The Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition hosted their second debate, this time for City Council candidates in the 1st, 3rd (uncontested) and 4th Wards, showcasing the bad blood between them as November 3 draws near.Â
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In one instance, when asked about the city’s budget and spending, Ward 4 Council candidate Ruben Ramos said the budget surplus would be better spent on infrastructure improvements.
Tim Occhipinti, the incumbent in Ward 4, returned heavy fire at his old foe Ramos – attacking his track record from when he was on the City Council.
However, Ramos wasn’t about to take that one lying down.
Dana Wefer, who is also challenging Ramos and Occhipinti, also went on the offensive after Occhipinti said her promise to lower taxes “on a shiny flyer†was a political tactic.
Wefer also took a strong stance that despite the criticisms, bonding is a “responsible†and “fair†thing to do since it typically grants infrastructure repairs that will last for generations.
Ward 3 Councilman Michael Russo, who is running unopposed, lobbied for initiatives such as Hoboken residents no longer having to pay for parking and was a big advocate on building more affordable housing.
Ward 1 Council candidate Mike DeFusco, who has been running a no holds barred campaign thus far, consistently went after Councilwoman Theresa Castellano’s voting record over the past two decades.
Castellano, whose no stranger to a political throw down, made sure she went out with a bang when delivering her closing remarks.