The reason 1st ward bars dumped DeFusco (source)

Pagan Milano serving food to seniors, generously donated by McSwiggans Pub

Window signs don't vote.  And they do not assure a candidate's victory (see Anthony Romano for Mayor).  

But when First Street bar businesses who were the keystone of First Ward Councilman DeFusco's support in 2017 (they hosted his fundraisers, gave $ to his campaign) give him a most public "F*ck you" in 2019,  folks should take notice. Because those two most prominent bars didn't just hang one Vote for Migdalia window sign; they plastered their windows with them, and hung a jumbo-sized Vote for Migdalia banner in case folks missed the ones in the window. 

That kind of repudiation of the incumbent Councilman from former loyalists is impressive. 

GA's hearing conspiracies floated from the Councilman's camp to explain the defection.  The truth is far less complicated. 

HE "ALWAYS PROMISED AND NEVER DELIVERED"

GA's source- with direct knowledge of why the businesses on First Street dumped DeFusco for Migdalia Pagan Milano- is 100% pragmatic.  The owners are businessmen, not politicians.

"They endorsed because they want to work on doing more events to revitalize business in the First Ward like this.  Mike DeFusco always promised but never delivered," said the source, "They know he's full of shit." 

While Councilman DeFusco did nothing to plan and execute Saturday's First Ward event, Migdalia Pagan-Milano had been talking with First Ward businesses not only on planning for Saturday's event, but future events to help revitalize business.

As for Saturday, Pagan-Milano was able to get seniors food, generously donated by McSwiggans Pub  which she served to them; Migdalia was there the whole time to assist and serve seniors.   

Migdalia doesn't have fancy renderings or Sacco's PR machine - she cares, she serves.

Apparently, Defusco was tipped off. Without warning, he beamed down from the Mothership to sit with seniors who were eating, as though he had anything to do with it. A fly on the wall might have overheard him stealing undeserved credit for the food and festivities.  He did not stay for long. 

But according to an eyewitness the Councilman loudly reprimanded the owner of McSwiggans in front of the seniors:

 "I'm very disappointed in you!"

Privately, the alleged threats of retaliation for supporting Pagan-Milano  went something like this: 

"You will get NOTHING from me!" 

(Insert joke here __________________________________. )

2018, 2019: MIGDALIA BROUGHT BUSINESS TO THE FIRST WARD 

The difference between someone who bullshits with promises, fancy renderings and a slick PR firm then does nothing, and someone who quietly goes about serving the community asking for nothing in return, is the difference between the incumbent Councilman and Migdalia Pagan-Milano.

Businesses have finally caught on.

Some folks know that Migdalia was one of the founders of Hoboken Pride Week, which debuted in 2018.    Pride Week, whose goal is to celebrate with the LGBTQ community,  their friends and family at various venues in Hoboken, not only has cultural significance, it has great potential for economic benefit to local businesses.  Hence, the participation of Hoboken's first sitting gay Councilman would have certainly brought publicity, public awareness with economic rewards.  But Councilman DeFusco did NOTHING. He neither helped with nor attended a single 2018's Pride events.   

In 2018, Migdalia brought Pride Week's LGBTQ Mixer to a First Ward business, Giannone Wine & Liquor 

In 2019, Migdalia brought THREE  Pride Week events to the First Ward: Drag Brunch at Birch Restaurant & Bar,  another LGBTQ Mixer to Giannone Wine & Liquor and a Welcome Event at La Casa Restaurant, 54 Newark St. Again, Councilman DeFusco did NOTHING.  He neither helped plan Hoboken's second Annual Pride Week nor did he attend a single event.  

THE BOTTOM LINE

Forget politics. If you owned and operated a business in the First Ward, and you saw your own Councilman neglecting opportunities to help your business over and over again, what would you do? 

Local businesses feel far more comfortable that a Councilwoman Pagan-Milano will be proactive to work with them on events and efforts to stimulate business, not shoot her mouth off and do nothing, like you-know-who. 

Pretty simple.

DEFUSCO TO HOST HIS FUNDRAISER IN FIFTH WARD
Some are whispering that the Councilman was turned away by several First Ward businesses, but this is unverified rumor.  GA finds it hard to believe. Business is business.

If there is a First Ward business who was willing to host the event, why is he delivering business to the 5th ward and not his own?