The Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO) appeared mostly reunited for a ceremonial swearing-in of the state assemblymen for the 33rd Legislative District at The Boulevard in North Bergen last night.

By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View

State Senator (D-33)/Union City Mayor Brian Stack hosted the event, along with legislative running mates Assemblymen Gabriel Rodriguez. Rodriguez and Wainstein were formerly sworn in last month with the rest of the New Jersey Assembly.

Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner served as the emcee, while Union City Board of Education Secretary Justin Mercado translated remarks into Spanish, cracking jokes along the way.

“It’s not often you get a first-term Assemblyman re-elected, especially in the 33rd,” Turner said of Rodriguez to some light laughter.

U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) then took the mic to congratulate Rodriguez and Wainstein, who is serving his first term and could potentially run for North Bergen mayor for a fourth time next year.

“There is an immense amount of work we need to do to serve you, our constituents, our neighbors,” he explained, emphasizing the need to work together.

“We want to be able to provide the 33rd district with the resources that they need. When we work together, we win… There are several towns up here that are going to experience some tough fiscal problems,” Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, also the HCDO Chair, stated.

Jersey City Mayor James Solomon has well publicized the city’s over quarter million dollar deficit, while Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour said yesterday that their bond rating has been given a negative outlook and the budgeting process will change, both as HCV first reported.

At Solomon’s February 4th press conference, nearly the entire Hudson County delegation stood with him, including Stack and Wainstein.

“It was your votes that got us over the top, and I will never forget that: We will work hard for you every single day,” added Hudson County Sheriff Jimmy Davis.

West New York Mayor Albio Sires noted he served in the assembly and earned the distinction of speaker, noting serving in Trenton has become very difficult due to budgetary issues.

“We have problems with ICE,” he added in Spanish, later cracking a joke about no North Bergen police officers working the event.

“Wainstein, you need to change that,” he joked in Spanish.

“I didn’t say it, mark it down,” Turner interjected.

Of course, North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco, who has defeated Wainstein three times, did not attend, nor did anyone connected to the township government.

As the program continued, Jabbour explained why she decided to attend despite Hoboken being in the 32nd Legislative District.

“ … You have to work well with others in order to be successful in government … It’s very important to me that we show up for each other,” she expressed, noting that they face similar challenges financially, as well as with dealing with ICE detaining residents.

“Together, all of us working in unity, we will make things better in Hudson County. Together we can unify to address that,” declared Solomon, also reiterating that everyone in Hudson is dealing with issues related to affordability and ICE.

He also took a moment to give some remarks in Spanish.

Hudson County Board Commissioners Chair Anthony Romano (D-5) welcomed the hundreds in attendance in Spanish, before Guttenberg Mayor Wayne Zitt joked that his Spanish is poor and emphasized that Hudson County is better united.

“As we work to bring home everything that Hudson County needs … I couldn’t be more proud to have these partners in the senator and the two Assemblymen,” Assemblywoman Katie Brennan (D-32) said before Stack addressed the room

“Were in tough times now … If there’s a time we need to be united … it’s now … There’s no such thing as documented or undocumented. We’re all people at the end of the day, and all of us need to remember that!” he exclaimed.

“We don’t always have to agree on everything politically. But we need to agree to work together governmentally on behalf of you, the people.”

He then swore in Rodriguez and Wainstein to applause and cheers.

“Larry! Larry Larry!” the crowd chanted.

Rodriguez said they serve everyone in the district “no matter what their status is,” before pointing out that nearly $18 million came back to the district last year to fund initiatives ranging from early education programs to a new West New York recreation center.

Next, Wainstein told the majority Latino crowd that they have their backs when it comes to fighting against ICE.

“I know there’s a lot of fear and uncertainty in our neighborhood, but we are with you. Now more than ever it’s important that we help each other … Together, yes we can,” he added in Spanish.

Others in attendance included Hudson County Commissioners Caridad Rodriguez (D-6) and Union City Commissioner Fannie Cedeno (D-7), along with Guttenberg Councilman John Habermann and Councilwoman Monica Fundora.

On the municipal level, Stack and his board of commissioners slate are for up re-election on May 12th and are running unopposed.