As a grudge match with outgoing Assemblyman Carmelo Garcia (D-33) looms, Hoboken Ward 6 Councilwoman Jen Giattino formally kicked off her re-election campaign on Thursday night.
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Held inside the Bloomfield Street home of Ruth Tyroler, the Hoboken Board of Education president, Noam Laden, a friend and supporter of Giattino who is a journalist in New York City, pointed to the councilwoman’s efforts during Hurricane Sandy as one of her biggest accomplishments.
He also was not impressed with the track record of Garcia (D-33), whom he referred to right off the bat as a “dope†and a “cheat.â€
Giattino, who was first elected to the council in May 2011, admitted (without mentioning their names) that Garcia would likely be a tougher challenge than Angelo “Nino†Giacchi, adding that there are a number of long term projects in the 6th Ward she’d like to see through.
Garcia brushed off Laden’s criticisms, also mocking Giattino’s choice of venue.
“Congratulations to Mrs. Giattino on her kick-off announcement, even if it was behind closed doors and devoted more energy on attempting to bash me rather than explaining her support for higher taxes and her lack of accessibility to the 6th Ward,” he told Hudson County View in an email.
“My kick-off was open for all to attend, including some of Jen’s former supporters who showed up, and the response I have been receiving has been overwhelmingly positive. A majority of the 6th Warders that I have spoken to thus far haven’t seen or heard from their Councilperson for the past four years.”
Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer, District 33 Democratic Assembly nominee Annette Chaparro, Committeeman Phil Cohen and Board of Education Trustee Tom Kleupfel were a few of the officials who made an appearance.