"Eighty-five percent; I don't know what you call that in Union City, but in Jersey City we call that a good old fashioned ass kicking," said Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, who showed up for Union City First's victory celebration Tuesday night. "I came to congratulate Union City. You have given the biggest mandate to the hardest working person in Union City and the state of New Jersey."
In Union City's form of government, there is a five-member Board of Commissioners, and one of those five is chosen mayor. Each commissioner also oversees a department, like public works and public safety.
The opposition
Soon after the polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday, numbers began to pour in at the various campaign headquarters, including those of Stack's opponents, an activist ticket called Youtiny.
Stack's ticket included three other incumbent commissioners - Tilo Rivas, Maryury Bombino, and Chris Irizarry - and Lucio Fernandez, who already works for the city.
The opposition consisted of activist and Little Ferry Schools Superintendent Frank Scarafile (hoping to become mayor), and his slate of four candidates, including former Commissioner Tina Yandolino.
One independent ran - outgoing Commissioner Luis Martin, who was not invited to run with Stack's ticket - and he got the lowest number of votes.
Time to party
By 9 p.m., the victors came through the doors of Schuetzen Park's Casino Ballroom to a crowd of screaming and excited supporters.
"Ladies and gentlemen ... we have a victory," shouted Superintendent of Schools Stanley Sanger.
The crowd roared in excitement and began chanting the names of the commissioners, who were embracing each other almost to the point of tears.
"This was a tremendous victory, 9,301 to 1,600," said Stack. "It speaks volumes of not only the work we put in every night, but that you worked; You!"
He added, "It also says something about the negative campaigning of our opponents. It doesn't work. The people of Union City are not stupid. When you are involved from your heart, no one can divide us. Union City people are the best. I love you all."
While Stack continued with the victory speeches a quick shout came from the audience reminding the mayor of a promise he made at the beginning of the campaign, if they were victorious: "Are you going to dance, mayor?"
Stack managed to do a little shuffle among the packed crowd, but will probably be relying on his newest commissioner, Lucio Fernandez, for dancing lessons.
"We kicked ass," screamed Fernandez. "This is the best mayor Union City has ever had! Your are the best, Union City!"
Hugging and kissing
"Right now I want to hug and kiss everyone of you that is here; the people of Union City are great people," said Stack. "I'm working with four exceptional individuals, and we are going to keep working hard for the people of Union City."
One by one, the commissioners came up to say a few works of thanks, and promise to continue working hard over the next four years.
"Is everybody happy?" asked Tilo Rivas. "This is your victory. Union City deserves the best."
"We've accomplished so much and we will do it four more years," said Maryury "Margie" Bombino.
Chris Irizarry said to the crowd, "What you have accomplished today sends a message to the city of Union City, to the county and to the state of New Jersey that we have the best mayor, the best politician, and the best person in Union City. Mayor forever!"
The numbers
The final tally of Tuesday night's voting results, not counting absentee and provisional ballots, had Stack with a total of 9,058; Rivas, 8,250; Bombino, 8,207; Irizarry, 8,424; and Fernandez, 8,254.
The candidates of Younity had Frank Scarafile receiving 1,647; Frank Alonzo, 1,633; Ernestine Yandolini, 1,643; Julio Fernandez, 1,610; and Deirdre Berry, 1,420.
Former Commissioner Luis Martin, who ran without a ticket, brought in the lowest number of votes with a total of 421.
Union City has about 28,673 registered voters, and only about 11,073, including absentee ballots, came out to vote in last Tuesday's municipal election. The city is also still waiting on the provisional votes of which there are approximately 170.
Meanwhile, elated supporters continued in their outpour of praise on Tuesday night.
"I would like to congratulate Mayor Brian Stack and all the commissioners," said Alex Suarez. "When all is said and done, the city has responded triumphantly to all he has done for our city including new schools, and all the construction and development going on in our city."
"This election proved everything and sends a very important message to those people who want to run in 2010," said Johnny Garces.
"Mientras que Brian respire que nadie mas aspire [While Brian is breathing, let no one else aspire]," said Barbara Cambon.
Next Tuesday, May 16, will be the swearing-in ceremony for, not only the Board of Commissioners, but for the new members of the Board of Education at the Jose Marti Middle School.
"We're going to have a nice party, I want everybody to be there," said Stack. "Who is going to teach me how to dance?"
Post a Comment