Peter Cunningham Passes On Re-Election Bid In Hoboken's 5th Ward

HOBOKEN, NJ — When Hoboken voters head to the polls this November to choose six city council members, a familiar face won’t be among the candidates: Peter Cunningham.

Last week, Cunningham announced that after three terms on the Hoboken City Council, he’s passing on another go-round this election cycle.

Cunningham said he’s planning to devote more time to his professional life and his responsibilities as a husband and father. He doesn’t plan to support any candidate to take his place, Hudson County View reported.

Cunningham’s potential successor in the 5th Ward, Phil Cohen, one of five candidates supported by Mayor Ravi Bhalla, praised the longtime councilman for his years of work.

“I want to thank Peter Cunningham for his 12 years of service to the 5th Ward as our councilman,” Cohen said. “I wish Peter a well-deserved respite from 12 years of work for the citizens of Hoboken. I look forward to earning the support of the voters of the Fifth Ward and building on the progress and legacy of reform to which Peter was a key contributor."

Cunningham’s decision not to run also inspired words of thanks from council members Jen Giattino and Tiffanie Fisher.

“I first met Peter in 2009, when he was organizing the uptown farmers market and he was the first person to encourage me to run for city council in 2011,” Giattino said. “Peter was a true reformer, who was the mastermind behind getting the city’s finances in order. No matter the issue, Peter has always done what he believed was best for the city. It will be a great loss for Hoboken to no longer have his independent voice on the city council.”

Fisher said that not only was Cunningham the first to suggest Giattino run in 2011, but he also joined others – including then-mayor Dawn Zimmer – to encourage herself to run in 2015.

“Peter has been the sage, the voice of reason on all decisions we have made on the Council,” Fisher said. “At the core of his decision making, and what I respect most about his leadership, is his commitment to always doing what was best for Hoboken and his 5th Ward neighbors. Peter’s judgment and independent voice have had positive impacts on our community and will be missed. I will work hard to continue his legacy of reform, good government and unconditional commitment to Hoboken. I am grateful for his continuing friendship and support and wish he and his family all the best.”

According to the Hoboken municipal website:

“Peter Cunningham is a business development executive with a global financial services company headquartered in New York City. Prior to running for 5th Ward City Council, Peter worked on several political campaigns for progressive reform-minded candidates in Hoboken, serving in capacities such as director of finance and co-campaign chair. Peter was a founding member of the Hoboken Dog Association and continues to be an advocate for dogs and their owners.

“[Cunningham] has focused on the city’s finances and especially on reducing taxes through efficiency, competence and transparency. He’s also worked hard on the acquisition and development of recreational and passive areas for residents; balanced, innovative and economically rewarding development that brings jobs and increased property values; innovative solutions to parking and transportation issues, as well as on quality of life initiatives such as improved public schools and pedestrian safety.

“Peter received a BS from Lehigh University with a concentration in Finance. He is a native of Philadelphia, PA. He lives on Garden Street with his wife Jen; two children, Christian and Cathryn; and two immense yet sweet-tempered Bernese Mountain Dogs, Hayden and Phoebe.”

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