DISPATCH ENDORSEMENT: Hillside Deserves Quintana Quintana is the person Hillside can rely on to stand up for what the people deserve. Surely, if he can withstand the political warfare commanded by Sharpe James, than standing up to the governor and demanding money for education and property tax reform will be no worry. Read the full Endorsement

Quintana Faces Newark Mayor in Hillside Democratic Primary

On Tuesday, June 3, Democratic voters in Hillside will choose who will appear on the party's November ballot for the state senator of the 29th district.

Running for the position is Newark councilman Luis Quintana, who is challenging the incumbent Senator Sharpe James. James is also the full-time mayor of the city of Newark.

This is the first time that James in his four-year tenure in Trenton faces a formidable challenge for his Senate seat - and his fears are showing.

For instance, James is running a slew of "spoiler candidates" to split up the Hispanic and Portuguese vote that would surely go to Quintana, political sources disclosed to the DISPATCH.

In Newark, James has been resorting to the usual dirty politics typical of his city including tearing down his opponent's signs and harassing businesses that won't support the Senator, sources claim.

In Hillside, James is campaigning for the first time ever in the township. James has even secured the endorsement of the Charlotte DeFilippo and her Hillside Democratic Committee.

James appeared on direct mailers alongside Hillside politicos including former Mayor Ralph Milteer, Councilman Jorge Batista, and other officials affiliated with the DeFilippo machine.

Quintana, on the other hand, is being endorsed by Hillside activists and several members of the school board.

School board member Nathalie Yafet, a Democrat, says she is endorsing Quintana because "Hillside needs a voice in Trenton."

"Hillside hasn't had a Senator on its side for a long time. We need someone who will fight for more school funding and property tax relief. James hasn't done that, Quintana will."