By Ricardo Kaulessar

Who will be the next Bayonne Mayor will be decided by a runoff between incumbent Mark Smith and challenger James Davis on June 10.

Smith, who has been mayor since November 2008, is running for a second four-year term. Before becoming mayor, Smith served In the Bayonne Police Department for 25 years where he rose through the ranks to deputy chief.  He is married and has two daughters.

Davis has been on the police force for over 25 years, currently holding the title of captain. His work has included leading a task force from 2007 to 2008 that made a number of arrests while dismantling a burglary and motor vehicle theft ring, and later helping to shut down cocaine distribution network operating partly out of Bayonne. He is married and is the father of three sons.

The River View Observer posed questions to both candidates about dealing with a prolonged campaign season in the Peninsula City, strategies the city’s highest office, and their respective plans for governing their hometown if one of them prevails.

Why do you think you ended up in a runoff with your opponent rather than had won the election outright?

 Smith: We always knew this was going to be a challenging race. While we won the popular vote, there’s still some lingering effects from the national recession. People are still struggling. The outcome may have reflected a bit of that. We heard their concerns. Some people are still restless and we need to communicate our plan with them. We’re going to show them that our team has the plan and the ability to continue revitalizing or community.

Davis: When you combat a war chest of $1 million collectively and numerous outside entities attacking from different flanks, I feel making it into the runoff was our first win. I am proud of what our team has accomplished and know our drive will pull us all over the finish line in the end. Continue reading Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith and Mayoral Challenger Jimmy Davis Answer Our 5 Questions Before the Bayonne June 10th Mayoral Run-Off →