Candidate is replaced on Hackensack mayor's slate due to potential conflict of interest
HACKENSACK — A new candidate is running with Mayor John Labrosse and his team after a member of the slate withdrew from the ticket to avoid a potential conflict of interest.
Richard Garcia, a Democrat employed by the Bergen County Clerk's Office to help people get county government services, is replacing Marco Howington, a real estate development consultant.
'After interviewing several possible candidates, we are very proud to welcome Richard to our team,' Labrosse said in a statement. 'Richard shares our commitment to open honest government that puts taxpayers first and to finishing the job of making Hackensack one of New Jersey's finest communities.'
Story continues below photo gallery.
If elected, Garcia will focus on expanding recreation programs and creating more affordable housing in the city, he said in a statement.
'I am very pleased to have this opportunity to serve the people of our great city as a member of the Labrosse Team,' he said.
He joins Labrosse, Deputy Mayor Kathy Canestrino, Lance Powell and Marlene Somerville, who are running together on a ticket for the May 13 election.
Hackensack holds elections for all five seats on the City Council every four years. Members are elected at large.
Powell and Somerville lost their bids for reelection to the city Board of Education in November. Labrosse was first elected to the council in 2009 and has served as mayor since 2013. Canestrino, a retired aerospace engineer, has served as deputy mayor since 2013.
Howington decided not to run after learning of a state law that went into effect at the end of last year. The law bars anyone who has an interest in a cannabis business from holding public office. Howington has limited financial interests in the industry, officials said.
'Marco remains a good friend, key supporter and an important part of our team,' Canestrino said. 'No one had any idea about this new law until a few days ago.'
Howington said in a statement that he will continue to back Labrosse and the rest of the ticket.
'I am 100 percent behind the Labrosse Team and will continue to do everything I can to reelect this administration to keep our city moving forward,' he said. 'I am proud to be part of the city's revitalization.'
Labrosse and the other candidates will face a slate called Hackensack Unites in May.
The candidates — Caseen Gaines, Agatha Toomey, Roberto Diaz, Philip Carroll and Sonya Clark-Collins — announced their campaign to challenge Labrosse's slate at a kickoff event in late January.
Council candidates have until Feb. 27 to file petitions of nomination and acceptance. Petitions are available at the Hackensack City Clerk's Office.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Candidate on Hackensack mayor's slate steps down, see why
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