Hoboken 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo said that he’d consider running for freeholder in the June primary in the event he had support of local Democrats and fellow elected officials in the Mile Square City.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“If the Hudson County Democratic Organization, along with the Hoboken Democratic Organization, the administration and my council colleagues asked me to run as a candidate to fill that seat, of course I would run,” Russo, who was re-elected in November, told HCV this morning.
Russo has been rumored to testing the waters to see if he would be a viable candidate for the 5th District freeholder seat, which includes Hoboken and the Jersey City Heights.
In response, Romano told HCV that he is fully committed to running again and hopes to have Russo’s support – as he did in 2017 when he unsuccessfully ran for mayor.
“I respect Michael, he’s been an elected official for a long time, he’s a good friend, and I’d hope we can have a meeting of the minds where he will support my re-election bid,” Romano, he announced he’d seek re-election last month, said over the phone.
“I’m running in 2020 and I’m hoping to do so with the support of the Hudson County Democratic Organization.â€
Those in attendance at his kickoff included HCDO Chair Amy DeGise, state Senator (D-32)/North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco, County Executive Tom DeGise, and Freeholder Chair Anthony Vainieri (D-8).
On Wednesday, Mayor Ravi Bhalla said after a ribbon cutting ceremony that he was not yet committed to supporting anyone in the race – which for now has incumbent Anthony Romano as the only candidate.
“I want to make sure that I collaborate, I haven’t really made a decision yet, but I’d like to make sure that it’s somebody that we all feel comfortable with, somebody who can represent Hoboken and who’s the most qualified to do so,” the mayor said.
At the time, Romano told us that he was optimistic he could continue working with Bhalla and the Hoboken City Council.
“We’d love to have the support of the mayor, the city council, because we enjoy working with them, and my fellow freeholders and the county executive, and my state senators,” he explained, noting that he’d like to see a united front with state Senator (D-33)/Union City Mayor Brian Stack and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop on board.
Stack has been rumored to be open to supporting Russo if he runs, though he could not be immediately reached for comment on Friday morning.
News correspondent Marc Bussanich contributed to this report.
Hey Ravi, looks like you have another failure on your hands.
Did it get out too quickly you and Brian Stack backed Russo for Freeholder?
The Ravi-Russo Alliance up in smoke. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
I’m going to translate Councilman Russo’s comment for those that don’t understand political speak. What he said was, “Mayor Bhalla, we have a deal. It’s time for you to make good on your end of the bargain.”
Ravi teamed up with Russo to ice Romano. Now Stick is nicely giving Ravi a chance to bow down and kiss the Freeholder ring. Way to go Stick!
Sounds like Joey “Political Operative†Muniz is trying to menace in Hoboken again.Joey stay in Guttenberg I mean West Mew York I mean North Bergen aren’t you spreading yourself to thin.
Romano needs to go… we dont need a guy who double parks in Bike Lanes by his bar for HOURS breaking laws on any ballot. Romano parking his Caddy or his FREE FreeLOADER car on Washington St illegally isjust one example of how this hack cares Zero about the public.
Also had Carmello Garcia on his staff for a while… Yep all true
Anyone by Ant’ny STICK Romano.
Romano doesn’t stand up for Hoboken. Lets the County tax us up the wazoo with very little service.
Russo simply cannot be trusted. Don’t know how 3rd ward voters keep him.
No surprise that untrustworthy Bhalla is dealing. Counting days til his term is up to vote him out but out.
Will abstain if either are on the ballot.