Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner and Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise were just a few Hudson County Democratic Organization mainstays that attended Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s re-election fundraiser for 2017.
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“Tonight was fantastic. We love it that there were a lot of people coming out, you know, that’s really have we’ve made positive change in Hoboken, it’s because of people getting involved and supporting us,” Zimmer told Hudson County View outside of the Pilsener Haus & Biergarten at 1422 Grand St.
” … We’re trying to bring everyone together and let everyone know that I’m running again and excited to keep moving this city forward. I’ve done a lot and I want to keep going, get a lot of things done for Hoboken.”
Speculation earlier this year had Zimmer bowing out of the November 2017 mayoral race, likely for one of her seven allies on the city council.
However, in March, she revealed on Paul Brubaker’s “The Backgrounder” podcast she would indeed be seeking a third term in office.
When asked last night what compelled her to run again, the mayor said there are a number of projects that need to be seen through, particularly Rebuild by Design.
“There’s a lot of projects I want to get done. I’m really concerned about protecting our city from flooding, so I want to make sure the Rebuild by Design process gets completed. I think it’s the future of our city and I love this city and I want to make sure its protected for the long term.”
The $230 million flood protection project is down to the final three potential designs, with a concept likely to be selected by the state early next year and construction probably not going to get underway until 2022.
As far as who Zimmer will square off with in 2017, she’s not concerned about who puts their name on the ballot, whether that includes Freeholder Anthony Romano (D-5) and/or 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos – who Zimmer defeated in 2013.
“It will be what it will be and I know, I’m confident in what I’ve accomplished for the people of Hoboken. I’ve taken this city from major challenges, which Councilman Ramos was actually a part of creating, and I’m really moving our city forward and I’m very confident in what I’ve achieved.”
Ramos, also a former state Assemblyman, returned to city government this past November when he handily defeated incumbent Tim Occhipinti and the Zimmer-endorsed Dana Wefer – the chair of the Hoboken Housing Authority.
Occhipinti, an old nemesis of Zimmer, was one of many co-sponsors for the event, prompting speculation earlier this week that he may be angling for a return to elected office.
Zimmer said if that is the case, he is yet to say anything to her about it.
“No, he hasn’t. I think he’s enjoying a post-council role, I mean he’s someone whose really committed to the city and committing to keeping moving forward, he’s stayed very active and I really appreciate his support.”
Among the crowd of over 100 was also Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari, Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro (both D-33), Council members Mike DeFusco, Tiffanie Fisher, Peter Cunningham, Ravi Bhalla, Jen Giattino, former state Senate Majority Leader Bernie Kenny, and many more.
Fulop arrived early with his Chief of Staff Mark Albiez and gave a few brief remarks touting Zimmer’s accomplishments before Zimmer thanked all of her guests for their continued support.
