The discussion on the petition to see municipal elections moved to November quietly passed without one negative vote.  Despite the unanimity, one public speaker on the petition, Phil Cohen was hectored after his remarks as he sat in the audience by Councilwoman Terry Castellano who attacked him for his comments.  Noting his neighbors complaints on the numerous elections in Hoboken created a backlash from Castellano about voting rights in other countries, Council President Peter Cunningham fortunately stepped in appropriately to halt the behavior early.  But it revealed the animosity for the petitioners’ masterstroke in mapping out a plan to have the matter put to the public to decide.

Election Day the public will decide if it elects to have municipal elections in November and the elimination of costly runoffs putting grassroots and lower funded candidates at a distinct disadvantage.

An ordinance to make changes to the southern entrance of Hoboken failed.  The upside is an approval for a new light from the County for Madison Street is anticipated shortly and may be pivotal to alleviating long waiting times in and out of the southern end of town.

This problem should not be overlooked for what caused it – OVERDEVELOPMENT.
Cars getting in and out of town reflect the fact this town is already overdeveloped.  Even changes made to the southern entrance one way or another are not going to correct reasonable driving expectations.

Another ordinance to stop smoking right outside municipal buildings passed 6-2.  Council President Cunningham called it a health issue for everyone not only employees.  Castellano and Occhipinti voted no and seemed overly concerned with city employees having to move 20 feet away from doorways and entrances.

Measures for subsidized housing were approved but MSV will need to get some additional information.

Beth Mason was absent and reportedly partying in North Carolina.

Talking Ed Note: At the July council meeting, MSV signed up late for public portion and discovered a lawsuit was planned as voiced by Councilwoman Beth Mason who announced the “verge of legal action,” which proved true two weeks later with one difference.  It wasn’t only MSV it was 12 defendants who typically speak against corruption and Beth Mason.

Hoboken resident David Denning sent an email voicing disagreement and said he would email Beth Mason.  We wished him luck not expecting there would be a reply as Mason typically ignores constituents other than the last remnant of dinner companions.

Mr. Denning voiced his disagreement with Mason’s threat made good and making it sitting behind the dais of the City Council as she collects money from the constituents paying her salary.

MSV knows Mr. Denning from various events around town and thanks him for taking a public stand in the face of obvious political intimidation.  That he took it whence it originated is noble and noteworthy.