Former Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith is seriously considering another run for office, telling Hudson County View “this is something I feel I want to do and if my family’s on board, I’m gonna go ahead.”
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I’ve been hearing a lot of broad support from people in the community. This holiday weekend is giving me an opportunity to sit with everybody to see what their temperature is and make a decision from there,” Smith told Hudson County View.
Smith bested Jimmy Davis in the 2014 general election for mayor, but since he did not get 50 percent plus one, the contest went to a runoff where Davis came out victorious by 406 votes.
Also a former Hudson County Democratic Organization chairman, Smith said that he considers elections “a family affair” since he would never want to put his loved ones in a compromised position.
After sitting down with dozens of family members between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, Smith said he will make a firm commitment about what he’s doing in the May 2018 mayoral race in the Peninsula City..
“Right after the first of the year we’ll know. This is about what’s best for my family and what’s best for the community of Bayonne,” Smith explained.
A potential Smith candidacy may be a bit puzzling for some, given that former Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell, who was recommended for the legislative post by Smith, is already challenging Davis.
Smith stated that this is nothing personal and he still considers O’Donnell a good friend, but he may have to do what makes sense for him at the end of the day.
“Jason and I were good friends, are good friends and will continue to be good friends. This is something I feel I want to do and if my family’s on board, I’m gonna go ahead,” he said.
O’Donnell said that ahead of the end-of-year holiday season, he’s not overly concerned with whose running for mayor in May.
“I don’t know who is running and not running other than myself. We’ll see in the coming months whose interested in running. I’m gonna forget about politics this weekend and spend politics with my family so wishing everyone happy holidays and a Happy New Year,” O’Donnell said.
