Official release:
We are appalled by the flyer that was distributed last night regarding Ravi Bhalla. The accusation of terrorism is not something that should be taken lightly; it is offensive to all of us. Those who assume a Sikh, a Muslim or a middle eastern person equates to terrorism are acting in a fearful and racist manner. Racism has no place in Hoboken and we must stand together against this.
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Council President Jen Giattino’s response to the racially charged campaign flyer that was circulated throughout Hoboken yesterday.
“Last night a campaign flyer was left on windshields of cars throughout Hoboken. It contained an accusation against one of the mayoral candidates that was racially charged and just wrong. This reprehensible act is completely unacceptable. There is no room for this kind of hateful and cowardly act in our election. We may differ in many of our views in this election, but I know that we all agree that this type of tactic has no place in our society.”
Official release – per Mike DeFusco’s campaign page.
A disgusting, racist flier was found on car windshields tonight that altered one of my campaign’s mailers and added a racial epithet aimed at Ravi Bhalla. I condemn this piece of racist garbage in the strongest possible terms. Hoboken is far better than this and whoever made this flier is not only insulting one of my opponents in a despicable way, they are also painting me as a racist, which as the only openly gay elected official in Hudson County and a progressive Democrat simply could not be further from the truth. I called Councilman Bhalla tonight to assure him that although we disagree on many issues, we can stand united against this kind of racism infecting our city. I’ve also submitted a copy of this flier to the Hoboken Police Department and will be sending it to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office to demand an investigation to determine who is intentionally misrepresenting my campaign. This injustice will not stand and we will do everything possible to get to the bottom of it. Political stunts like this are everything that’s wrong with politics today and I’m horrified to see this happening in Hoboken.Update: Mike DeFusco spoke out in a video earlier today:
Official release:
Last night a flyer with the word “terrorist” above a picture of me appeared on car windshields in Hoboken.
Of course, this is troubling, but I want to be clear: We won’t let hate win in Hoboken. I want people to know that Hoboken is a welcoming community where my wife and I are proud to raise our two young children. No matter your religion, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, you are welcome here in our City. And as Mayor, I will work hard to make sure we keep it that way.
A video truck showing the Anthony “Stick” Romano commercial seen earlier on MSV is patrolling the streets of Hoboken. A large multi-panel truck was spotted with the clear depiction of the commercial running heading south on Hudson Street.
According to reliable sources, the Romano commercial is direct retaliation against the Bhalla campaign. In the past week, a commercial by a union backed PAC, Stronger Together urges voters to support Ravi Bhalla with ads running on Fox News and other cable stations. The PAC commercials show money flowing around a photo of Romano.
Dramatic footage today showed a despondent candidate in the Hudson River. Fortunately, some good samaritans were nearby to save the candidate if not the campaign.
MSV hears there’s reasons for such rash action. It’s going to land in Hoboken today on the Bhalla campaign.
Chilling Moments On The Hudson River This Morning As @ridetheferry Rescue A Man Drowning #nyc #ferry #hudsonriver @CNN @ABC7NY @NBCNewYork pic.twitter.com/QLUllUuXJv— Jonathan Otto (@OttoJon) November 3, 2017
Talking Ed Note: This event actually took place today. The political comparison of a sinking Bhalla campaign is merely analogous with the candidate sinking and is political satire.
The PAC Stronger Foundations Inc., a transportation union connected entity spending untold tens of thousands backing Councilman Ravi Bhalla hit Hoboken mailboxes: its latest target – Mike DeFusco.
After days of TV ads on the Fox News Channel and the Sean Hannity program urging Hoboken residents to vote for Ravi Bhalla, this mailer is hitting mailboxes across town.
=&0=&: Notice the disclaimer information officially adhering to NJ law not to coordinate with another candidate or campaign? This means they are meeting the letter of the law if not the spirit. This Horse would not want to mislead you into thinking your eyes are seeing things. Wouldn’t want to suggest any dots being connected or quid pro quo and see the PAC candidate’s family member announce on Facebook how MSV is going to be sued for pointing out what you already put together for yourself. Oh and Florio Perrucci who will see a “quick” victory in another lawsuit too. Wait, what was that again? What we all should be celebrating here is the spirit of Festivus. =&1=&Official release:
Angelo Valente, who is running as an independent for one of three open council-at large seats on November 7th, released the latest in a series of video message outlining his specific plans focusing on Quality of Life issues that impact all Hoboken residents.
Valente who was the co-chair of Hoboken’s 150 Anniversary in 2005 said “It’s time the city council start working together to enhance and protect the quality of life for every Hoboken resident.”
Official release:
Why Vote 5-6-7!
- We have a combined 50 years of leadership experience in finance, accounting and internal auditing.
- Our children all attend the Hoboken Public School District, so we know first-hand about the progress, innovative programs, great teachers and administrators.
- Our mission is to raise awareness of the great things happening across the district today and we will work with the administration on further enhancing education in Hoboken.
- We believe that supporting Dr. Christine Johnson means supporting her with our words and our actions. We will work constructively with the superintendent and the business administrator to build a fiscally responsible budget that will support district students, teachers, administrators, and facilities.
- Our commitment to the district speaks for itself. Sharyn, serving on the board for the last three years, has displayed through her actions and voting record her wholehearted support for the students, teachers and administration of the district. Chetali serving as PTO officer for the last three years and Melanie’s active volunteerism in school PTO efforts and leadership over the fundraising committee for ad sales for K-12 theater program exemplify their dedication to Hoboken’s children in time and energy. They both having been regularly attending the BOE meetings for the past three years. They are eager to take their involvement to the next level.
What does it mean to be “Hoboken Proud”?