Grist for the Mill – 4th Ward Conspiracy Edition
Although some good citizens brought the transparency issue front and center last Monday night during the battle over the 4th ward council appointment, the real scuttlebutt was the behind the scenes maneuvering. If you really believe the arguments on behalf of the fourth ward appointment’s delay came from sincere caring or concern, let Da Horsey dispel you of such naive notions.
The skirmish over the critical swing vote on the City Council was nothing short of an all out Cold War with more skullduggery than a Soviet Union-US spy game. Legal brainstorming mapped out earlier than most knew surfaced on the city’s audio feed with Corporation Counsel Steve Kleinman heard saying on the break right after the swearing in of Councilman Mike Lenz, “Nino, all I can do. I thought about this for the last four hours. (Unintelligible) Face it, what can you do?” The consolation was extended to Councilman Nino Giacchi who played his part charmingly well, consistently advocating a carpe diem version of “seize delay.” To his credit Nino did offer a grudging congratulatory handshake to the new councilman as Mike Lenz walked by, far better than the limp effort Kleinman extended.
Update: Monday 8:40 – In an email exchange Tony Soares offered a clarification. To the question of whether the mayor had given him opportunity to present himself and his strengths for the appointment, Tony stated, “I did not yell at her, nor did I say ‘you owe me’ the rest I am not denying. For the record: since that encounter the Mayor and I have talked and there is no conflict. I remain a supporter of her administration and policies. Mike Lenz is has been an ally, friend and close advisor of mine for nearly 20 years, I know he will serve this city well.”
Related: The Hudson Reporter is reporting that “Some old Hoboken people are considering backing Soares against Lenz in November instead.” For the record, we also heard this but did not have sufficient verification even for our rumor series, “Grist for the Mill.” As America’s most beloved pony, we have to answer to an even higher standard.
Update: 5:45 In a brief conversation, Steve Kleinman, the corporation counsel answered our questions on the process and role he and Counsel Ed Buzak played leading into the vote for the 4th ward appointment. Steve had spent time researching any number of possible outcomes through the afternoon and also during part of the meeting itself. Although he had not spoken to Councilman Nino Giacchi at all leading up to the time a legal opinion was offered, he did consult with various council members during the day on all sides of the issue(s). The offhand remark in our piece was incomplete and not illustrative of those efforts. Mile Square View wishes to thank Mr. Kleinman for his time in providing a complete picture and also being a self-described avid reader.
Break Maiden No More
Sam Briggs, Campaign Manger for the Zimmer Campaign both in the first and second election leaves with a blowout victory in hand. Sam’s efforts have played a significant part in the success of the Kids First school board, a Democratic committee, city council and mayoral election. Well three out of four ain’t bad. Until he takes the true party back from George Soros, we refuse to declare him a genius. The John F. Kennedy saying applies, “Victory has a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan.” Sam leaves Hoboken a proud papa.