Robert Tucker wants an apology from disgraced former Ward 4 council candidate Eliud Alcala and his campaign manager.
“I was accused of racism and trying to suppress voters and candidates of color by Mr. Alcala’s campaign manager and Mr. Alcala said I resorted to baseless attacks on his integrity and credibility,” Tucker said in a statement. “Mr. Alcala owes me an apology, not only for his statement about me, but for the false statements made by his campaign.”
On Tuesday, Alcala told The Item he was taking responsibility for submitting questionable signatures on his nominations papers and then blamed the campaign staff the forgery. His comments came on the heels of the city’s Election Commission unanimous vote to oust Alcala from the September primary ballot. The panel ruled 24 signatures on his nomination papers were fakes.
The first-time candidate was running to replace longtime Ward 4 City Councilor Richard Colucci.
Tucker provided 23 affidavits to the Election Commission on Monday by voters who said they never signed Alcala’s nomination papers.
“There was a deliberate attempt by Mr. Alcala’s campaign representatives to smear my name and reputation because of my long involvement in city government and politics,” Tucker said. Such attacks are beneath the dignity of anyone seeking public office.”
Paul Coombs, Alcala’s campaign manager, did not return repeated calls seeking comment.
Alcala could not be reached for comment.
