The Alternative Press

PATERSON, NJ - The city will hold a special election for the vacant 2^nd Ward City Council seat on November 6, according to a judge’s order issued on Thursday. That sets up an accelerated campaign in which candidates will have to file their nominating petitions by September 28.

The order by Superior Court Judge Thomas Brogan does not say whether Mohammed Akhtaruzzaman will be eligible to run. Akhtaruzzaman’s May election victory was nullified last week by Brogan’s ruling that determined his voter registration – and as a result his candidacy last spring – was invalid.

Akhtaruzzaman, in an interview Thursday night, said he has not yet made up his mind whether to run in the special election, or whether to appeal Brogan’s ruling. Akhtaruzzaman said he would make his decisions by Monday.

There are a number of uncertainties involving the election. If Akhtaruzzaman were to run, his candidacy could come under a court challenge by one of the other candidates. Also, if Akhtaruzzaman were to appeal Brogan’s ruling, he could ask the courts to return him to the council seat until there’s a decision on the appeal

Meanwhile, Aslon Goow said he would be filing his petitions to run for the 2^nd Ward next week. “We’re ready to go,’’ said Goow, whose lawsuit resulted in Akhtaruzzaman’s ouster. Goow, a 12-year-incumbent, lost to Akhtaruzzaman in May by almost 500 votes. “I don’t think what happened last time will happen again,’’ he said.

Henry Sosa, who was Akhtaruzzaman’s campaign manager, said there would be little problem getting the signatures needed if Akhtaruzzaman were to run again.