Stop Toxic Sludge Plant Vote For Write In Stand Up Harrison Candidates

HARRISON VOTES TODAY: POLLS OPEN 6 A.M. TO 8 P.M. — STOP TOXIC SLUDGE PLANT GO VOTE LEARN HOW TO WRITE IN CANDIDATES HERE.

Today, Harrison residents will decide who leads their community for the next four years.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. for the General Election, which includes contests for Mayor and all four Town Council seats.

The election comes amid a continuing controversy over the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed use of PSE&G property in Harrison for operations involving contaminated sediment dredged from the Passaic River.

The Write-In Candidates oppose the Harrison Toxic Sludge Plant .and seek to have EPA build a Toxic Sludge plant in an Industrial Zone in South Kearny, NJ. The proposed Harrison NJ is part of the Harrison Redevelopment Zone which 27 years ago was established by then Mayor Raymond J. McDonough to transform contaminated industrial properties into an office and residential community. The office space did not materialize. The residential has materialized and currently generates 17 million dollars in revenue (PILOTs) for the Town of Harrison this past year and is growing. The Toxic Sludge Plant proposed by EPA will not only delay the development of the proposed PSE&G property, it has the potential to unravel the investments made by developers and the loss of revenue for the Town of Harrison.

It has been proven hat Mayor James A. Fife and Councilman James Doran LIED to residents and the public during the 2022 municipal election when the Mayor Fife & Councilman Doran stated that the EPA was not placing a Dioxin Sludge Plant in Harrison

James Doran on behalf of the Harrison Democratic Political Organization stated in 2022 the following false statement: “I can say with 100% surety that there are NO plans to ‘Dredge’ or place any toxic waste anywhere in Harrison.”

Doran lied knowing that there was video recording from Zoom where Mayor Fife months earlier had stated the following when questioned on the lack of a Park area for Harrison Residents in the Redevelopment Zone.

 

“Of course, you have the biggest piece Public Service, the EPA is holding that up. We were going to do some planning over there but the EPA is going to using it for the [Passaic] river dredge.”

Four Residents: Stand Up Harrison Give You A Choice

Four residents running under the Stand Up Harrison banner are challenging Mayor Fife and three members of his political ticket through a write-in campaign.

Their names do not appear among the printed candidate selections. Residents wishing to vote for them must use the touchscreen voting machines' Personal Choice / Write-In feature.

ONLY 30% OF HARRISON'S REGISTERED VOTERS VOTED IN 2022

During Harrison's last mayoral election in November 2022, approximately 30% of registered voters participated.

That means approximately seven out of every ten registered voters did not vote.

Municipal elections determine who makes decisions about redevelopment, infrastructure, parking, property taxes, public safety, environmental matters, and the future of Harrison's neighborhoods.

One of the most consequential issues facing the next administration is the proposed EPA operation at the PSE&G property near the Harrison PATH station and Jackson Street Bridge.

FIFE AND DORAN'S 2022 ASSURANCES COLLIDE WITH THE DOCUMENTED RECORD

Four years ago, during the 2022 mayoral campaign, then-Councilman Anselmo Millan and Harrison attorney John Pinho warned residents about plans to use the PSE&G property for operations involving contaminated sediment from the Passaic River.

Mayor Fife and Councilman Doran challenged those warnings, accusing the critics of misleading the public.

However, on August 29, 2022, during a Harrison Redevelopment Agency meeting, Mayor Fife had already acknowledged EPA's anticipated use of the property.

Fife stated:

“Of course, you have the biggest piece Public Service, the EPA is holding that up. We were going to do some planning over there but the EPA is going to using it for the [Passaic] river dredge.”

Fife also indicated that EPA's use of the property could last approximately ten years.

The Mayor's statement was recorded.

Nevertheless, as the 2022 election approached, Fife subsequently denied making the statement. Mayor Fife continues to lie about the Toxic Sludge plant stating that he guarantees nobody will be poisoned. Stand Up Harrison Candidate for Mayor Michael Verile responded to Mayor Fife’s negative political piece with a Facebook video linked here                                                                                        

Councilman James Doran went even further in campaign communications distributed to Harrison residents.

Doran wrote:

“I can say with 100% surety that there are NO plans to ‘Dredge’ or place any toxic waste anywhere in Harrison.”

That was not a qualified statement. It was an unequivocal assurance to Harrison residents.

The contradiction is difficult to dismiss.

Mayor Fife had already acknowledged EPA's anticipated use of the PSE&G property. Doran nevertheless assured residents that no toxic waste would be placed anywhere in Harrison.

EPA's subsequent presentations identified Harrison as a proposed location for activities involving contaminated river sediment.

YourHarrison has previously reported on the controversy in its investigation, Fife and Doran Mislead Harrison Residents on EPA Toxic Sludge Plant.

Four years later, the truth has come out but Fife & Doran have not provided the answer these questions: Why did Fife deny his recorded statement? Why did Doran offer a categorical assurance that conflicts with EPA's subsequently disclosed plans? And why have the Mayor and Councilman continued to attack the people who first raised the issue?

The documented contradictions deserve more than political denials.

FIFE'S LATEST CAMPAIGN ATTACKS RAISE MORE QUESTIONS

The controversy has continued into the 2026 election.

In campaign communications criticizing Stand Up Harrison and its supporters, Mayor Fife has challenged the credibility of his political opponents.

According to the account provided by mayoral candidate Michael Verile, Fife's negative campaign material also questioned whether Stand Up Harrison candidates were Harrison residents. Link here.

The four write-in candidates identify themselves as Harrison residents.

Their publicly reported backgrounds include Verile purchasing a home in Harrison in October 2023, Stephen Landfield living in Harrison for approximately seven years, and Ki Sau Chan residing in the community for approximately 25 years.

The residency accusation should be evaluated against those facts rather than repeated as though it were established. If you didn’t know in 2022 that Mayor Fife & Councilman Doran LIE, you know that now.

Verile has also challenged the Mayor's assurances about the proposed EPA operation's safety.

The distinction is significant.

No elected official can guarantee that a proposed industrial operation involving carcinogenic contaminants will pose zero risk to every resident.

Such an assurance would require detailed scientific evidence concerning the contaminants, potential exposure pathways, facility design, environmental controls, and actual operating conditions.

Fife has not been identified as an environmental toxicologist, industrial hygienist, or physician qualified to make an independent scientific determination about the health effects of exposure to dioxins.

His political position on the project is not a substitute for a scientific risk assessment.

DIOXIN IS A KNOWN HUMAN CARCINOGEN — THAT IS NOT POLITICAL SPECULATION

EPA's Passaic River cleanup concerns sediments contaminated with hazardous substances, including dioxins.

One particularly hazardous compound is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, commonly called TCDD.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services identifies TCDD as a known human carcinogen.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer also classifies TCDD as carcinogenic to humans.

Federal public-health information reports that studies of animals exposed to TCDD have identified several types of cancer, including liver, thyroid, and lung cancers. Increased cancer risks have also been observed in some exposed workers.

These findings establish that the contaminant is hazardous..

Among the questions that remain important are whether contaminated particles could become airborne, what safeguards would be installed, how the facility would respond to flooding, and how nearby residents and commuters would be protected.

Why isn’t EPA placing its Toxic Sludge Plant in industrial South Kearny?

Harrison's residential redevelopment has placed thousands of people near an area historically associated with industrial activity. But 27 years of planned redevelopment have transformed it into a vibrant residential community next to a major transit hub.

The PSE&G property remains in active use for vehicle parking and supply storage. It was historically used for manufactured-gas production and underwent environmental remediation.

The community has also considered alternative uses for the property, including a park, green space, a multilevel community center, and a turnaround and drop-off area for the Harrison PATH station.

Residents can support cleaning the Passaic River while questioning whether contaminated-sediment operations belong at this particular location.

WHO IS RUNNING FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL TODAY?

MAYOR — ALL FOUR WARDS

Michael P. Verile — Stand Up Harrison write-in candidate (Mayor Row, Row 5 on Ballot then far right of Row touch screen box where it says Write In Candidate to have keyboard pop up and type Michael Verile)

James A. Fife — Incumbent Mayor, Harrison Regular Democratic ticket

Every registered Harrison voter may vote in the mayoral contest.

FIRST WARD COUNCIL

Dominick Ritorto — Stand Up Harrison write-in candidate (Council Row, Row 6 on Ballot then far right of Row touch screen box where it says Write in Candidate to have keyboard pop up and type Dominick Ritorto)

Jesus Huaranga — Incumbent Councilman, Harrison Regular Democratic ticket. Supports A Toxic Sludge Plant.

 

SECOND WARD COUNCIL

Stephen Landfield — Stand Up Harrison write-in candidate. (Council Row, Row 6 on Ballot then far right of Row touch screen box where it says Write in Candidate to have keyboard pop up and type Stephen Landfield)

Joseph Diaco — Harrison Regular Democratic ticket Joseph Diaco currently serves as Second Ward Councilman following his appointment to the seat previously held by Ellen Mendoza. He has very little Council experience and Support the Toxic Sludge Plant. He doesn’t live in the Redevelopment Zone.

THIRD WARD COUNCIL

Ki Sau Chan — Stand Up Harrison write-in candidate. (Council Row, Row 6 on Ballot then far right of Row touch screen box where it says Write in Candidate to have keyboard pop up and type Ki Sau Chan)

James T. Wood — Harrison Regular Democratic ticket. James T. Wood is running in his first municipal election for the Third Ward Council seat. He has NO Council experience. Supoorts the Toxic Sludge Plant. He is seeking to succeed Councilman Laurence “Larry” Bennett, whose term expires at the end of December. Larry Bennett lost his Council seat when he challenged Alex Valdez for Hudson County Commissioner. Alex Valdez also supports the movemet of the HarrisonToxic Sludge plant our of  a residential Harrison and into industrial South Kearny miles away from any residential community.

FOURTH WARD COUNCIL

James Doran — Incumbent Councilman, Harrison Regular Democratic ticket Support a Toxic Sludge Plant Don't Vote for Him.

There is no announced Stand Up Harrison write-in candidate for Fourth Ward Council.

Fourth Ward residents may nevertheless vote for Mayor Candidate Michael Verile as set forth above.

HOW TO CAST A WRITE-IN VOTE ON HARRISON'S TOUCHSCREEN VOTING MACHINES

Hudson County uses the ExpressVote XL electronic voting system.

The write-in process allows voters to enter the name of a candidate who is not printed on the ballot.

STEP 1 — FIND THE MAYORAL CONTEST ON ROW 5

Locate the Mayor of Harrison contest.

On the far-right side of Row 5, find the Personal Choice / Write-In option.

Touch that box.

STEP 2 — ENTER THE MAYORAL WRITE-IN NAME

An electronic keyboard will appear.

Voters choosing the Stand Up Harrison mayoral candidate should type:

MICHAEL P. VERILE

Touch ACCEPT to confirm.

STEP 3 — FIND YOUR WARD COUNCIL CONTEST ON ROW 6

Locate the Council contest for your ward.

Go to the far-right side of Row 6 and touch the Personal Choice / Write-In option.

STEP 4 — ENTER YOUR COUNCIL WRITE-IN CANDIDATE

For voters choosing Stand Up Harrison candidates:

• First Ward: DOMINICK RITORTO
• Second Ward: STEPHEN LANDFIELD
• Third Ward: KI SAU CHAN

There is no announced Stand Up Harrison Fourth Ward write-in candidate.

Touch ACCEPT after entering the name.

STEP 5 — REVIEW YOUR SELECTIONS

Before completing the voting process, verify that the correct names appear under the correct offices.

Select PRINT BALLOT.

Review the paper voting record through the machine's viewing window.

STEP 6 — CAST YOUR BALLOT

When you are satisfied that your selections are correct, press CAST.

IMPORTANT: Printing the ballot does not complete the voting process. You must cast your ballot before leaving the voting machine.

Poll workers can explain how to operate the equipment if assistance is needed. But be careful not to let the Poll Worker vote for you. That has happened in past Harrison elections. If a poll worker tries to rush you or tries to get in the voting booth with you, let them know you want the curtain closed and to be allowed to vote. You can file a Complaint through this link You can call as well (201) 369-3435 and Email: [email protected] There are Hudson County & State officials who will be monitoring the Poll locations including Poll workers conduct.

HARRISON ELECTION DAY POLLING LOCATIONS

Polls are open today from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.

You can locate your Polling Location through the LocatePoll.com website.

FIRST WARD — DISTRICTS 1, 2 AND 3

Harrison Senior Center
221 Harrison Avenue
Harrison, NJ 07029

SECOND WARD — DISTRICT 1

Harrison Community Center
401 Warren Street
Harrison, NJ 07029

SECOND WARD — DISTRICT 2

300 Somerset Street Apartments — Lobby
300 Somerset Street
Harrison, NJ 07029

SECOND WARD — DISTRICT 3

Cobalt Lofts — Lobby
1200 South 5th Street
Harrison, NJ 07029

THIRD WARD — DISTRICTS 1 AND 2

Washington Middle School — Gymnasium
1 North 5th Street
Harrison, NJ 07029

THIRD WARD — DISTRICT 3

Harrison Gardens — Building No. 3
788 Harrison Avenue
Harrison, NJ 07029

FOURTH WARD — DISTRICTS 1, 2 AND 3

Washington Middle School — Gymnasium
1 North 5th Street
Harrison, NJ 07029

ATTENTION RESIDENTS OF HARRISON'S REDEVELOPMENT ZONE

Residents of Steelworks, Vermella Harrison, Cobalt Lofts, The Wyldes Harrison, Harrison Urby, Harrison Commons, Bergen & Dey, Water's Edge, One Harrison, The Eddy, and other apartment communities should verify their assigned election district.

The Second Ward has three polling locations, but not every redevelopment-area apartment building necessarily belongs to the same election district.

Find your polling location at LocatePoll.com.

Enter your residential address to identify the polling place assigned to your voter registration.

Residents can also consult New Jersey's official polling-place lookup.

Do not assume that the closest polling location is necessarily the correct one.

HARRISON'S NEXT FOUR YEARS BEGIN WITH TODAY'S ELECTION

Harrison's next Mayor and Council will confront major decisions involving redevelopment, infrastructure, flooding, municipal finances, public safety, and the proposed EPA contaminated-sediment operation.

The EPA controversy has become especially significant because of the statements made by Mayor Fife and Councilman Doran during the 2022 election that hid the truth; dioxin sludge in Harrison that will affect human health.

The Mayor's August 2022 statement was recorded.

His subsequent denial has been documented.

Doran's written assurance of “100% surety” remains part of the public record.

EPA's later presentations identified Harrison as a proposed location for contaminated-sediment-related operations. A fact Mayor File & James Doran knew already possibly as far as 2021 but definitely in 2022 when Mayor Fife’s HRA Statement was made on August 29, 2022..

In 2022, approximately 70% of Harrison's registered voters did not participate in the municipal election.

Today, every eligible voter has another opportunity to make a choice.

POLLS CLOSE AT 8 P.M.

KNOW THE CANDIDATES. KNOW YOUR POLLING LOCATION. KNOW HOW TO USE THE WRITE-IN FEATURE.

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE.