Who’s Financing My Opponent’s Negative Campaign?



As we enter into the 11th hour of this campaign season, my opponent just accepted nearly $20,000 in dark money from a pro-development political committee. This special interest money is coming directly from real estate giant Mack-Cali with the clear intent on buying influence and swaying our City Council election next Tuesday. 

They are using this money to fund attack ads and other nefarious campaign techniques, the same tactics we saw used in 2017 to bully and mislead voters. Please, don’t be fooled because we can’t let history repeat itself. Being independent isn’t easy, but I’ve always stood up to the political machine to do what’s right for Hoboken. I won't be bossed or bullied and that’s exactly why they are attacking me.... again.

It’s laughable that my opponent has resorted to using big developer money to spread blatant lies about me in attempt to discredit everything we have accomplished together over the past four years. Nothing comes for free and First Ward voters deserve to know exactly what kind of back door deal my opponent and the Mayor made to win this shady support.

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This election will determine the future of our city. So when you come home after a long day at the office or running errands with your family, check who is paying for the campaign literature in your mailbox.

NJ Community Initiatives and Stronger Foundations — which is funded by the Operators Union, one of the largest labor organizations in the county — are both special interests groups with an interest in bringing big development to Hoboken. Unlike all of my campaign donations that are publicly reported and accessible, my opponent is allowing these shady organizations to hide their contributions from voters. They don’t want to answer the tough questions about this dark money that is being brought into our City Council election.

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Our City needs someone who is unafraid to work across the political divide to move our city forward while also holding this administration accountable. In small City Council elections like this, every single vote counts, so I need your support on November 5 to continue what we started together.

Debating the Issues

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On October 22, First Ward residents had the opportunity to hear from both myself and my opponent about where we stand on the important issues facing Hoboken in the upcoming City Council election. At the Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition debate, I was able to share all that we have already accomplished together and put forward my vision for the next four years.

The results of this debate are clear: Hoboken needs a representative who will work across the political divide to move our city forward while also holding the administration accountable, not someone who is a rubber stamp for the political establishment. Speaking truth to power isn’t always easy, but I’m proud to have been an independent Council Representative for the First Ward over the past four years. Simply put, as a paid political aide to the Mayor, it’s unlikely my opponent will do the same and our debate responses prove that.

You can watch some of the debate highlights below.

Introductions

Hoboken Yard Redevelopment Plan

Municipal Budgeting

eScooters and Transportation

Closing Remarks

A Market at Hoboken Terminal and More....

Over the past four years, I’ve led the conversation to revitalize Hoboken Terminal as a destination for makers, creators and innovators by bringing a European-style market to our city. This summer, as Chairman of the Council's development subcommittee, I advanced a plan that would incorporate this very concept into the Hoboken Yard Redevelopment plan, which was then approved by both the Council and Planning Board.

Any ordinance requires two votes from City Council to pass, but the mayor failed to hold any community workshop leading into that second vote. Since there has been no chance for residents to offer comments on the plan, we as a legislative body chose not to vote until after a public discussion. This past Tuesday night, the City held a robust meeting attended by over 100 residents and all nine members of the City Council, but noticeably absent was Mayor Bhalla. Instead of communicating with residents face to face, the Mayor chose to again hide behind our emergency alert system to protect himself from criticism surrounding the changes he requested to the plan. All the while, I fielded dozens of questions from my neighbors on his plan, because I believe in the benefits it brings to our community.

My takeaway from Tuesday night’s meeting is this: Hoboken residents need more information about certain impacts this project will have on our city before we put it up for a final vote on the Council. Once we share the results of traffic and other feasibility studies, I am confident we will be able to advance this project -- one that encourages makers, creators innovators and small businesses to invest in Hoboken. Until then, I’m always available to answer any of your questions and share with you why I know redeveloping our terminal creates endless opportunities for Hoboken.