The Venitian in Garfield was packed on Sunday as elected officials, gubernatorial hopefuls and Paramus residents came together to support Democrats Holly Tedesco-Santos and Councilman Pat Verile as they made their final push for Paramus City Council.
The event was attended by County Executive Jim Tedesco—Tedesco-Santos’ father—, Bergen County Democratic Chairman Lou Stellato, New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chair John Currie, and the three Bergen County Democratic freeholders currently pursuing reelection: Tracy Zur, Steve Tanelli and Tom Sullivan. Assemblymen Joe Lagana and Tim Eustace, likely CD5 candidate Josh Gottheimer and state Senator Bob Gordon (D-38) also supported the Paramus First ticket on Sunday.
Both Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and former Ambassador Phil Murphy were also present. Both appear to be positioning themselves as 2017 gubernatorial candidates. The presence of both demonstrates the critical roll that Bergen plays in New Jersey gubernatorial politics. Bergen is the state’s most populous county and Paramus is one of it’s biggest towns. Having powerful alliances in the area could prove to be a big boon to whoever gets the eventual nomination for governor.
But Verile and Tedesco-Santos weren’t just supported by Democrats. Also present were former Republican councilmembers Ralph Amato, Dennis Arslanian, Sam Casiello, Vic Amato and Sandy Gunderson.
Over 250 residents from Paramus were present.
Verile and Tedesco-Santos are facing Republicans Donna Warburton and Rich Lambert.
