The Hudson County Democratic Organization is sticking with eight of the nine incumbents on the ballot for the June 4th primary election, with the only exception being Freeholder Tilo Rivas (D-6) getting the nod to replace retiring Surrogate Joe Ryglicki.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“As we continue to see our country divided by hate and intolerance coming from the White House, now more than ever it is critical that we as a Democratic Party work together to rebuild a stronger nation,” HCDO Chair Amy DeGise said in a statement.
“This is why it is crucial for us to have dedicated public servants representing us not just in Washington, but right here in Hudson County and down in Trenton. By working together with this diverse and experienced slate of candidates, I am certain that we will continue to fight for our values as Democrats and Hudson County residents.”
Assembly members Nick Chiaravalloti, Angela McKnight, Angelica Jimenez, Pedro Mejia, Raj Mukherji and Annette Chaparro, along with Sheriff Frank Schillari and County Executive Tom DeGise – Amy’s father – will all be running on the Democratic party line.
Joining them will be Rivas, who has been a freeholder since 2004 and served as Union City commissioner from 2001 through 2018. He is a close ally of state Senator (D-33)/Union City Mayor Brian Stack.
Ryglicki, who is affiliated with state Senator (D-32)/North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco’s organization, will be retiring after just one term (he was elected in 2014).
“Joe Ryglicki has been an outstanding public servant for many years, not only as surrogate but as an attorney who has helped government agencies effectively deliver services to residents,” added Sacco.
“I want to thank Joe Ryglicki for his service to the people of Hudson County and wish him well going forward.”
Additionally, almost all 12 Hudson County mayors joined Amy DeGise in making the nine endorsements, with only West New York Mayor Felix Roque not backing the establishment picks.
The new Surrogate candidate, Tilo Rivas, is not a lawyer.
County Surrogates are also Superior Court judges.
Is this the best Hudson County Democrats can do?
Poor Ravi….