While he no longer has to endure another grudge match in the 3rd Ward, Hoboken Councilman Michael Russo hosted a campaign kickoff where he called for a clean sweep in both the city council and board of education races.Â
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Hosted at his campaign headquarters at 505 Madison St., Hoboken Freeholder Anthony Romano (D-5), 1st Ward Councilwoman Theresa Castellano (Russo’s cousin) and Board of Education candidate Alanna Kauffmann all addressed the crowd on hand before Russo took the floor.
Russo was originally set to face off with Frank Raia in the 3rd Ward Council race, but as Hudson County View first reported last week, Raia is a seeking his removal from the ballot, citing health concerns.
The councilman called for a clean sweep on both the city council and the board of education, saying it’s time to “change it back to the Hoboken we all know, the Hoboken that we love and the Hoboken that will be one of the premiere cities in the entire country.”
Outside the former West Five Supper Club, Russo reiterated that it’s time for change here in Hoboken, also speaking about promises he’s fulfilled in his 12 years on the council, as well as what he hopes to accomplish in the future.
When asked to respond to a published report that said he played a role in getting Raia to drop out of the race, Russo said it was more misinformation being spread by the Mayor Dawn Zimmer administration.
Even before Raia had second thoughts about seeking office, Zimmer had not formally endorsed a candidate in the 3rd Ward.
Assemblyman Carmelo Garcia (D-33), now seeking the Ward 6 council seat, former Mayor Anthony Russo, ex-Jersey City Councilman Phil Kenny and Hoboken Housing Authority Commissioner Robert Davis were also in attendance at the event.