From MOB Enforcer, to NJ Political Boss

Former Mobster John Alite Elected as Englishtown Councilman, Sparking Discussions on New Jersey’s Political Landscape

Englishtown, NJ — John Alite, a former enforcer for the Gambino crime family, has been elected as a councilman in Englishtown, New Jersey. Alite, 62, who served 14 years in prison for crimes including six murders and numerous assaults, has expressed a desire to transform his past experiences into positive community leadership. He believes that his history with street-level treachery and maneuvering will benefit him in his new political role. 

Initially met with skepticism, Alite won over local leaders by focusing on youth civic work. He aims to use his history to positively influence young people and advocate against illegal drugs, particularly after his daughter’s death from a fentanyl overdose. Alite’s political ambitions extend further; he has expressed interest in running for Congress, inspired by former President Donald Trump. 

New Jersey’s political landscape has a storied history of figures with controversial backgrounds ascending to power. One notable example is Enoch “Nucky” Johnson, an Atlantic City political boss who controlled the city and Atlantic County from the 1910s until his imprisonment in 1941 for tax evasion. Johnson’s rule encompassed the Roaring Twenties, a period when Atlantic City was a refuge from Prohibition, and his organization was involved in bootlegging, gambling, and prostitution. 

In recent years, Hudson County has been a focal point for political controversies, particularly involving Union City Mayor and State Senator Brian Stack. Stack, who recently became the longest-serving mayor in Union City history, surpassing Harry J. Thourot’s 23-year tenure, has been embroiled in disputes with North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco. The rivalry between Stack and Sacco has led to public accusations and a proxy fight, highlighting the intense political dynamics within Hudson County. 

These developments underscore the complex and often contentious nature of New Jersey’s political environment, where figures with controversial pasts or associations continue to emerge, reflecting both the state’s storied history and ongoing challenges in governance.