Rafi Cordova, the chair of the Hoboken Rent Leveling and Stabilization Board, is announcing his run for the 1st Ward council seat with the support of Mayor Ravi Bhalla and others.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
A graduate of Yale University, raised in Puerto Rico and fluent in five languages and works professionally as a freelance film editor and private coach. He has also lived in Hoboken for over 30 years.
“As a council member, my top priority will be serving and supporting those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community and in the 1st Ward especially,” Cordova said in a statement.
“I will support strong tenant protections and affordable housing, as well as the infrastructure upgrades and recreational opportunities that we all depend on for the quality of life and quality of city services that we deserve.”
Bhalla cited Cordova’s record of volunteerism, which also includes the In Jesus’s Name Charities, an interfaith group that feeds vulnerable populations, as a reason why he’d be an effective public servant.
“As an active volunteer, Rafi Cordova has demonstrated his deep commitment to Hoboken and the people who live in our city, particularly those with difficult life challenges, over many years of service. I know he will bring that same dedication and proven effectiveness to the City Council,” the mayor said.
Former 1st Ward Councilwoman Terry Castellano endorsed Cordova and noted his long record of community service.
“Constituent Services is a huge aspect of holding a council seat. Rafi has done so much for our residents without a title that I can only imagine what he can accomplish as our First Ward Council Representative,” she said.
“Rafi has a deep understanding of Hoboken’s communal needs and a longstanding reputation for committed service. He is indefatigable especially in support of those most vulnerable within our community.”
Eileen Carvalho, a Hoboken Democratic Committee member who lives in the 1st Ward, said she is also supporting Cordova since “I know he will fight for us, helping all who need help.”
With 1st Ward Councilman Mike DeFusco, who unseated Castellano after about two decades in office in 2015, not seeking re-election, Cordova is the first candidate to challenge Paul Presinzano in the downtown race for the open seat.
He formally kicked off his campaign on Tuesday after announcing he would be running early this year.
The non-partisan Hoboken city council races are on November 7th.