Longtime North Bergen activist Larry Wainstein has announced his bid for the Democratic Assembly nomination in the June Primary on State Senator Brian Stack’s ticket. Wainstein is joined by incumbent Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez of West New York.
Wainstein, a long time opponent of North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco, who has lost several mayoral attempts in the township, replaces incumbent Assemblyman Julio Marenco on the Stack ticket. Marenco is a former North Bergen Commissioner who is supported by Mayor Sacco.
The announcement of Wainstein’s bid for the 33rd District Assembly seat has the support of many of Hudson’s elected leaders, including West New York Mayor Albio Sires, Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, Hudson County Commissioner Fanny Cedeno of Union City, Hudson County Commissioner Caridad Rodriguez of West New York, as well as numerous other elected officials and community leaders.
In a press release, the 33rd Legislative District Team pledged “to continue the longstanding partnership shared among leaders at the local, county, and state levels of government. Assemblyman Rodriguez and Larry Wainstein will work to help make the 33rd Legislative District more affordable by fighting to lower property taxes and to lower the costs of childcare and utility bills. In addition, they will protect parks and open space, increase resources for first responders, and continue to improve and expand after school and recreation facilities and programs. This team will be accessible, inclusive, and always put people first.”
Assemblyman Rodriguez stated, “To serve one’s community is an honor and a privilege—one that I hold with the utmost responsibility. As a voice for my community, where I was born and raised, in Trenton I remain committed to working alongside local and government leaders at every level to make the 33rd Legislative District a better place to live, work, grow, and raise a family.”
Candidate Wainstein added, “My parents moved to the 33rd District from South America to build a better life for our family. It is an honor to run alongside Gabriel Rodriguez to continue the progress that he and my mentor Senator Brian Stack work so hard to create for our community. We will work hard for all the people. No problem is ever too big or too small.”
Senator Stack expressed his complete support for Rodriguez and Wainstein, saying “As State Senator, I receive thousands of calls from residents who are in need of all different kinds of assistance. It is important to have partners in the State Assembly who will work with local and county leaders to put people first. This team will work hand-in-hand to deliver for the 33rd District. A vote for Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez and Larry Wainstein is a vote for Brain Stack.”
Assemblyman Marenco, not unexpectedly, had some harsh words for the selection of Wainstein to the Stack ticket. According to New Jersey Globe, Marenco was quoted as saying Waistein is “a conman and a proven liar who has been completely rejected by the voters every single time he tried to take over North Bergen, and the same thing is going to happen in June. We can’t wait for Democrats in Union City, West New York, Guttenberg and Secaucus to learn about Lying Larry’s $2 million mansion in Franklin Lakes, the fake house he claims to live in that he bought for $1, his support for Chris Christie and his close association with numerous convicted felons and shady characters, among other highlights. Lying Larry has already been attacking me for months with blatant lies, but the voters will remember that nothing Wainstein says can be trusted.”
Wainstein’s selection to the Stack ticket has certainly heightened the longstanding fued among Stack and Sacco, a former State Senator.
Assemblyman Marenco will seek to retain his Assembly seat in the 33rd during the June Democratic Primary. As of this writing, his running mate has not been revealed.
Meanwhile, Albio Sires remarked, “As a former Congressmen, Speaker of the General Assembly and current Mayor of West New York, I have had the privilege of working alongside many dedicated public servants. Gabriel Rodriguez is one I am proud to endorse for re-election as Assemblyman of the 33rd Legislative District. I am also proud to endorse/support Larry Wainstein for Assembly. Gabriel and Larry are the team we can trust to fight for our district to bring back valuable State resources for our community/communities. Whether it’s supporting local business owners, fighting for better schools and recreation programs, or working towards a more affordable cost of living for working families, Larry and Gabriel have shown a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for all those in our legislative district.”
Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner added, “I have seen firsthand Gabriel Rodriguez’s ability to collaborate, lead with integrity, and deliver results. His experience in local government/advocacy/community work has been proven during his time as Mayor of West New York and first term as Assemblyman. He effectively and uniquely represented our district with passion serving as our voice in the Assembly. I am eager to support his re-election and welcome Larry Wainstein to the ticket. Larry Wainstein understands the challenges our community faces and has the vision and leadership to ensure we thrive in the years ahead. I encourage you to join me in supporting Gabriel and Larry for Assembly this coming June. Together, we can make a difference and ensure we get results that benefit everyone.”
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, who is the Chairman of the Hudson County Democratic Organization, stated, “The 33rd Legislative district has been a real champion of leadership in Hudson County, through the work and leadership of Senator Brian Stack. I am excited to join him in endorsing Gabriel Rodriguez and Larry Wainstein as the two candidates for Assembly. Both have proven and shown that the great leadership we are used to in North Hudson will only get better. I fully endorse Gabriel and Larry and ask you to join me in ensuring a victory this June.”