Will Chiappone run for mayor of Bayonne?
Bayonne will hold an election for mayor and council in May, and so far, only two candidates have expressed interest in running against incumbent Mayor Mark Smith, who with his substantial political war chest is seen as the clear frontrunner. This could change if Assemblyman Anthony Chiappone decides to throw his hat into the ring. Although Chiappone is currently under a cloud because he and his wife were indicted in October for allegedly misdirecting assembly aides checks into his political and personal bank accounts, the appoint of Tim Haus – Chiappone’s defense attorney – to the transition team for Gov. Chris Christie could suggest that a deal has been made that would have these charges dropped. If this comes about, Chiappone would like see an influx of funding from Union County state Sen. Ray Lesniak and others to help secure the seat – Lesniak and Christie both would benefit from the demolition of the Bayonne Bridge and the expected flood of container ships travelling past Bayonne
