The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) endorsed Tom DeGise for Hudson County Executive this afternoon, as he continues to gain a full head of steam for the June 2015 Democratic primary – despite still not having a challenger for the election.Â
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The 25,000-member union cited DeGise’s ability to stimulate the Hudson County economy, which created jobs with fair wages for the middle class, as the main reason for the endorsement.
“Tom DeGise brought integrity and trust to the office of county executive when it was deeply needed,” said LIUNA Vice President and Eastern Regional Manager Raymond M. Pocino in a prepared statement.Â
“He brought new ideas and effective leadership to help reform and improve government service in Hudson County, and he helped foster an environment that attracted businesses and created jobs.”
Pocino also stated that DeGise has done an exemplary job as Chairman of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, which also went into consideration before making the endorsement.
Additionally, DeGise has received endorsements from 10 of the 12 Hudson County mayors, with Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer being the only top city officials to stay out of the race for the time being.
In a prepared statement, DeGise thanked LIUNA for their support in his re-election bid.
“This endorsement from one of the most politically influential groups in New Jersey adds to the momentum our campaign has received along with the support of ten of our Hudson County mayors and many other local leaders,” DeGise said.
“I would like to thank the Laborers Union once again for their support and I pledge to work hard with them to keep fighting for working families in Hudson County.”Â
District 2 Freeholder Bill O’Dea told Hudson County View in August that “it’s still early” when asked if he would challenge DeGise in the primary, but has since expressed no plans of running against him in 2015.
