What would Hoboken politics be without a run-off election? That’s what 1st Ward residents are getting on December 5th, as preliminary numbers released by the Hudson County Clerk’s Office show Paul Presinzano holding a 72 vote lead over Mayor Ravi Bhalla-endorsed candidate Rafi Cordova. The two will now campaign for another month, hoping to convince the Ward’s residents they’re the best man to replace Michael DeFusco, who chose not to seek re-election. Leo Pellegrini was never a factor in the race, finishing third.
The run-off will happen unless something amazing happens with the provisional ballots to prevent it. Not likely.
As for the other Wards, all the incumbents were victorious.
In Ward 2, Tiffanie Fisher, easily the most outspoken critic of the Bhalla Administration, defeated Bhalla-backed candidate Marla Decker, an attorney.
Third Ward Councilman Michael Russo trounced his opponent Ed Reep, generating approximately 90-percent of the vote.
Ruben Ramos, the 4th Ward incumbent, could have taken his night off, as he ran unopposed.
The second closest race featured Bhalla-backed Councilman Phil Cohen pulling out a 57 to 43-percent margin of victory over Liz Urtecho.
Finally, Councilwoman Jen Giattino won a fourth term, defeating Mayor Bhalla’s candidate Lauren Myers, an attorney, and business owner Ian Rintel. Giattino, a former Council President, tallied approximately 60-percent of the vote.
So, the focus is now on December 5th and the 1st Ward run-off election.
