Seven Hudson County mayors are endorsing Sheriff Frank Schillari for re-election ahead of what is expected to be chaotic June 10th Democratic primary.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Schillari, who announced he was seeking a sixth term in May and who already has the backing of the Hudson County Building Trades Council, both as HCV first reported, now also has the majority of the local mayors on his side.
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, East Newark Mayor Dina Grilo, Harrison Mayor James Fife, North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco, Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli, and Guttenberg Mayor Wayne Zitt expressed their support in a joint statement.
“As Mayors representing the majority of Hudson County residents, we are proud to endorse Sheriff Frank Schillari in the June Democratic Primary election. Sheriff Schillari is a dedicated, proven public servant and a strong leader who has undoubtedly made Hudson County safer during his time in office,” they said.
“Frank is also a compassionate, forward-thinking law enforcement professional who believes in respecting everyone’s rights and freedoms, building productive relationships between police and the community, and treating everyone with professionalism and dignity. We look forward to engaging with Democratic voters to support Sheriff Schillari in this election so he can continue working to make Hudson County safer for everyone.”
Those absent from the endorsement include Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis, a retired Peninsula City police captain who is widely expected to challenge Schillari.
In that event, he would have the backing of coalition led by state Senator (D-33)/Union City Mayor Brian Stack and Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, who is also the chair of the county Democrats.
“As Sheriff I have made it my mission to serve the leaders and the residents of all twelve Hudson County municipalities, so it’s gratifying to have the support of the majority of the county’s local leaders,” Schillari said of the endorsements.
“I’ve dedicated my life to public service from my time in the U.S. Navy, to serving as a police officer to being elected as Hudson County Sheriff, and I’m excited to continue working hard to make our county a safer place for all residents.”
Back in June, Fulop announced Schillari and Zitt as running mates as part of his gubernatorial run, so the endorsements from him and Zitt are not surprising.