CWA District 1 is backing four Hudson County commissioner candidates, including one incumbent and a candidate in the only contested district, in the June 2nd Democratic primary.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“CWA District 1 recognizes that some of the most consequential decisions that impact working families happen at the local level. County commissioners, city councils, and mayors determine budget priorities, affect labor relations, and can have a decisive role in the funding–or defunding–of critical public services,” the group said in a statement.
“Electing labor allies in these races is essential to strengthening communities.”
The union, which has over 70,000 members in New Jersey, specifically supported Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), along with candidates Pam Johnson (D-3), Ron Bautista (D-5), and Alex Valdez (D-9).
O’Dea, Johnson, and Bautista are all running unopposed as the vast majority of Hudson County electeds leaders came to a consensus on commissioner candidates last month, announced just before the filing deadline.
However, Valdez is still in a three-way dance to succeed retiring Commissioner Al Cifelli, facing off with Kearny Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) President Mina Elkadious and Harrison 3rd Ward Councilman Larry Bennett.
Valdez has the support of the Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO), Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle, Jersey City Mayor James Solomon, and Secaucus Mayor Mike Gonnelli.
CWA District 1 also supported six candidates in the Essex County Board of Commissioners race, one for a Passaic County Board of Commissioners seat, and then two each seeking county commissioner seats in Burlington and Mercer counties, respectively.
