Hoboken Election 2019: Cunningham Endorses Crowell For Council

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken councilman Peter Cunningham has made an endorsement for the person to take over his mantle in the city’s 5th ward: Tim Crowell.

Last week, Cunningham offered a social media pitch for Crowell, who will be matching up in November’s election against Phil Cohen, who is supported by Mayor Ravi Bhalla, and Nicola Maganuco, the youngest candidate competing for a council seat this year.

Cunningham recently announced he will not be seeking a fourth term in office to devote more time to his professional life and his responsibilities as a husband and father.

• See related article: Peter Cunningham Passes On Re-Election Bid In Hoboken's 5th Ward

Crowell thanked Cunningham for his support on Twitter.

Cunningham offered the following explanation for his endorsement:

“I have always been proud of my practical approach to listening to my constituents, supporting progressive policies and legislative matters with a fairly conservative budgetary approach. For instance, I like the prudent use of debt with a healthy surplus and understand that good credit earns good financing rates. This is especially important given Hoboken’s continued need to finance necessary and expensive capital projects. Because development is critical to the 5th ward and the city’s overall economic success, it must be exercised and managed very carefully. It directly impacts our quality of life, traffic and transportation. Thoughtful knowledge and discussion of these issues are a must. I have worked to fulfill this responsibility and have not tolerated political nonsense that often muddles these issues.”

Cunningham continued:

“Lastly, I am also proud of the independence I have exercised as a councilperson. I have always supported the mayor when it’s best for Hoboken, and challenged the mayor when I don’t agree. Mayor Bhalla’s statements that ‘he needs a council he can work with’ is in actuality a plea for a council that will ‘rubber stamp’ his agenda. Let’s look at the facts: I have supported 95% of his agenda. Recently, I was NOT supportive of his proposed tax increase for his office’s outsized increase in staffing for what I deemed to be for political purposes. Mayor Zimmer got along just fine with staffing levels in her office. I do call into question the distractions of Mayor Bhalla’s second job and the need for additional staffing in the mayor’s office. However, I wholeheartedly supported the mayor on the use of eminent domain for Union Dry Dock.”

Cunningham concluded:

“It’s for all these reasons I am endorsing Tim Crowell for 5th Ward City Council. There are three candidates in the race, and he is by far the most independent, ethical and professional of the three. Tim is an experienced professional, married with two kids at the Brandt Public School. He’s an independent thinker with a financial/real estate background and no political experience. He’s given back to the communities where he lives and works, and has what I believe to have very high ethical standards. I like his no-nonsense practical approach to all matters affecting the 5th Ward and the City of Hoboken. His campaign is underway, and I encourage you to reach out to him at tim@timforhoboken.org. I ask that you give him a chance to tell you how he stands ready to keep our legacy of keeping the 5th Ward and Hoboken moving forward.”

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