MICHAEL WILDES CAMPAIGN KICKOFF DRAWS HUNDREDS OF SUPPORTERS

Event Adds Momentum to Former Mayor’s Campaign

ENGLEWOOD, NJ – Well over 250 excited supporters packed Noches de Colombia in Downtown Englewood last night to officially kick off Michael Wildes’ campaign for Mayor in the June Democratic Primary Election. Wildes, who previously served as Mayor from 2004-2010, once again showed his ability to bring the diverse community of Englewood together with attendees at the event representing all races, religions, ages, income groups and more. The event was highlighted by an appearance from Englewood resident and actor Clark Peters, well known for his roles on HBO’s The Wire and Treme and a strong supporter of Wildes, whom he referred to in his remarks as simply, “A Mensch.”

“Last night’s event showcased the tapestry of diversity that makes Englewood so special, and the incredible turnout proves that there is a true hunger in our city for change and for a return to the kind of strong leadership necessary to renew Englewood,” said Wildes, who announced his campaign last month and who has been aggressively knocking doors and meeting voters. “I thank everyone who took time out of their schedules to attend and I look forward to continuing to work hard to meet voters, listen to their concerns and prove that I am the right person to put our city back on track.”

Attendees at the event included Second Ward Councilman Michael Cohen and former City Council members Doug Bern, Charlotte Bennett Schoen, Eugene Skurnick, Scott Reddin and Ken Rosenzweig, all of whom are supporting Wildes. Former Council President and Wildes supporter Mack Cauthen is recovering from an illness and will no longer be serving as Wildes’ campaign treasurer, however his successor in the position Crystal Brown, daughter of former Assemblyman Arnold Brown who was Bergen County’s first African American state legislator and Wildes’ previous treasurer, was in attendance. Additional attendees included Mayor Mohammed Hameeduddin and Deputy Mayor Elie Katz of Teaneck, former Leonia Mayor Paul Kaufman, several sitting members of the Englewood Democratic Committee as well as candidates for seats on the committee, community activist Christopher Gagliardi and many leaders from various churches, synagogues and other houses of worship, neighborhood groups and more.