Ian Rintel says he’s “exploring a run” for Hoboken’s 6th Ward council seat again in the non-partisan November 4th special election, a race that only has two declared candidates at the moment.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
:I have lived in Hoboken since 1998—and have been running a community oriented business here since 2002. Play! Hoboken is a unique facility in Hoboken that brings people together. It is truly a public amenity with no cost to the city (privately funded),” he explained.
“This isn’t my first time running, I previously ran at-large in 2021 and for the most recent 2023 6th Ward race. I’m involved in Hoboken at every level.”
The special election is necessary after then-Council President Jen Giattino unexpectedly passed away on Election Day last year, November 5th, at 53 years old.
The remaining eight city council members opted not to appoint anyone to succeed her, both as HCV first reported.
Rintel was in a three-person race against Giattino in 2023, which the incumbent won easily, getting elected to a rarely seen fourth term. Now, the political landscape is much different.
3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo backing Ryan Cunningham in the 6th Ward, while 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher is supporting Diane Imus – who also has the support of Joe Giattino, Jen’s husband – as HCV first reported.
“This particular election comes during a substantial municipal tax increase and a potentially larger tax increase to come. Mistakes have been made and the ship needs to be righted,” Rintel added.
“I am fiscally prudent and independent-minded and I who will work with everyone to spend every budget dollar in the wisest way possible.”
He further stated that he will not accept campaign contributions over $300, encouraging small donations as low as $18, with no donations from non-Hoboken residents taken.
“Efficient spending is the only way we can keep our services without increasing our overhead. Additional revenues may be possible, but I believe growing revenue has to be done carefully because new revenue is likely to come with additional overhead (expenses),” he added.
He also stated that “parking is already too difficult,” and therefore, perimeter parking lots, spots in front of owned driveways and Manhattan-style “valet lots” need to be explored.
Furthermore, Rintel said he supports completing the green circuit for cyclists, bike lanes on Upper Willow Avenue and in front of Wallace Elementary School, and pledges to provide shuttles to nearby pools .
“I hope to address just about every issue on my website before it is time to vote. I’ll be knocking on your door, if you live in the sixth ward, to make sure I’ve covered every issue (and I’ll add it to my website). My website is www.ianforhoboken.com and I plan to have updates and new information there almost daily,” he concluded.
“My campaign is rooted in localism and accountability. As an amenity/service based business owner I’m able to get very difficult things done at reasonable cost. I’m unencumbered by partisan or political machine influence or loyalty to other elected officials over loyalty to you. Please reach out to me at 201-479-2882 (text, call, voicemail) as I’d like to sit down and discuss what is important to you.”
Its nice how Tiffany likes to speak to affordable housing and rent control as something she cares about but then chooses someone for the 6th ward that is warehousing a rent-controlled unit and then also charges over $400 a night for that rent-controlled unit on vrbo.
Apologies: I do not rent an apartment on Airbnb and most certainly am not circumventing rent control. That is allegedly my opponent and it would be best to ask her or her teammates about the practice.
Why is a Hoboken resident’s personal property any of your your business? Stay out of people’s personal lives. This isn’t Communist China.
I was referring to Diane Imus not Ian. And you are correct, this isnt communist China but as people keep stating over and over, the rules and laws must be followed.
If you want to rent out a rent-controlled unit you have to follow the laws we have on the books, that applies to everyone, even the Karens.
Who made you the Karen arbiter of anyone’s personal property in Hoboken? I didn’t vote for you. Take a hike!
Is this a real campaign? Seems like he just enjoys getting some free PR for his business every few years by, in theory, running as a candidate.
Dude has been crushed the last two times, what makes him think the third time’s a charm? Good luck.
I’m as serious a candidate as anyone. I’m not running for me, I’m running for us-
Incumbency, slates and endorsement have an unbelievable amount of power in a local non-partisan election, approaching the power of the party system in partisan elections. That does not mean victory is impossible and for this election, I believe I have as good a chance as anyone.
I intend to show the sixth ward that I am the most capable candidate for this position. Also: the limits I’ve put on who can donate to my campaign and my independence (not running with a team) ensure that I will have no conflicts of interest: so I’ll be asking all sixth ward residents for their support in what is admittedly a very difficult endeavor (it’s difficult for all candidates, not just me). The criticism that my business gains PR is silly: everyone running needs to present a resume of sorts: What have they done? Why are they suited for the position? My small local business IS my work experience and IS proof that I can do well as a councilperson.
There are numerous candidates: I think this is good for the sixth ward and good for Hoboken and I appreciate everyone who is running, even while I’m hopeful I’ll receive more votes than anyone else.
When does MAGA Cindy jump in the race?
Nobody was Crushed more than baby face Mello
That boob was tossed from Team Zimmer/Bhalla and was only picked up by Anthony Romano AFTER nobody else wanted him.
What a clown from first to worst in just 8 years. Now he wants back in just in time to pad the public pension ?