Mason picks up petitions to run for Hoboken mayor

Rematch. Hoboken.

It looks real right now as 2nd Ward Councilwoman Beth Mason picked up petitions to run for mayor, opened a campaign account, is assemblying a team and filing with the state Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC).

"Over the past few weeks, I have heard from family and friends from all corners of Hoboken asking about my future plans," Mason said in a statement. "Many have urged me to run for Mayor in the Special Election in November.

"She will make a final announcement next week," said spokesman Paul Swibinski.

Mason is looking to challange Acting Mayor Dawn Zimmer, who assumed the oath of office on the day Peter Cammarano issued a statement of resignation following his indictment on federal corruption charges.

"We all share a grave concern over the direction of our city and the choice by the Mayor to remain in her position as Council President, effectively flouting any separation of powers between the Executive and Legislative branches of our municipal government," Mason said. "This dual-office holding is a disturbing violation of our core principles. The result is too much power in one person’s hands for too long a time. Anyone who is truly committed to reform must understand that he or she is not above the values that we all share, regardless of circumstances. As an activist for openness and transparency in government, Dawn Zimmer’s decision to become a dual-office holder is extremely troubling to me."

Zimmer and Cammarano both beat Mason in an initial encounter last May. Then Cammarano defeated Zimmer in a June runoff, before Zimmer ultimately obtained what Cammrano had to abandon.

Now Mason's back.

"I would not take the race if I did not think we could win," said veteran Hudson County campaign consultant Swibinski, who advised the Cammarano campaign.