The City Council meeting this Wednesday evening may feature one first: a vote of all members on the matter of Jim Doyle’s council appointment.

With the rejection in a one word response “denied” by the NJ Appellate Court judges to hold off on the court ordered vote, the council meeting may finally see the first vote of all eight council members at the same meeting.  Further direction leading into Wednesday’s council meeting could come in the form of a conference call with Hudson County Assignment Judge Peter Bariso who called for the vote in a court order last month. Since October, when the first vote was held, all council members have attended every meeting except the two that month denying Doyle a full vote of all eight current members.  Tim Occhipinti came late to the last meeting with Council members Michael Russo and Beth Mason absent in consecutive October meetings when the Doyle saga began. Hudson County Assignment Judge Peter Bariso’s call for all members to vote is the outstanding legal order.  On Wednesday night, Jim Doyle will most likely be in attendance and could witness a vote of all members.  The council can vote yes, no, present or abstain.  Those who vote present can see that vote counted as a yes and an abstain vote would be counted as a “no.” The abstain vote counting as a no will likely become the next legal obstruction effort to stave off a reform oriented council member in the form of Jim Doyle replacing former councilwoman Carol Marsh who resigned last fall due to personal family issues. The Old Guard council members heavily invested in litigation to neutralize the reform swing seat are expected to again complain of “irreparable harm” in some form or another even with a tie breaking vote legally decided by Mayor Dawn Zimmer who should be on hand if needed to break any tie.

Long time Hoboken activist Jim Doyle has patiently attended every council meeting awaiting a full vote of the council as ordered by Assignment Judge Peter Bariso. An appeal to overturn Bariso’s order was rejected.

=&0=&: Hoboken is one step closer to seeing the return of a full working council but it doesn’t get the money back for the legal obstruction tactics by the Old Guard council.   In other news, Michael Russo’s Jersey City lunch time pal Maher Khalil was sentenced to 30 months  in federal prison for his role in Operation Bid Rig III.  Maher was an attendee at the infamous lunch where he acted as the bagman for Solomon Dwek with his take being $72,500. The sentence leaves only one person from an infamous 2009 Dwek wired Jersey City lunch unscathed, at least in federal prison time – Councilman Michael Russo. Russo who directed Khalil to make an initial payment of $5,000 to his Russo for Hoboken account has declined to make public the full bank records of his 2009 campaign account.  A limited review solely to the editors of the Hudson Reporter produced a report with an incorrect account balance leaving more questions than answers. While the FBI’s Operation Bid Rig III investigation is all but over, the investigation into the Hoboken Data Theft Ring where tens of thousands of emails in and out of the mayor’s office is not.

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The Hudson Superior Court Appellate Division rejected the Old Guard Council appeal stopping an earlier Hudson County court order for a vote on Jim Doyle’s council appointment by the full body of the Hoboken City Council. 

The decision coming at the end of last week according to sources close to the county court means the original court order in December calling for a full vote of all council members last month will be held after the written decision is distributed.

The appeal by MORTe (beth Mason, tim Occhipinti, mike Russo and Terry castellano) argued they would be “irreparably harmed” if called to vote as ordered by Hudson County Superior Court Assignment Judge Peter Bariso.    Read More...

The following is strictly political satire and opinion and makes no factual representations. 

Well, it was a rough 2012, Hoboken.  Yet you gamely survived a vicious vortex of destruction which flooded your homes with debris and seemed hell-bent on obliterating everything in its path.  But more about Beth Mason in my next correspondence… The usual round of holiday parties spawned a surprising number of laments relative to my recent rant-lessness from apparently satirically-starved citizens dismayed that their full array of proxy lightning rods were not up and operational.  So, I’ll proffer this short and sweet return to the fray.  The people have spoken.  Of course, not everyone believes in the concept of a spoken people, particularly those with competing monetary motivations. I received an email yesterday from The Hoboken Fair Housing Association, requesting attendance at a court hearing today, as I write, in Jersey City.  Apparently, one Mr. Ron Simoncini and his Mile Square Taxpayers Association are dissatisfied with the outcome of democratic process, and are challenging the city’s recent vote NOT to essentially dismantle Hoboken’s rent control laws in favor of increased profits for developers and their allies.  Mr. Simoncini, whose efforts to date in Hoboken have provided a return on investment for his sponsors roughly equivalent to the return Karl Rove offered for his in the last election cycle, seems determined to salvage his diminished rent-control-killing reputation in any available arena, and is employing the tried-but-not-necessarily-true tactic of wearing down a volunteer community advocacy group with time and money. 

Hoboken rent control wars are not movie sexy but continuing with a court challenge moving ahead.

Many of the people I know in Hoboken are neither tenants nor landlords, and I realized around election time that they might be either under-informed or unfocused on Mr. Simoncini’s proposed amendment, which was deceptively worded as a continuation of rent-control protections even as it gutted them.  Among the most nefarious provisions was the complete vacancy decontrol (counteracting measures adopted in response to the notorious arson-for-profit culture of the 70’s and 80’s) which; coupled with limited penalties and enforcement, would have served as an engraved invitation to expansion of the tenant intimidation which is still a very real problem in Hoboken. I sent out a missive accordingly which validated my perception; there was, in fact, considerable confusion as to the purpose, intent, and likely consequences of this amendment. Based on the lively response rate, my “readers” were happy to get some additional clarification, history, and opinion.  Naturally, I also got some pushback.  One facebook friend of a friend engaged me in a spirited online debate over the merits of the proposed amendment, in which she patiently assured me that the changes were fair and balanced, although I didn’t see anything balanced beyond, perhaps, her own checkbook.  Yes, she admitted, she was a landlord; and yes, she acknowledged she was aware that the property was rent-controlled when she bought it and that undoubtedly factored into the purchase price; but STILL, she would really, really like more money – therefore, this was fair.  She insistently reminded me that laws are MEANT to be changed, and she knew that because she was an ACTUAL ATTORNEY HERSELF.  Oh.  We didn’t reach a lot of common ground on this. And I heard from The Man, himself.  Ron Simoncini.  In a series of emails, he assured me that I was, first, terribly wrong.  Next, that I was a backward individual trying to force Hoboken into a stone-age existence of, I guess, less obscene developer profiteering.  Finally, he assured me that he had virtually everyone’s support and smugly, if oddly, declared that I had done so much to help his cause by opposing it that he wished he had recruited me earlier.  I didn’t hear from him after the amendment was defeated.  When I first heard Mr. Simoncini’s name, I had pictured some poor schlub living in his basement, trying to put food on the family table, toiling late into the night to organize his beleaguered legion of suffering democracy-be-damned disciples oppressed by the Elite Renting Class while a Wall Street whippersnapper occupied his upper three floors, lighting cigars and snorting cocaine with an endless supply of Ben Franklins while callously boasting of the artificially depressed rent which made it all possible. Was I an ingrate who didn’t appreciate Mr. Simoncini’s vision of a Hoboken composed exclusively of landlords and market-raters? Could I have been wrong?  Hi Ho Silver, away!  To cyberspace, that vast and fascinating tidbit repository where you can find out exactly how fat or famous your high school prom date has become!  Could it hold some clues for me?   Well, it turns out that the fearless leader of the Mile Square Taxpayers Association does not, despite his blog self-identifications as “Ron Simoncini from Hoboken” have much to do with Hoboken other than the fees he presumably extracts from his over-commitments to panting property developers.  He reportedly lives in Ridgewood with offices in Secaucus.  While it appears that he has been involved in a number of real estate controversies both in Jersey and across the river, it was Mr. Simoncini’s own website which morphed my vision from basement schlub to Napoleon from Animal Farm; finding his balance on two legs while squealing to the farmyard, “Comrades, these rent control amendments are good for everyone – landlords are more equal than tenants, after all”.  The centerpiece of his website, in fact the ONLY piece of his website other than contact information, is a delightful animated sketch which serves as the most transparent tribute to greed and community manipulation as operating philosophy that these poor eyes have ever seen.  I was actually pretty astonished.  While you can view it for yourself at axiominc.net, I’m happy to summarize the compelling storyline below.  If Ron decides to remove it, I have the videograb for your viewing pleasure. The cartoon starts with our hero, Eugene, purchasing a property zoned exclusively for residential use.  No problem, Ron’s a phone call away! With Axiom’s help, Eugene is able to “convince” opponents and town officials to, literally, allow him to tear up the zoning restriction as a light (from heaven?) shines down upon Eugene and the opposition transforms into a cheering, approving mass.  Eugene is now able to build a “hip hotel, a movie theater and some office space”. Axiom then helps Eugene with potential criminal problems which we, again quite literally, watch being swept under a rug. The movie theater debuts with a celebrity-studded crowd and unveils an “awesome new concept” at its opening, which turns out to be “viagra popcorn”.  Later, Eugene invites what seems to be a bumbling, inept mayor to come by and plies him with cocktails, at which point “they got to talking about how much better Eugene’s apartments would be if only he could get rid of that pesky rent control law.”  Yes, that’s a direct quote. Pesky. The befuddled, inebriated mayor apparently jumps on board, leaving Eugene a potential marketplace for “a more discriminating group of tenants.”  Ah yes.  Finally, Eugene is left with a “tiny” bit of space into which he manages to cram a few unplanned condominium units very quickly; before, apparently, any further objections are raised.  My oh my.  And thank you, Axiom! I fully agree with Mayor Zimmer that penalties for violations by landlords should be meaningful, not simply cost-of-doing-business annoyances.  And they should be uniformly and consistently enforced, which has never happened before.  Moreover, there should be a formal system of informing new tenants of their rights – too often I’ve seen landlords take advantage of tenant ignorance.  And I don’t dispute that rent control provisions should be revisited from time to time.  But not, please, by the charming Mr. Simoncini, who continues to demonstrate that what is good for Mr. Simoncini is inherently bad for your fair city.   As always, best of luck to my beloved and adopted Hoboken! Citizen Dean =&0=&: The Friday rent control court case challenging the results of ballot question #2 moved was not dismissed and will be heard in Hudson County Superior Court January 26th.  At issue are 92 contested vote-by-mail ballots sufficient to overturn the election results.

The margin of victory with over 16,000 votes cast was 52 votes.

http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2013/01/hoboken_rent_control_november.html =&1=&: MSV is being told the next court date is January 22nd.

Rent control opponents filing to overturn the results on Question 2 in the November election will have their day in court today when Hudson County Superior Court hears the case at noon today.

The pretrial hearing features a motion to intervene and dismiss the case.  An trail date is tentatively scheduled for January 22nd.

The battle was razor thin with over 16,000 voters taking part on the ballot question and only 53 votes separating the two.   The main argument by the anti-rent control group, underwritten by the Mile Square Taxpayers Association is based on the paper ballots – vote-by-mail and/or provisional.  They claim legitimate ballots were tossed disenfranchising their voters and the question’s outcome on the ballot.

Rent control advocates have sent out an email urging their supporters to jam the courtroom when the case is heard in Hudson Superior Court and calling the court action “flimsy.” Read More...

The Rebuild Hoboken Relief Fund application deadline currently set for January 20th will be extended.  The fund has raised approximately $650,000 and there’s an event at the W on February 2nd where a fundraiser will add to that total.

A mailer is being prepared to go out to all residents.  Some details on the fund, how to apply and who’s eligible will be communicated along with other details.  In general, it’s uncovered material losses  along with amount of applications determining up to a $5,000 grant. Read More...

At last week’s council meeting, the absence of Tim Occhipinti was celebrated at least by some in attendance not including the mostly over sized Beth Mason political operatives filling up the mostly empty chambers of course.

Timmy arrived after 9:00 pm just in time for his favorite part of the meeting: New Business.  Very convenient and very unfortunate for the council members who had to listen to Timmy’s two questions which of course droned on into a morass of his wandering, babbling and run on sentences going for what seemed like 20 minutes. Read More...

Update: The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) of NJ ruled it was permissible for local City Attorney to rule on the merit of a majority vote approving the temporary budget at last Wednesday’s meeting.

The City obtained an opinion from Florio Perrucci Steinhardt and Fader which stated a temporary budget required a simple majority vote for the resolution.

The passage of the temporary budget, a routine matter by State formula for hundreds of municipalities across NJ will be especially bitter for MORTe.  Councilman Michael Russo aired lengthy and repetitive “concern” on individual line items having no bearing on the State mandate allowing up to 26.25% of the prior year’s budget applied toward the first quarter. Read More...

The BoE swearing-in ceremony last night saw three members from Kids First take their places:

Tom Kluepfel takes the oath

Jean Marie Mitchell had her son join in the moment

Ruthy McAllister shared the limelight beginning a second term with her son

Kids First now holds six of the nine member trustee seats. Their stewardship has held the line on taxes for three years running while putting more money into the classroom. BoE trustee Leon Gold took the reins elected as the new Board President with the gavel handed over by two year chair Rose Markel. All photos courtesy of Greg Bond

Assemblyman Ruben Ramos once believed to be seriously contemplating a major run for Hoboken mayor back in April last year, forged ahead in the face of a strong Mayor Zimmer headwind since and took out petitions last week. The election climate has changed since from bad to worse for the Old Guard and Ramos holds one strong trump card with ties to the Spanish speaking populations, especially in the Applied Buildings and the fourth ward housing authority – if he can meet their “campaign work” price for voting expectations. The Applied vote in the second ward directed salvaged a win for Councilwoman Beth Mason in 2011 where she narrowly avoided a runoff against Tom Greaney by less than 10 votes.  Having lost the base of professional ward residents earlier, Mason put over $50,000 on the street in questionable street money but it got the job done.  Ruben Ramos does not have a similar splash the money around ability making his candidacy less appealing to the paid for voter crowd. Longtime Hudson County political columnist and Jersey Journal editor Augie Torres called Mayor Zimmer unbeatable saying the “anti-administration types have no chance of unseating” her.  Since Augie is not exactly listening to reform voices in Hoboken, it means the whispers are coming from the Old Guard side of the tracks.  Political reality has sent the miserable and litigious Councilwoman Beth Mason looking to purchase a position outside the Mile Square and there’s little doubt Ruben Ramos is unaware of which way the winds are blowing. So why is Ramos taking out petitions so early?  One source close to the administration sees it as a gambit to obtain a favor with him dropping out in short order.  The only problem is there’s little likelihood of any horse trading, pardon the pun.  Mayor Zimmer is no longer seen as a quiet acolyte who will agree to even listen to such propositions.  She’s holding a hand of aces with a very strong record: reducing taxes, significantly cutting and controlling spending, saving the hospital in a sale no one thought possible and likely keeping Hoboken solvent. It’s a record no one thought possible when the low key fourth ward councilwoman announced her candidacy for mayor in 2009.  Along the road, the mayor has moved from almost crisis to crisis and in the face of continuous Old Guard opposition, she’s come out pulling Hoboken ahead. None of this is of course escaping notice by Ruben Ramos who has taken his shots at the mayor along the way.  From publicly backing a sordid Tim Occhipinti campaign in the fourth ward special election to thanking everyone in a recent letter but the mayor for their efforts in the face of Hurricane Sandy’s devastation, Ramos has been posturing to take the second floor mayor’s chair for some time. If you want to bluff to get something, the other side needs to believe it’s in their best interest to do so.  Mayor Dawn Zimmer is not likely to fear a Ramos candidacy or anyone else for that matter.  She’s more likely to greet them all with a smile and say, “Bring it on.”

Ruben Ramos (c) is pondering a run for Hoboken mayor.  But no one gives him much chance if he’s serious.

From the desk of Councilwoman Jen Giattino:

Dear Family, Friends & Neighbors,   I know for many of us the FEMA, insurance, SBA loan process has been extremely disappointing and frustrating. The Rebuild Hoboken Relief Fund has available grants. To apply go to  www.rebuildhoboken.org. To qualify: You must be a Hoboken Resident A storm related net loss of $5000 (loss after Insurance, Fema and other relief) Application must be received by January 20th, 2013 Online: Click Here By mail: Rebuild Hoboken Relief Fund, 518 Park Avenue, Suite1R, Hoboken, NJ 07030 The maximum grant to be distributed will be $5,000 and may well be less depending on the amount of money donated to the Fund and the number of eligible applicants. A Resource Center will be opening  on the corner of First and Park (101 Park). The center will be staffed with volunteers and operated by Hoboken’s Relief Coordinator, Carly Ringer.   This is not a FEMA office but rather a location for residents to go and find out what resources are available to help them recover from the storm. Please forward this email. It is important that we get an accurate count of damaged units in order to ensure Hoboken gets it fair share of funding. Happy New Year, Jen