Who’s Running for Hoboken City Council?

A Beginner’s Guide to the Hoboken City Council Race

First, some background information is necessary.

This year, Mayor Ballah is running unopposed, the first time in Hoboken History. As a result, the incumbent city council candidates will have an easier time campaigning. Typically, each mayoral candidate selects 3 council candidates for their ticket. The mayoral candidates and their respective council slates face off. Because there is only one mayoral ticket, it is up to independent candidates to challenge the incumbent at-large council members — an uphill battle for sure. This was a driving factor in many of the candidates’ decisions to run.

Earlier this month, I attended an event where all the independent candidates running for Hoboken City Council were able to announce themselves and their platforms. There, I learned about what motivated each candidate to run, why they believe they would make a great Councilperson, and what their top issues are. You can watch the entire event here. Thank you to community members Josh Sotomayor Einstein and Rose Marie Markel for organizing this event.

Below, I’ve composed a list of the independent candidates, followed by descriptions for the candidates on Mayor Ballah’s ticket.

They will be listed in alphabetical order by first name.

Cheryl Fallick:

Cheryl Fallick is a member of the Independently Together Slate, a long-time resident of Hoboken, and a vocal tenant advocate (She has served on the Rent Board for many years). She decided to run because she took great issue with the fact that the mayor was running unopposed and his candidates would be reelected without contest: “it became clear that the voters weren’t going to have a choice, and that was a really scary thing to me”. She is focused on “issues that have been getting no attention for way too long” such as advocating for more open space, cautious development, flooding, and housing affordability.

Cindy Weigand

Cindy Weigand describes herself as a “complete political outsider,” and she says that to demonstrate that her loyalties lie with the citizens of Hoboken. She decided to run because she believes that the city does not do a great job of providing services to citizens. As a mother of 3 children, she cares about issues pertinent to parents and children, like pedestrian safety. At the event, she mentioned that she works in market research, which she believes qualifies her for city council — noting the similar skill set required for both jobs.

Ian Rintel

Ian Rintel is another long-time Hoboken resident, residing here for over 22 years. He is also a business owner, opening Golf Hoboken in 2002, and Play Hoboken in 2015. He is aware of issues plaguing businesses in the city. He describes himself as a candidate for everybody, leaning liberal on a lot of things, but conservative on others. And he believes in financial responsibility, promising to use tax dollars wisely.

Manuel Rivera

Manny Rivera was born and raised in Hoboken. He is running because he saw a need for an “independent voice” on the city council. He wants to unify the city. He believes that all corners of town should be considered when solving problems and that even when there are disagreements, common ground can be found.

Patricia Waiters

Patricia Waiters was unable to speak at the event, but I can say that having listened to city council meetings, she is an engaged member of the community who cares deeply about affordable housing. She is not afraid to make her voice heard and is not afraid to stand up to the mayor.

Paul Presinzano

Paul Presinzano is a member of the Independently Together slate and has lived here for 25 years. He is running because he sees issues in the city that aren’t being solved. He wants to bring “a fresh perspective and new ideas to the council”. He strongly believes in updating technology in city hall, a public pool, and a more robust recreation program for all ages. He believes that “too many decisions are made without the public weighing in.” His promise to voters is that he will work with the Mayor on good ideas, but stand up to ideas that do not benefit the people of Hoboken.

Sheila Brennan

Sheila Brennan is also a member of the Independently Together ticket. One concern of hers is that city hall has been closed since before the pandemic, and “doesn’t think there’s a plan to open it back up.” She wants to open city hall to the public asap. Her platform pillars align with the IT slate, she believes that “so many things are being left unaddressed: flooding, parking, pedestrian safety.”

The three candidates on the mayor’s slate include two incumbent candidates Emily Jabour and Jim Doyle, and newcomer Joe Quintero.

Emily Jabour

Emily Jabour was elected in the last at-large council election in 2017. Since serving, she has focused on issues like gun safety — founding the Hudson County Chapter of Moms Demand Action (A gun reform advocacy group). Other pillars of her platform include improved quality of life, promoting open space in the city, and pedestrian safety.

Jim Doyle

Jim Doyle is the other incumbent up for reelection. Though he was initially not going to run again, he changed his mind and rejoined the Ballah slate. He has lived here for over 30 years. He cares about environmental issues (he is a member of Hoboken’s Green Team) and advocates for responsible development in Hoboken.

Joe Quintero

Joe Quintero joins the Ballah ticket in place of councilwoman Vanessa Falco, who was appointed head of the Division of Housing. Quintero holds a leadership position on the Hoboken Democratic Committee. He wants to focus on the core problems of parking, affordable housing, and improving public amenities.

November 2nd is quickly approaching, do future you a favor and make a plan now for how you’re going to vote. Early voting is available the last week of October (October 23rd through October 31st). Mark your voting day in your calendar. You can find out where your polling location is here. If you’re eligible to vote by mail you should have received your ballot in the mail. Regardless of how you plan to vote, by voting you are doing your part to guide the future of Hoboken in the direction that best serves its citizens.

The Quae team thanks and commends you for exercising your right to vote.

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