Paterson Mayor Jeff Jones said the City Council’s vote last night of no-confidence in his leadership constituted political theater. As for the whispered word on the street that he’s a lame duck now after backing out-of-towner Steve Rothman over local victor Bill Pascrell in the CD 9 race, Jones said don’t count him out – not that he isn’t used to being the underdog.
“It’s round three,” Jones told PolitickerNJ.com, “and we haven’t fought yet. Listen, there were those who said I was a lame duck coming in.”
Upset with the mayor’s attempt to collect overtime pay during Hurricane Irene while his constituents were swamped, the council last night administered the 7-0 vote of no confidence in Jones and suspended his business administrator.
“It’s political theater,” he said. “Nothing’s changed. It doesn’t change. I don’t think they’re right. They have been motivated by politics all along.”
Jones fingered At-Large Councilman Rigo Rodriguez and Ward 6 Councilman Andre Sayegh.
“Rigo did it because he wants to be mayor,” the mayor said. “Andre did it because he wants to be mayor.”
Jones said he’s open to improved relations with Pascrell, who decimated Rothman just over a week ago in the Democratic Primary, leaving Jones and a handful of others from Paterson in the losers’ column.
“I’m not mad at him, I don’t have time for that,” the mayor said.
