Bayonne 2nd Ward Councilman Sal Gullace says Mayor Jimmy Davis kicked him off his slate, informing him of the decision during a meeting yesterday.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I am disappointed. I really have to talk to my family and figure out what I’m doing. I don’t know what I’ll do right now. I’ve really loved the job I’ve been doing, I really liked helping the people,” Gullace, who ran with Davis in 2014 and 2018, said over the phone this morning.
A front page Jersey Journal story from May said that Davis would oust Gullace and Council President Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski from his team ahead of this spring’s municipal races, though Davis refuted the claim at the time.
Nadrowski announced she’d be running for mayor last month, while Gullace said as recently as Tuesday that he had no reason to believe he was off the ticket.
However, that changed yesterday, when Davis told Gullace he’d be going in a different direction, selecting Jackie Weimmer, the girlfriend of political consultant Mark Meyers, to join the slate, according to the councilman.
While Gullace suffered a severe leg injury while working for the Hudson County Incinerator Authority in July 2020, he has largely recovered, again walking without the assistance of a crutch or cane.
Nadrowski was quick to slam Davis over the latest development ahead of the May 10th elections.
“I’m not surprised by Mayor Davis’ decision to drop Sal from his team, it’s just the latest example of his dirty politics and backroom deals,” she said.
“Sal has always been there for the residents, even through his recovery from a serious injury, he still found time to respond to the needs of the people of Bayonne.”
This afternoon, Davis campaign spokesman Phil Swibinski said that while the mayor has a “great deal of respect” for Gullace, he has made the decision to field a new candidate in the 2nd Ward.
“Mayor Davis has a great deal of respect for Councilman Gullace and is thankful for his service to the City of Bayonne, but he has made a decision that it’s time for new leadership in the Second Ward and will be announcing his support for a candidate soon.”
Davis has already announced 1st Ward Councilman Neil Carroll and 3rd Ward Councilman Gary La Pelusa as his running mates, while Nadrowski has not announced any members of her ticket yet.
Former Board of Education Trustee Michael Alonso has also announced his intentions to run for mayor, claiming that both Davis and Nadrowski have failed the city during their tenures in office.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated with a comment from Mayor Jimmy Davis campaign spokesman Phil Swibinski.
