Sharpe James: "Hillsdale" is an "Abbott District"

Sharpe James may be Hillside's state Senator in the 29th district, but would he know that if you asked him?

A few years ago the Senator was invited to speak at the opening ceremony for the new Early Childhood Center at Hillside's A. P. Morris school.

Throughout his speech, James repeatedly referred to the township as "Hillsdale", spectators remember!

Adding on the self-embarrassment, the Senator then proceeded to comment on Hillside's - or "Hillsdale's" - Abbott standing.

"It's great for Hillsdale (sic) that it is an Abbot district," he was quoted as saying.

In actuality, Hillside is not an Abbott district at all.

"It was very embarrassing for the Senator," one observer, who holds a seat on the Hillside Board of Education, noted to the DISPATCH. "He should know the name of the city he represents not to mention the fact that we [Hillside] does not receive any Abbott funding from the state."

In fact, Hillside receives very little of any funding from Trenton - an issue parents and Hillside activists have been trying to make clear to state legislators such as James.

The 29th district is comprised of only parts of Newark and all of Hillside. James has served as the district's Senator since 1999 when he was appointed to fill the vacancy left by the death of Sen. Winnona Lipman.

James faces opponent Luis Quintana in the upcoming June 3rd Democratic primary.