Former Jersey City Ward C council candidate Tom Zuppa just missed making the December 7th runoff election and he’s decided he’ll be support Councilman Rich Boggiano’s re-election over challenger Kevin Bing.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“While I ran against him in the November 2nd Election, and we certainly have our differences, I am supporting Councilman Rich Boggiano in the December 7th runoff. Rich has devoted his life to public service and I never doubt that he genuinely cares for our community,” Zuppa said in a statement.
“With the issue of redesigning Baldwin and Summit Avenues taking a front seat in the run-off campaign, I am confident that Rich is the only one of the two candidates who is willing to listen to much-needed input from all of our residents before making a decision that will have a direct impact on the quality of life of everyone in our community.”
Zuppa finished just behind Bing on November 2nd, 1,309 votes to 1,473 votes, a difference of a little over three percent of the vote, according to the Hudson County Clerk’s Office.
Boggiano finished with slightly under 44 percent of the vote with 2,175 ballots cast in his “favor, drawing his third consecutive runoff race, which he has called “a referendum on … more bike lanes or more parking spots.”
To that end, Zuppa said he plans on working with Boggiano to develop a traffic safety plan that benefits pedestrians and cyclists, while also keeping parking spots in tact.
“Ward C is thankfully still very much a working class neighborhood with people who need their car to get to and from work, and who should not have to struggle to find parking or have a challenging commute,” he continued.
“We certainly have a lot of work to do on traffic safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and I look forward to working with Rich on a plan that reflects the needs of our entire community, makes Ward C safer, and fights for all of our residents.”
Boggiano, who ran on Mayor Steven Fulop’s on November 2nd, was of course happy to accept the endorsement.
“I would like to thank Tom Zuppa for his endorsement. Tom ran a great race, and his endorsement builds on increasing support for our campaign. Ward C residents have a clear choice to make on December 7th, and I can promise that if I am re-elected I will continue to work tirelessly for my constituents,” the councilman said.
“While Kevin Bing plans to remove parking spaces in Ward C, I believe in creating more parking and more open space, and investing in public safety. I have listened to residents and my platform reflects the issues that are most important to our community.”
Also this week, Bing secured the support of Ward E Councilman James Solomon, who is co-hosting a brunch with him tomorrow afternoon.
No surprise here. Bing’s base is almost entirely shrill yuppies that annoy everyone else. Zuppa is smart to back a winner.
Will Ward C proudly march backwards while the rest of JC moves forward? I guess Trumpanzees gotta live somewhere. Good to have them sequestered and fighting amongst themselves over parking spaces.
What job was he promised?
Exactly. Salary and benefits just before Christmas. Woo-hoo!