Just when it looked like Hoboken Third Ward Councilman Michael Russo was going to cruse to victory on November 3, old nemesis Frank Raia had other plans, submitting his petitions for nomination today.
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When speaking with Hudson County View, Russo immediately accused Raia of making a deal with Mayor Dawn Zimmer to enter the race in the eleventh hour.
Russo added that he feels that the ward has “evolved†during his tenure, voicing excitement for the redevelopment project that is in discussions for 7th and Jackson Streets.
Raia shot down the notion that he was working with Zimmer as “bullcrap,†and pointed to his decades of service within the Mile Square City as to why he’s the right candidate for the job.
Russo and Raia last went head-to-head in 2007, with Russo walking away victorious after a bitter, no holds barred campaign.
The complete filing list is as follows:
Ward 1
Theresa Castellano (incumbent)
Mike DeFusco
Ward 2
Peter Biancamano
Tiffanie Fisher
Bonnie Murray
Ward 3
Michael Russo (incumbent)
Frank Raia
Ward 4
Timothy Occhipinti (incumbent)
Dana Wefer
Ruben Ramos
Ward 5
Peter Cunningham (incumbent)
Eduardo Gonzalez
Melissa Blanco
Ward 6
Jen Giattino (incumbent)
Carmelo Garcia