The Great Hoboken Runoff Debate

HOBOKEN – Michael Russo went to Hoboken High School. That in itself is not noteworthy.

But as Tuesday’s mayoral debate chugged along – amid predictable accusations of candidates lying and taking cheap shots – Russo brought up his schooling, perhaps encouraged that the debate venue was the very same Hoboken High School.

“I actually walked these halls – that’s the difference between you and I,” Russo said, taking a swipe at

Emily Jabbour.

The issue was about a failed school construction referendum in 2022, but Russo’s overall point was that he, a lifelong resident – and a son of a former mayor – is better equipped for the job. This is by no means a unique political argument, although not always a successful one.

Jabbour was born in Massachusetts and moved to Hoboken in…