City Councilman Jorge Cruz was among an inner-circle of John Gomes supporters who met with the candidate Thursday night to share thoughts about his viability to run in the second general election, a decision that must me made by next Thursday.
Cruz stopped short of calling for Gomes to withdraw from the scheduled Feb. 27 general election redo. If Ganim has no opponent the special election will not go forward.
“We have been thrust into uncharted waters with multiple elections and as adults who profess to care about our people and our city must find ways to bring about unity and now is the time” Cruz shared with OIB Friday morning. “Some people will not like it but at the end of the day it’s about the people.
“John needs to make a healthy decision,” Cruz continued. “I support whatever he does, but I am so tired of the city being split. I want to see the city healed and united.
“I do appreciate after his win that the mayor took the correct tone and did not attack John. I spoke to the mayor on Wednesday and appreciated his words about moving the city forward in a united way.”
Lamond Daniels if he does not withdraw has qualified as a petitioning candidate. Republican David Herz has announced if Gomes and Daniels don’t run, he will also withdraw.
Ganim’s 12-point win deeply disappointed many Gomes supporters including the candidate. In the previous two contests Gomes won the walk-in vote, eclipsed by absentee ballots. On Tuesday Ganim won both the walk-in and mail-in ballots.
State election officials have ruled that another general election must take place unless Ganim has no opponent.
Here’s a key member of the City Council who is responsible for the dividing and splitting going on for a while. (Gen) Now he’s blowing hot air. He’ll support whatever decision John makes? If Councilman Jorge Cruz puts as much effort here as he did to remove the Columbus Statue from Seaside Park, perhaps he’d get better results.