‘I’m Not Trump,’ Says Hoboken Republican Mayor Candidate

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken mayoral hopeful Jen Giattino says that she’s not Donald Trump. And although she’s a Republican, she doesn’t define herself by someone else’s words or ideas.

In the wake of the tragic events that took place in Charlottesville, Virginia, Giattino, who serves as City Council president, recently issued a plea for local voters not to pigeonhole her – or other New Jersey Republicans – based on a label.

“As I continue to talk to neighbors and reflect on the events in Charlottesville as well as the marches in Boston, I am coming to realize that some may believe my party affiliation defines who I am,” Giattino wrote.

• See related article: Violence, Fury And Flames: Charlottesville Timeline
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“Anyone who knows me understands that I am not Donald Trump,” she stated. “I am not someone else’s words or ideas. I have my own principles and my own conscience, and I go my own way in the office I hold, just as I will when I am mayor.”

• See related article: NJ Trump Supporters Speak: 'He Deserves Our Respect'

Giattino - a local businesswoman who’s had former careers with a major brokerage firm and as a professional ballet dancer – said that she “rejects entirely” Donald Trump’s mixed message on tolerance and the ethical concessions that he gave to hate groups and white supremacists.

And just because she’s a Republican doesn’t mean that she can’t advocate for causes like diversity and climate change.

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“I want to see diversity in our schools,” Giattino wrote. “I worry about the displacement of longtime residents who find living here increasingly unaffordable. I believe in civil and women’s rights. I don’t need to have a gun. And I’m concerned about the effects of climate change on our city and our children’s future.”

Read more about her platform here.

In the end, it’s important to remember that calling yourself a member of the Republican, Democratic, Green, Socialist or any other party doesn’t mean that you have to kowtow to anyone’s political platform, according to Giattino.

“I’m eager to speak with every single member of our community who has a concern about the city’s direction and where I would steer it,” Giattino said. “I’m sure that after that conversation you will know that labelling people might be convenient, especially around election time, but rarely paints a full picture of who they are.”

• See related article: Jen Giattino Officially Throws Hat Into Race
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NEW JERSEY REACTS TO CHARLOTTESVILLE

People outraged by the events of Charlottesville have hosted rallies and protests throughout New Jersey.

• See related article: Essex County Rallies Decry Charlottesville Tragedy, 'White Nationalism'
• See related article: Peaceful Protest Planned In Response To Virginia Violence In Princeton
• See related article: Westfield Holds Vigil For Charlottesville
• See related article: Newark Event Will Promote Peace After Charlottesville
• See related article: Bergen Group Hosts Vigil For Charlottesville Victims

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Photo: Jen Giattino, Facebook

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