Hoboken Councilman at-Large Joe Quintero, Zoning Board Chair Steve Firestone, and Caitlin Layson made their case to council at-large voters via a sit down interview yesterday, discussing affordability, development, partisan politics, and much more.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Quintero began the interview, which took place at their campaign headquarters at 1200 Washington St., my congratulating Layson on being the top vote getter on November 4th, which he called an impressive feat since she is a first time candidate.
He then said they felt good about finishing as the top three candidates three weeks ago, but acknowledged that’s in the rearview now and the non-partisan December 2nd runoff is a whole new ball game.
“We feel really good: We executed our game plan going into the general and we’re doing so again, we expected to be in this position. We are happy with the lead that we had, but again, we understand that was just the first round,” he explained.
“All that stuff’s out the window, fresh new start, so we’re encouraging people to get out there and vote.”
Quintero added that they were seeking to have an at-large debate at the public library yesterday, but settled for an interview instead since their opponents were non-committal and the event was never formalized.
His team is facing off with Liz Urtecho, who initially ran with 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, Nicole Magaña, and Pete Keeling, who are all on 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo’s slate.
All eight candidates will be on the Mile Square City ballot for the non-partisan December 2nd runoff.
When asked why they feel their the best candidates for the job, Layson said they plan to bring residents’ feedback to the table and making it a priority.”
“Initially, in a primary, it’s getting our message out, but now it’s getting that vote out. You’re seeing a lot of familiar faces, but at this point, it’s about being present, being ourselves, being seen by everyone, and that part I think makes such a difference when you see the candidates out and you can talk to them about any issues.”
On the topics of affordability and development, Firestone noted that Quintero and Jabbour have made efforts to strengthen the city’s rent control laws, trying to make sure they’re an important fixture in Hoboken.
He also said the city must build more affordable housing units for rent, noting that the Garage B project will bring forth affordable housing and workforce housing, would like to see expanded affordable housing in the growing northwest portion of the city.
“I think a lot of the development that I’ve seen as chair of the zoning board has been on a smaller scale,” Firestone began.
“It’s residents that might have a single child and they go to a two-child or three-child family and they’re looking for variance relief, they’re looking for some sort of way to build an extra bedroom in the back that allows them to stay in Hoboken, so they don’t have to stay and get a new place because that’s what causes the affordability crisis for a lot of these folks.”
Additionally, Jabbour and her campaign have teed off on Russo for taking Republican donations and endorsements while Firestone is a registered Republican.
When asked about the situation, he said he’s never had an affinity to President Donald Trump (R) or the MAGA movement.
“I would say that there’s a difference between some MAGA Trump Republicans and people that are Republicans because of their values and I fall into the latter category. I started as a fiscal conservative many years ago and that’s the main emphasis that I’ve always had,” Firestone stated.
“I want to make sure that taxes are kept low, I want to look after every single dollar that people have and that they contribute as part of revenue to the city. So those are the main things that are important with me. Do I agree with the party on social issues? Very infrequently, but I still have that fiscal conservatism and I want to make sure I contribute that as part of a solution to our budget problems.”
Jabbour sat in on the interview as well and gave closing thoughts on why she felt the trio on her slate are the best choices to move Hoboken forward over the next four years.
” … These are representative of the diverse Hoboken stories. Whether your Caitlin having been born and raised here, whether your Steve having raised his children and now living here in the later part of his life, or Joe living here as somebody who started after college, these are the Hoboken stories,” she declared.
“It’s important to me that we have a diverse ticket that represents diverse stories and understands the challenges across all of our city, not just one area. So I’m very proud to be working for this group of very thoughtful, very smart people and I know that they’re gonna win on December 2nd.”