Mayor Brian P. Stack & his Union City First Team host a Party

Last Thursday night The Graycliff in Moonachie burst at the seams with yet another pack-to-the-hilt fundraising event my State Senator and Union City Mayor Brian P. Stack & his Union City First Team.  In attendance was Governor Phil Murphy and just about every politician aligned with Stack’s team.  Missing was County Executive Tom DeGise and a few others.  No surprise since Stack and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, also in attendance, announced a few weeks back that they will not support DeGise for re-election.

It was a love fest for Stack and his running mates Commissioners Maryury Martinetti, Lucio Fernandez, Celin Valdivia, and newcomer Wendy Grullon.  Commissioner Tilo Rivas will not be seeking another term on the Commission, but will remain as County Freeholder.

Stack spoke from the heart, at times using a tough tone, obviously sending a message to someone in particular.  The crowd, mostly listening, lapped it all up.  Obviously this is their man.

The party was festive and entertaining.  Not too much gossiping between pols, since all mostly left after the speech by Stack.

One thing is for sure... Stack has support.  Lot's and lot's of support.  And not just from the people he represents.

Can Rivas beat Sires for Congress?

The Rumor mill at work...

After over a decade of being a Union City Commissioner, Tilo Rivas called it quits, leaving some heads scratching.  But wait, he will continue serving as Hudson County Freeholder AND being part of the Stack formidable political machine.

Shortly after the Rivas announcement by Stack, hundreds of volunteers were hitting the pavement getting petitions signed for Rivas' posible run for Congress.  What does this mean?  By possibly squaring Rivas up against sitting Congressman Albio Sires, who’s on the ballot in June, the Hudson County political war is sure to intensify.

Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise and Sires are buddies, two Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO) long-time members with close ties.  Is the County Organization heading towards a civil war?

When Stack and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop announced that they would not support DeGise for re-election, many eyebrows were raised.   But when petitions for Rivas began to be circulated, many hearts must have skipped.  Sires for one must be weighing his options; Mayor Turner from Weehawken, a Sire’s protege, must be trying to sort things out; as for North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco… not going to speculate.

Can Rivas beat Sires?  One on one, no way.  But with Stack’s monumental get-out-the-vote power supreme… maybe.