Councilman Ruben Ramos Statement on Guilty Verdict in Raia Trial

HOBOKEN, NJ — Fourth Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos is releasing the following statement on the guilty verdict returned yesterday in the federal fraud trial of longtime Hoboken political figure Frank Raia. During the trial, former Raia operative Matt Calicchio testified that Raia supported the campaign of Tim Occhipinti for Hoboken Mayor in 2013 and ran on his ticket specifically for the purpose of hurting Ramos’ chances of winning the mayoral election.

“What Frank Raia did was wrong and I’m extremely disappointed in his actions, and it’s especially disturbing that he exploited some of our city’s most vulnerable residents to execute his scheme,” said Councilman Ramos. “Frank Raia has contributed to many, many candidates for office here and throughout the state. In order to remove any doubt that I do not condone Raia’s actions, I am donating $1,000 that he contributed to my campaign to Community Lifestyle and Amazing Truth, two great local organizations that will ensure that this money will be used to help some of the same residents in the Hoboken Housing Authority who Raia used.”

Community Lifestyle is a program that provides free summer camp for Hoboken Housing Authority families. Amazing Truth Society is a free Karate/Self-Defense program for Hoboken Housing Authority kids.