Soriano-Tavares Drops out of LD37 Contest
Teaneck Democratic Chair Alexandra Soriano-Tavares dropped out of the LD37 bidding today.
Her full statement:
The voters of Legislative District 37 have an important decision to make in electing a Senator and two Assemblymembers to represent us in Trenton. I have the skills, experience and passion to advocate for every resident of LD 37, and I would have been the first Latinx and Afro-Latinx woman to represent this district, so I threw my hat in the ring for Assembly.
The June primaries should be about the issues that are important; expanding access to healthcare, securing the funding to help local businesses to restart our economy, providing affordable housing for seniors and all those challenged by soaring costs, and making sure covid vaccines are quickly and equitably distributed throughout our community.
From the moment I announced my candidacy I have been attacked by the vicious and underhanded tactics used by Jim Dunleavy, the Mayor of Teaneck, as well as members of the Teaneck Township Council, led by Deputy Mayor Elie Katz. These personal attacks are baseless, libelous, and unacceptable. This smear campaign has undermined the democratic process, exactly as it was intended to.
You see, I dared to publicly criticize Teaneck’s Council leadership for unfair and illegal practices that advanced their personal agendas, all while they ignored the needs of our diverse population.
In recent weeks, Jim Dunleavy, Elie Katz and their cronies have been exposed by countless decent members of our community who have publicly denounced their false claims. It is clear that Dunleavy and Katz seek to sow hatred and to divide our community, not to unite us in common purpose.
Yet, I cannot allow these baseless attacks on my character to become a distraction for the Democratic Party. So, it is with a heavy heart that I withdraw my bid for State Assembly.
I have a special place in my heart for all the members of the community that have publically supported me and believe in my ability to lead the LD 37 community in the State’s assembly. You will never be forgotten.
Today I renew my commitment to lead the Teaneck Democratic Municipal Committee in the fight for the issues that truly impact our community.
When the ex mayor of teaneck says soriano is not qualified for the position, remember the monster we had in the white house the last 4 yrs. Soriano can’t compare to that monster as she has dedicatex her life to teaneck. Once you go in political area the evil ones try to put you down. Keep your head up soriano!!!!! Youre an asset to us teaneck residents.