Councilman Mike DeFusco, a candidate for Hoboken Mayor, released the following statement regarding the proposed contract between the city and Suez Water announced today by Mayor Zimmer:

"Mayor Zimmer has had nine years in office to reach this agreement and announcing it now shortly before an election to succeed her as Mayor is troubling, especially given that if approved this contact would be in effect for decades. The proposed agreement deserves serious scrutiny from both the Council and the community to ensure that it's the best possible deal for the city. It's particularly concerning that the contract would include an annual rate increase of at least 2%, which would amount to yet another hidden tax on Hoboken residents that many will struggle to afford."