Council President Apologizes for E-mail

During the last couple of minutes of Wednesday's council meeting, Council President Peter Cunningham apologized for an e-mail he sent out on the day of the primary elections for the Democratic committee on June 8, in which he described some of is political opponents as "standard bearers of corrupt politics."

Second Ward Councilwoman Theresa Castellano, who read Cunningham's note out loud during the meeting, asked the council president if he in fact had written that. Upon confirmation she repeated in disbelief, "you really did?" 

Cunningham, who ran on the Hudson County Democratic Organization party line ("Column B") apologized for the way his e-mail was perceived. Cunningham, who has been elected as Democratic committeeman, has said he voted for Gov. Chris Christie in the gubernatorial elections. 

On June 8 Cunningham wrote: 

It has been brought to our attention that the standard bearers of corrupt Hoboken politics are trying to mount a "write in" campaign against our democratic colleagues in Column B.  This is their last stand, and as thought, they will not go quietly.  Many absentee ballot applications have been submitted to the County to support their candidates in various Districts and they will be pulling out the vote all day today.They are NOT wanted and there's NO place for them in Hoboken politics anymore.  It is most critical that you find the time to cast your vote (at the very least Democratic Committee) for candidates under Column B.

After reading the note, Castellano asked, "who did you mean by they and them?"  

"To be disrespected in that way is very disturbing," said Councilman Michael Russo.  

Cunningham said his words had been twisted and turned. "It's unbelievable how it's come through the rumor mill," he said.