North Bergen Mayor/state Senator Nick Sacco (D-32) took aim at old nemesis Gov. Chris Christie (R) last week, exclaiming “we’ve put up with six years of a nightmare” and it’s time for the Democrats to reclaim Drumthwacket.
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“So where are we? We’re 16 months from a war. And if we pick right, the governor becomes our person,” Sacco said at Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari’s fundraiser at The Venetian catering hall on Wednesday.
“Right now, we’ve put up with six years of a nightmare: every public worker has seen their pensions hurt, there was a plan to strip everyone of their pensions again and these plans are still out there … and it’s a 16-month fight to take over again so that there are no more layoffs in police.”
This is the second time Sacco has taken the gloves off to swing at Christie in the past month, being critical of the state’s stagnant aid to North Bergen after the township approve their budget.
Bergen County Democratic Committee Chairman Lou Stellato once again reiterated that Bergen, Passaic and Hudson Counties are one in the same.
“I want to welcome you all to Bergen County. It’s the place you have to be, all good things go through Bergen. But it’s one big county: Bergen, Passaic and Hudson. We have our three sheriffs here, we have our three [Democratic] chairmen here, we have many of our legislators here.”
John Currie, both the New Jersey and Passaic County Democratic Committee Chairman, said it’s long overdue for North Jersey to come together and have a say in what happens in Trenton.
“Any place you’ll find Speaker Prieto, Chairman Prieto, you’re gonna find Currie and Stellato – and vice-versa. I’ll tell you folks, if you stick with us, we’re gonna make sure this is a state, this is one state, that makes sure North Jersey gets its due.”
Additionally, Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-32), also the Hudson County Democratic Committee Chairman, was also boastful of the tri-county alliance.
“Lou Stellato and John Currie are true leaders … and they lead by example. And what we have put together is a coalition for northern New Jersey to make sure we take care of our region and make sure we take care the quality of life in the State of New Jersey – in the northern part.”
While it’s far too early for gubernatorial endorsements, Sacco and Prieto have expectedly expressed their support for Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s candidacy on several ocassions.
As of this morning, former U.S. Ambassador to Germany Phil Murphy is the only declared candidate and Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (D-35), Currie’s goddaughter, could gum up the works in the north if she decides to throw her hat in the ring as well.
State Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) is all but guaranteed to the candidate that emerges from the south.
An email to Christie’s press office was not returned this morning.