In a story released late afternoon, Observer.com claims Councilman Mike DeFusco will be a candidate for mayor this fall going up against Mayor Dawn Zimmer.

Councilman Mike DeFusco will see union backing and run for mayor this fall according to an Observer.com story. DeFusco did not offer comment on the story.

The article claims the first term councilman has the backing of councilman Michael Russo and former councilman Tim Occhipinti.

In a phone interview just earlier, Tim Occhipinti said the article was in error and “Dawn Zimmer’s got my vote.” He praised her efforts running the city and the progress seen on infrastructure.

As for Councilman Mike DeFusco who he’s known back to his time on the council and DeFusco’s work on the zoning board as a commissioner, Occhipinti said he had not spoken to him about joining any potential ticket this November. “I’ve not had any conversation with Mike about running.” Read More...

The following report comes courtesy of John Heinis at the Hudson County View:

Despite hosting competing fundraisers last night, Hoboken Councilmen Mike DeFusco and Ravi Bhalla say all is well on the city council as a pivotal November mayoral election looms.

For the complete story, please see the Hudson County View:
http://hudsoncountyview.com/mile-square-showdown-hoboken-councilmen-say-all-is-well-despite-dueling-events/

conquered?

Not yet. That’s the consensus of the barn burning fundraiser for First Ward first year councilman Mike Defusco at Cadillac Cantina last night.

Uptown a competing group of Reform stalwarts appeared for Councilman at-large Ravi Bhalla with his special guest Mayor Dawn Zimmer.

The mayor was seen by this horse at both events. Which one do you think she spent more time?

The entertainment value last night was stellar for too many reasons to list but the buzz was definitely on the side of the downtown event in a packed room full of Old Guard honchos and an assortment of downtown residents, seniors, political operatives and elected officials. Read More...

The following report comes courtesy of John Heinis at the Hudson County View:

After the recent murder of 18-year-old Adrian Rivera, Hoboken officials hosted a public meeting at a housing authority building to discuss ongoing drug and gun issues.

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez revealed to the 100 or so residents on hand that the murder of 18-year-old Adrian Rivera was not a random act of violence, with over three pounds of marijuana and over $13,000 cash found in his Marshall Drive apartment. Read More...

A tale of two candidacies, one definite and one less clear mark the week after Ground Hog Day.

On one side, incumbent Councilman Ravi Bhalla is seeking to get the gears going for a third term on Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s at-large council ticket this November. She’ll be his special guest Tuesday night as they begin the long road to November.

On the same evening, Councilman Michael DeFusco celebrates a year as the First Ward Councilman with a fundraiser of his own to no small amount of speculation. Originally billed with special guest Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and a big announcement, the glue came apart when the neighboring mayor suddenly withdrew when the event became news raising more than a few eyebrows. Read More...

For some time, people have suggested there be a time put aside for the public to support the work here on behalf of the Mile Square City. So we’ll give it a shot. There’s a donate button below.

MSV now into its eighth year focuses on bringing illumination and accountability in the public square to those who hold office and impact its citizenry. The joke Hoboken politics is a contact sport; it’s not a joke. MSV legal bills are available to those who wish to see the frivolous damages well into six figures. The cost however, in life, liberty and blood spilt on the ground of the Mile Square City is not recoverable. That’s the price of doing business when you don’t come hat in hand seeking favors or trade for personal enrichment. The tide in Hoboken through the leadership of some honest, solid officials, elected and appointed has turned. Completely. It’s taken years and hard knocks for many along the way. Read More...

State Senator and Union City Mayor Brian Stack defiantly attacked President Trump on immigration inviting additional illegal immigrant families to his “sanctuary city” in a speech in his hometown Friday.

Hudson County View filed this report quoting the Union City mayor who protested the US temporary visa ban on hold in litigation since Friday from seven terrorist haven Middle East nation-states saying:

He concluded by not only declaring Union City a sanctuary city, but even inviting the family members of illegal immigrants to come live in the urban North Hudson municipality.

“Union City, we’ve declared this many, many years ago, is a sanctuary city, but if you have family members looking for a place to go, bring them to Union City,” Stack proclaimed.

For the complete story, see the Hudson County View.

Talking Ed Note: At least five of the seven countries identified in President Trump’s Executive Order are well-known jihadist centers of operation without a cohesive central government. A week earlier, Yemen currently engaged in a deadly civil war saw a US Special Forces operation strike an Al Qaeda base. Read More...