Today, on behalf of Councilman Bill McKoy, candidate for election in Paterson’s Third Ward, attorney Scott Salmon announced his filing of a motion seeking an injunction in to prevent Councilman-elect Alex Mendez from being sworn into office on July 1.

Salmon seeks, in the alternative, to have the results of the election as they relate to the Third Ward decertified by the Paterson Municipal Clerk.

On June 25, 2020, the New Jersey Attorney General charged Mendez and three others with, among other things, election fraud related to the May 12, 2020 municipal election in Paterson. "We believe these charges will corroborate our allegations that this election was stolen," said Salmon. "We hope the New Jersey Attorney General’s office will join in our request for Mr. Mendez to be prevented from being sworn in, as well as our request for a new election."

From Councilman McKoy: “Governor Murphy, Deputy Speaker Wimberly, and Mayor Sayegh have all called on both Mr. Jackson and Mr. Mendez to step aside while these charges are pending. If they do not do so, we are asking the Attorney General to step in and help us prevent the irreparable harm to Paterson that will occur if both men are seated despite the charges against them. They are not accused of something unrelated, like failing to pay their taxes or driving without insurance, but are accused of directly tampering with the very election from which they now seek to benefit. I am not asking to be given Mr. Mendez’s seat, just that we hold a special election to ensure that we are hearing the voice of the people. Mr. Mendez is free to run and may the best candidate win through a fair competition. If Mr. Jackson and Mr. Mendez are allowed to be sworn in, they will directly benefit from the fraud of which they are accused, which will make a mockery of the system that many have fought and died to protect. Patersonians deserve better.”

Salmon said he expects this issue to be heard by Judge Ernest M. Caposela, A.J.S.C., prior to the July 1 swearing-in.