PATERSON - The partygoers allowed themselves to be consumed by the Bonfire, a

happening Caribbean restaurant and lounge practically tucked under the highway, where Mayor Andre Sayegh rejoiced in the late-in-the-game presence onstage of Councilman Luis Velez of the Fifth Ward.

"The mayor and I sometimes don't see eye to eye, but that's personal," Velez told InsiderNJ. "In terms of government, and I went to the forums and I listened, I am going with Mayor Sayegh. We don't want to go backwards. I am putting the people and the future of Paterson first."

Velez showed up to offer his support on Tuesday night, and why not?

Everyone else was there, or so it seemed, including Governor Mikie Sherrill.

At one point the stage groaned under the combined weight of all members of the City Council except Councilman Mike Jackson and Councilman Alex Mendez, who are separately running against the mayor.

Sayegh and his ally, Ward 6 Councilman Ibrahim Omar, provided commentary moments before the arrival of Governor Sherrill: