsed Murphy back in October, last night’s remarks mostly served as a reminder not to take next month’s election for granted.
The next state Senator to take the podium was Nick Sacco, also the North Bergen mayor, whose relationship with Murphy dates back to at least May 2015.
“The election’s coming, things are changing the wind is in the air. We’ve been through hell for the last almost eight years and now we have our chance to move forward with Phil Murphy,” Sacco said.
“It’s about time that someone recognized what Hudson County can do, he know what we will do on Election Day and I’m here on the ticket with Sandra, Brian [Stack] and our entire team and delegation to see when we win really big in Hudson County.”
Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-32), also the HCDO chair, echoed Sacco’s remarks about how Murphy would be a welcome change from Gov. Chris Christie (R) in Trenton.
“Hudson County is where everything starts. Hudson County is the greatest plurality in the State of New Jersey. As we say we’re a blue state, Hudson County’s navy blue,” said Prieto, who reminded the audience that freeholders, the county clerk and the members of the Legislature are on the June 6 ballot.
” … For the last four years, I’ve had to deal with Chris Christie and his failed policies and [in] the four years before that, we have not been able to do the good things that the state of New Jersey needs,” said Prieto, who referenced the continuing debate on the school funding formula as an example.
Prieto and state Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) are at odds on the issue, with Prieto offering a $125 million proposal for underfunded districts, while Sweeney’s plan calls for a four-person panel to propose changes to lawmakers and budget an additional $500 million in funding over five years.
The incredibly long list of dignitaries in attendance included U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-8), Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, County Sheriff Frank Schillari, Assemblyman Nick Chiaravalloti, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight (both D-31), Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez (D-32), Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro (both LD-33), Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Kearny Mayor Al Santos, Bayonne Council members Sharon Nadrowski, Juan Perez and Sal Gullace, Guttenberg Councilman Wayne Zitt, Jersey City council members Rolando Lavarro and Jermaine Robinson, Hoboken 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, West New York Commissioner Cosmo Cirillo, Freeholders Kenny Kopacz (D-1), Bill O’Dea (D-2), Gerard Balmir (D-3), E. Junior Maldonado (D-4), Anthony Romano (D-5), Caridad Rodriguez (D-7), Anthony Vainieri (D-8) and Al Cifelli (D-9), former West New York Mayor Sal Vega, among many, many others.
