Given the fact that the Democratic Party has endorsed Brendan Gill in the race for 5th district Essex County Freeholder, Bob Russo — who’s run for the office twice before — decided in the end not to file today for a place on the June primary ballot.
He sent this announcement:
Former Montclair Mayor Bob Russo decided today to skip the 4pm filing deadline for Essex County Freeholder and instead make a “symbolic filing” of his petition “on behalf of the more than 300 signers who want me to fight for the rights of Consumers, Taxpayers and Workers, which has always been my cause throughout many years in government service and politics,” stated Russo.
The two-term Montclair Councilmember and one-term Mayor, who pledged to accept only half the $31,000 salary, declined to officially file for the 5th district Freeholder seat he has almost won twice before. Though his petitions were ready, after consultation with his family and supporters, he cited the limited chance of winning in the June 7th primary against the Democratic organization line. “Although I received 48% of the vote on Line D in 2008 running against the issue of dual office-holding, and would have done well again in any primary, I am not in this just to win for myself” stated Russo. “I am concerned about attempts to dismantle our Public Schools, destroy teachers, firefighters, police and other public workers rights, and weaken consumer financial protections, which has been my career for many years.”
Russo was the Director of New Jersey’s Lemon Law and Essex County’s first Consumer Affairs director under County Executive Peter Shapiro.
“The middle class taxpayers and working families of our county and state need true representation in the halls of government, something I am committed to provide as we move forward to other elections in the years ahead.” said Russo, who is also an adjunct professor of Political Science and Public Administration at Rutgers University and Montclair State. “I will be forming an exploratory committee to examine possibilities of serving again on the Montclair municipal or New Jersey state level. I will dedicate my resources and energy, and that of my hundreds of supporters, to the cause of honest government and the protection of consumers, overburdened taxpayers and workers collective bargaining rights, in whatever office I may seek in the future”.
“I extend my thanks to all those who signed my petition, contributed and
volunteered to work in my campaign for Essex County Freeholder…an office which, by the way, is long overdue for a name change!”
Bob has got to be the most dedicated public servant I have ever met. His deserve to serve is deep and I do hope that our community will be able to utilize his considerable talents, and his extensive contacts.
He would make a fine addition to the BOE!