Roque, Rodriguez battle in West New York mayoral race

The residents of West New York will choose who they wish to lead them Tuesday during the city’s mayoral election.

News 12 Staff

May 14, 2019, 1:44 AM

Updated 1,834 days ago

Share:

The residents of West New York will choose who they wish to lead them Tuesday during the city’s mayoral election.
The candidates are current West New York Mayor Felix Roque and current Commissioner Gabriel Rodriguez – both Democrats of Cuban ancestry.
“People ask me, are you afraid? Are you concerned? Not at all,” says Roque. “I feel happy and blessed. So God is with me, nobody can go against me.”
“We pride ourselves on running a very positive campaign and that’s what our administration will reflect – positivity, which is what West New York needs.
Roque and Rodriguez were allies four years ago, but have since had a falling out.
“We tried working with this mayor and it became impossible,” Rodriguez says. “He decided to associate and consult with other people other than us o his decision making – people we didn’t feel comfortable working it.”
Former West New York Mayor Rep. Albio Sires was once an ally of Roque as well and backed him for mayor in 2015. But the congressman has also spoken out against him for this election.
But the mayor still says that he is not worried about winning re-election.
“I can tell you I like to do things the right way. And what I’ve seen with these people is they think that this is a free-for-all. They like to spend a lot of money. They like to enrich themselves and I’m going to tell you, that’s not going to fly. Not under my watch,” Roque says.
Roque has been mayor for two terms. He has also been on trial twice to faces state and federal charges – but was acquitted both times. Rodriguez says that West New York deserves some new leadership.
“I absolutely believe that…new beginnings are what this community needs, and speaking with so many residents, knocking on doors, walking the avenue – that is what they also want,” Rodriguez says.
Tuesday’s election is not the only race for mayor in Hudson County. North Bergen voters will be choosing a new mayor as well. Current Mayor Nicholas Sacco is seeking his eighth term in office against businessman Larry Wainstein.
Polls open at 6 a.m.


More from News 12
1:51
Grill fire destroys Howell Township home; family escapes unharmed

Grill fire destroys Howell Township home; family escapes unharmed

1:56
Sunny weather sticks around Wednesday with warmer temperatures

Sunny weather sticks around Wednesday with warmer temperatures

0:39
DOT: Route 71 Bridge connecting Belmar to Avon-By-The-Sea expected to open May 31

DOT: Route 71 Bridge connecting Belmar to Avon-By-The-Sea expected to open May 31

0:26
Newark police: Queens man accused of filming himself driving recklessly

Newark police: Queens man accused of filming himself driving recklessly

0:40
Authorities seek public’s help solving deadly shooting in Warinanco Park

Authorities seek public’s help solving deadly shooting in Warinanco Park

0:48
Police: 1 man charged, 1 on the run in gunfire exchange in Roselle that caused school lockdown

Police: 1 man charged, 1 on the run in gunfire exchange in Roselle that caused school lockdown

0:48
Seton Hall University holds commencement ceremony at the Prudential Center

Seton Hall University holds commencement ceremony at the Prudential Center

2:06
Vandals steal American flags placed on veterans' gravesites at Neptune cemetery

Vandals steal American flags placed on veterans' gravesites at Neptune cemetery

Hoboken police seek persons of interest in attempted carjacking

Hoboken police seek persons of interest in attempted carjacking

2:44
Menendez bribery trial: Testimony focuses on his wife having help avoiding foreclosure on NJ home

Menendez bribery trial: Testimony focuses on his wife having help avoiding foreclosure on NJ home

0:45
Paterson holds special event to honor city’s senior citizen residents

Paterson holds special event to honor city’s senior citizen residents

0:28
Over 600 students currently being tested for lead exposure in Trenton

Over 600 students currently being tested for lead exposure in Trenton

1:49
Ocean Grove temporarily allows Sunday morning beach access

Ocean Grove temporarily allows Sunday morning beach access

0:26
South Jersey shelter running $1 dog adoption special

South Jersey shelter running $1 dog adoption special

Jets QB Aaron Rodgers is 'doing everything' at practice in his return from torn Achilles tendon

Jets QB Aaron Rodgers is 'doing everything' at practice in his return from torn Achilles tendon

0:16
Krispy Kreme opening new location at the Jersey Shore

Krispy Kreme opening new location at the Jersey Shore

1:59
Peapack-Gladstone taking new steps to control geese problem

Peapack-Gladstone taking new steps to control geese problem

0:33
Monmouth County high school students may have had personal info stolen in data breach

Monmouth County high school students may have had personal info stolen in data breach

0:45
Manchester police: 2 men accused of burglarizing several businesses around New Jersey

Manchester police: 2 men accused of burglarizing several businesses around New Jersey

0:25
Prosecutors: 73-year-old man accused of murdering his wife in their Moorestown apartment

Prosecutors: 73-year-old man accused of murdering his wife in their Moorestown apartment