July 27, 2009 - 12:46pm
News

Union County Dem outcast mayor celebrates Weinberg pick as 'awesome'

Roselle Mayor Garrett Smith

Roselle Mayor Garrett Smith, an independent Democrat who's long warred with the Union County Democratic Committee, hailed Gov. Jon Corzine's selection of fellow reform Dem, state Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Teaneck), as an inspired choice for lieutenant governor.

"I was on the fence regarding how much support I was going to give Gov. Corzine, but with the senator now on the ticket, I enthusiastically support his re-election," said Smith of Weinberg, a longtime foe of the Bergen County Democratic Organization. 

"I think she's a quality individual with a record of standing up for regular people," added Smith, now in the middle of his second term as mayor. "We need more leaders like Loretta Weinberg, whom I respect for her fight for quality and good government. I think it's an awesome pick, and it definitely energizes independent progressive Democrats.

"We're excited," Smith added. "We're reformers, but we're still Democrats. We're looking to take the boss system out of the party so the party speaks for and by the people. I definitely can't wait for her to come to Union County."

As recently as a month ago, Smith said

Max Pizarro is a PolitickerNJ.com Reporter and can be reached via email at max@politicsnj.com.