I received this email from Ravi Bhalla's campaign. Here is a candidate spelling out where he stands on recent issues that have been the topic at City Hall:This Week: Ravi on the Issues
During my almost ten years in town, I hardly get the sense that the public knows where political candidates stand on local issues.
This week I am sharing with you my views on three local issues: What has been called Hoboken's "unauthorized early retirement program"; Budget leadership by the Council; and a possible redevelopment zone designation for northwest Hoboken. At this past Wednesday's City Council meeting, all three issues were all on the table.
You should know where I stand and how I would have voted if I was on the City Council.Conventional wisdom says that it is politically saavy to be vague about on where you stand on issues.
Nonsense. Public servants should have public positions so that the public can support, critique, and otherwise engage our democratic system. Many of you may disagree with where I stand. That is ok.
At this juncture it is more important that political candidates take clear stands on issues, rather than hide behind generalities or radio silence. Let the conversation begin. Let me know where you stand by contacting me here.
Sincerely,Ravi
Ravi's Take: Why is Hoboken being billed $4.2 billion for an "unauthorized early retirement incentive program?
Background - The Law: The State of New Jersey has determined that Hoboken in 2008 initiated an "unauthorized early retirement incentive program" to about 25 employees. These programs offer employees, who are otherwise qualified to retire, some form of financial inducement to retire sooner than they would under normal circumstances.
According to state law, municipalities must obtain approval from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs prior to offering any such program to local employees. In addition under state law, any employer offering a retirement incentive program is directly billed by the State for the additional pension costs resulting from the program. So What Happened in Hoboken? In short, Hoboken offered city employees a retirement incentive program without obtaining prior approval from the State. According to state officials, Hoboken never even notified the State, much less obtained its approval, before offering this program to City employees. Consequently, Hoboken was never billed - until now - for the $4.2 million in additional costs created by the program. Learn more here.
Ravi's Take: In the Midst of a Budget Crisis, the City Council Refuses to Reduce its Own Salary
What I Saw at the City Council: This past Wednesday, the City Council, in a 4-4 vote, 1 abstention vote, rejected a measure that would have reduced their own salaries by 10%. Council members in favor of the ordinance argued that while this initiative would not greatly reduce our fiscal problems, it is a necessary start if the City Council is to consider measures to reduce the salaries and/or benefits of other city employees. Council members against the ordinance argued that it was merely symbolic and improper in light of the hours of hard work all council members place into performing their duties.My Take: I strongly support this measure and as a Councilman I would have voted in favor of it. If the measure was "symbolic", then the symbol was one of austerity and collective sacrifice - a powerful and necessary symbol for the City Council to adopt in a budget crisis.
A Redevelopment Zone Background: This past Wednesday, the City Council passed, by a 6-3 vote, a resolution that authorizes the Planning Board to undertake a study of 19 blocks in the northwestern corner of Hoboken as a potential area in need of redevelopment. Proponents of the measure argued that a study is necessary to determine what is necessary to enhance its development and in turn generate increased revenue either through PILOTS or traditional property tax revenue. Opponents of the measure argued that once the area is designated a redevelopment zone, developers will not be bound by zoning laws and so will be allowed to build high rise condos and office space. My Take: I would have voted against this measure at this juncture if I were on the Council.
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