Prehistoric Sidewalk Chalk Drawings Discovered in Hoboken

Prehistoric Sidewalk Chalk Drawings Discovered in Hoboken

Hoboken, NJ - Ancient chalk drawings recently uncovered on sidewalks in Hoboken appear to have anticipated the current mayoral race."TOMVINCENTFORMAYOR.ORG" and "VOTE TOM VINCENT" are among the messages apparently left by a mysterious and ancient civilization.

"It's remarkable that these prehistoric people were able to anticipate the correct format for modern URLs." said one archeologist who chose to remain anonymous, "This changes our entire picture of early indigenous peoples in the area. They were far more attuned to future local politics than we had originally thought."

The chalk drawings were found along well-travelled pedestrian routes to Hoboken's PATH train station which only adds to the mystery.Now that they've been exposed to the elements, experts disagree on how long they might remain visible. The drawings can be found on sidewalks along Hudson and River Streets below Newark Street.

Ancient and mysterious chalk drawings on Hoboken sidewalks.

My comment: As you might have alreaady guessed, this is a press release from Tom Vincent. More and more he is begining to resemble the candidacy of Thomas Vezzetti , former Mayor of Hoboken.

Tom Vincent's Campaign website: http://tomvincentformayor.org/

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Prehistoric Sidewalk Chalk Drawings Discovered in Hoboken

Discussion Thread - PILOTS

Just a little fun- Are there good reasons for some PILOTS?

I want to start a discussion thread about PILOTS to get the focus of this blog back onto topics that really matter to our city. One of those topics is the ever controversial use of PILOTS or payments in lieu of taxes. Basically a developer will make an arrangement with the City to make certain payments directly for a development project to the municipality and bypass county and school tax obligations. Some say that in theory the City should get more revenue but the reality to date has been something far less than that promise. Here are a series of questions to get the discussion going.....

- Are current PILOTS as implemented by both the Roberts and Russo Administrations fair to other taxpayers footing the bill?

- Was the extension of the Church Square Towers PILOT for another 10 years in the best interests of the fiscal health of the City or does the need to keep the status-quo more important for social and community reasons?

- Should PILOTS ever be used for new development in the City?

- If so, what should they be used for?

- Should PILOTS ever be used for residential or only commercial development?

- Should PILOTS be used for Senior or lower income housing?

- Do PILOTS hurt the City's financial present and future?

- What is the ideal length for PILOT if it must be done? 5 Years? 10 Years? 30 Years? 99 years?

Editors Rules: Keep this on topic and no mention of personalities other than those who are running for office or have held office and voted on this topic.

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Discussion Thread - PILOTS

Beth Mason Letter on HUMC Earlier this Week

Here is a statement from Beth Mason published earlier this week (4/25) regarding the HUMC and its importance to the community:

Dear Editor:
I wanted to take this opportunity to share my view on the importance of the Hoboken University Medical Center to the people of Hoboken. Healthcare is one the most significant issues facing our society. Spiraling costs and the absence of care for so many of our fellow citizens has created a severe crisis across the United States. This crisis has also affected our own area, leaving many of our neighbors vulnerable and frightened. Hospitals have not been immune to the crisis with closings and deep cuts. And, yet, many continue to provide remarkable care day in and day out.

And our hospital (formerly known as St. Mary Hospital) has been one of them, providing care for our neighbors, friends and visitors for generations. Each day I meet someone on the campaign trail who tells me that they have a relative who was born or whose life was saved by a doctor or nurse at the hospital. Clearly, HUMC is a vital part of the fabric of Hoboken. And that is why we must make sure it remains viable and economically solvent.

For years, I have remained steadfast in demanding that the hospital adhere to the highest level of openness and professionalism. That is the kind of commitment the doctors, nurses and other staff members provide to patients. It is incumbent on the administrative professionals to do the same thing. The people of Hoboken are the stewards of the Hoboken University Medical Center. And the stakes are high. Complete transparency regarding the financial well-being of the hospital is essential.

As a parent of two children and resident for almost 25 years in Hoboken, I understand and greatly value our hospital. And that is why I remain vigilant in demanding the highest degree of integrity from those running our hospital. That is what the people of Hoboken deserve.

Sincerely,
Councilwoman Beth Mason

Candidate for Mayor

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Beth Mason Letter on HUMC Earlier this Week

Beth Mason Event - Moms for Mason

Update 4/30/2009: One more Moms For Mason Event remains, coming up this Friday May 1, 2009 from 9:30-11am. If any one has photos from this morning that you would like to share please submit to kurt.gardiner@gmail.com.



Here are come upcoming meet and greets at Mayoral candidate Beth Mason's HQ on 315 Washington Street:

MOMS FOR MASON

Friday, May 1

9:30 - 11:00am

315 Washington Street

Stroll on over to campaign headquarters to meet The Mason Team for One Hoboken and free coffee and donuts. ◦

Beth Mason Event - Moms for Mason

Meet the Independents - Tonight at Texas Arizona - 6:30PM

The independent candidates for City Council and Mayor are getting together tonight at Texas Arizona for an informal meet and greet:


Meet the Independents:

Some of the independent mayoral and councilperson candidates invite you to an informal meet and greet tonight, Thursday April 30th. The gathering starts at 6:30 PM at Texas Arizona at 76 River St. This event is pay as you go and all are welcome. Drop by for a drink and get to know your candidates in a more informal setting.

Confirmed Candidates Attending:

Ryn Melberg Mayor Candidate
Frank Orsini Mayor Candidate
Tom Vincent Mayor Candidate
Chris Carbine Council Candidate
Timothy Occhipinti Council Candidate

My Question: Does anybody know what happened to Patricia Waiters, the other City Council Candidate not on a slate? She was scheduled to show for the Hoboken Candidates Forum but never showed up. Comment below if you know. Thanks. ◦

Meet the Independents - Tonight at Texas Arizona - 6:30PM

Photo of the Day - Little League Parade

Here is a photo from the Hoboken Little League parade several weekends ago:

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Photo of the Day - Little League Parade

Reader Mail - Jonathon Metsch Endorses Zimmer for Mayor

Here is an email I received from Jonathan Metsch that endorses the candidacy of Dawn Zimmer for Mayor. He is writing this on behalf of himself and not any tax advocacy organization that he happens to be a part of.

Editors Note: If anyone else wants to submitt a letter to the editor endorsing ANY candidate to this site email me at kurt.gardiner@gmail.com.

A Case For Mayor Zimmer - by Jonathan Metsch

As we prepare to vote for Mayor, it is important to be clear on the differences between the three major candidates.

Mr. Cammarano's oft repeated position is that if every Council member voted for the '09 budget as he did, Hoboken would be OK because the State would not have taken over. Of course he ignores and offers no plan to address Hoboken's $15 million structural deficit, that he is obviously ready to keep buried like Mayor Roberts.

Mr. Cammarano talks about SMART PILOTs but offers no specifics. He objects to the State Fiscal Monitor starting a Property Revaluation, saying this should be left to elected officials (who have not done it in 20 years). He sees the Board of Education as an elected body, not accountable to City Hall.

Mr. Cammarano thinks that the City taking over the hospital was an incredible value to Hoboken but he cannot calculate the City's exposure on the $53 million bond guarantee. Instead he advocates, if necessary, that zoning changes to upgrade the approved use would provide sufficient funds to pay off the bonds in full (while, of course, dramatically changing the character of the neighborhood).

Ms. Mason thinks that she already has the answers to Hoboken's problems through her investigations, OPRA requests, committee meetings and litigation. And she seems to think her solutions can simply be parachuted into City Hall and all will be fixed.

Ms. Mason wills "right-size" not "down-size" all agencies. She will retrain and re-deploy city employees. She will get unions to sacrifice ("give-backs").

Ms. Mason says PILOTs should be used to reshape and rehabilitate underutilized parts of town, then voted for renewal, without changes, of the expired Church Towers PILOT. And before voting for Dawn Zimmer's recent PILOT Transparency resolution, she tried to table it as unnecessary saying a similar State statute already existed (then was corrected by Corporation Counsel). And she celebrated the W Hotel opening which received the most unnecessary PILOT ever where million dollar condo owners pay $4,000 city taxes, and no county or Board of Education taxes.

Ms. Mason says she was against the Robert's plan to take over the hospital but has not mustered the City Council around a plan to get the City off the bond guarantee. While she is for an equitable distribution of taxes she proposes that the REVAL be deferred until 2011 which would not put it in effect until at least 2014.

Ms. Mason said it important to keep City politics out of the Board of Education thus inappropriate to endorse any candidates, but after the election put a gratuitous advertisement in the paper congratulating KIDS FIRST.

Dawn Zimmer thinks we need to reach a consensus on core values for community development and then make sure that the master plan, redevelopment proposals and individual projects address these core values. Dawn will implement a process where together residents (residential and commercial) will discuss, develop and formalize core values for Hoboken.

Here are few of the core values I believe Dawn has in mind. Fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability. A renewed commitment to open spaces where we can enjoy the outdoors, have fields for our kids, and see the river. Maintaining Hoboken as a small town with unique neighborhoods. The City should not own a hospital; it needs to be re-privatized and merged with a regional center as quickly as possible. The Mayor must work with the Board of Education to develop a three year plan to get Hoboken's schools in the top tier in New Jersey.

Dawn's many substantive accomplishments include: exposed 16 years of fiscal management and that Mayor Roberts 2008 budget was underfunded by over $11 million; sponsored a resolution that requires disclosure of the true costs of PILOT tax abatements granted to developers as compared to regular taxation; rejected a ten year extension of the Church Towers PILOT that continued taxpayer subsidies to people making over $100,000 per year without legally protecting those who really need affordable housing; worked with Jersey City and Hudson County to reopen the stalled process of rerouting Patterson Plank Road; and sponsored resolutions establishing an Open Space Trust Fund, creating Hoboken’s first bike lanes, and enabling Hoboken to obtain a grant funded energy audit,

Electing Mr. Cammarano would be a continuation of the Russo/ Roberts "status quo", "pay-to-play", " friends first" style of government.

Electing Ms. Mason would bring Hoboken a "top-down" elitist style of exclusive leadership based on absolute certainties like "Hoboken must build or die."

Electing Dawn Zimmer as Hoboken's next Mayor would mean "slow government" characterized by financial and tax austerity, inclusiveness and consultation, and a "green" prism for all public policy decisions.

Dawn brings back thoughts of Robert Kennedy who said: "There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?" ◦

Reader Mail - Jonathon Metsch Endorses Zimmer for Mayor

Chris Carbine’s Response to Judy Tripodi’s Extension of FXFOWLE

Here Chris Carbine’s Response to Judy Tripodi’s Extension of FXFOWLE sent on April 29th:

FROM: CHRIS CARBINE CAMPAIGN for CITY COUNCIL

As a candidate for City Council, I want to go on record as opposing Judy Tripodi’s decision to maintain FXFOWLE as the architect for the New Jersey Transit Redevelopment Zone. Their experience is solely in building large-scale skyscrapers.

This is not in keeping with the scale and small town feel of Hoboken. The large-scale project being considered would create a very dangerous and congested traffic flow on Observer Highway. Hoboken’s Redevelopment Agency is the City Council, not an unelected official. In addition, the citizen’s of Hoboken absolutely need to be involved in any project which would have a questionable impact on Hoboken. The citizen’s concerns and requests must be taken into consideration when considering all future planning & development.

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Chris Carbine’s Response to Judy Tripodi’s Extension of FXFOWLE

Anti Zimmer Midnight Flier on the Streets

Has anyone seen this flyer out and about against Dawn Zimmer who is a candidate for Mayor? This also attacks Carol Marsh, Michael Lenz, Tony Soares and Jenny Davis. It does not have a paid for statement on the bottom so it is in violation of the standards for campaign literature. Anybody in town see someone distributing these? Now, you can't say I never publish anything anti-Zimmer :) :

Midnight Flyer Anti Zimmer April 29

View more documents from Kurt Gardiner.

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Anti Zimmer Midnight Flier on the Streets

Statement from Tony Soares

Here is a statement from Tony Soares that addresses false claims of him ripping down signage of Beth Mason's campaign. This is a statement from him and not necessarily of this blog as I have no knowledge either way about any such events :

From: Former Council President Tony Soares
To: Local Media

It has come to my attention that anonymous sources have called the media with false reports that I was seen '"Tearing Down"Pole Signs for Mayoral Candidate Beth Mason and her running mates on the "corner of 13th and Bloomfield Streets".

This is completely false. Standing at just 4'2" tall, the alleged activity would be completely impossible for me physically, as well as a waste of my time. Unfortunately my current obligations have greatly reduced the time I would usually dedicate to public service activities.

-Tony Soares ◦

Statement from Tony Soares

State Fiscal Monitor Acts Unilaterally to Extend FXFOWLE Contract

Here is a press release from the Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition on the extension of payments to FXFOWLE totaling $155,000 by the State Fiscal Monitor Judy Tripodi:

State Fiscal Monitor Acts Unilaterally to Extend FXFOWLE Contract
for NJ Transit Redevelopment Plan, Despite City Council Vote to Table

Tripodi Adds $100,000 to Total Cost of Redevelopment Plan; Intends to Move
Redevelopment Plan to Completion Without Incorporating Community Feedback

Hoboken, NJ – April 28, 2009 – State Fiscal Monitor Judy Tripodi informed Hoboken City Council Members in a memo dated April 16 that she is moving ahead to authorize an extension of the contract between the City of Hoboken and FXFOWLE, the firm engaged to create the redevelopment plan for the NJ Transit rail yards in our city, from the original $155,000 to a new maximum of $255,000.

The resolution already has met with opposition twice in City Council, which first voted it down by a vote of 8 to 0 on March 4 and tabled it by a 4 to 3 vote on April 1. Several council members cited the planning firm’s failure to respond to the concerns raised at public meetings. However, a letter from FXFOWLE dated Feb. 24, included with the March 4 resolution, plainly states that the request for additional funds “does not include any additional public meetings, or new professional renderings or modifications to the existing professional renderings.”

Instead, FXFOWLE attributes the need for additional funds to the ongoing “consensus building process,” which the proposal outlines as up to six additional “stakeholder meetings” between the planning firm, NJ Transit, the City Planning Department and representatives of City Council. No citizens groups are included in these discussions.

At least some of the amount appears to cover additional costs already incurred by FXFOWLE, according to the firm’s previous proposal letter, dated Jan. 28, which cited the extension of the planning period from six to nine months, and the burden of having held three instead of the original two public meetings.

“FXFOWLE’s proposal does not cover any future public meetings or the cost of changing the professional renderings of the mammoth towers proposed for the site,” said Terry Pranses of the Hoboken Rail Yards Task Force. “So, what does this expenditure cover? It appears the additional $100,000 authorized by the State Monitor will pay for activity beyond their previously approved total, as well as for new incremental activity, though, not for any substantive changes to the plan in response to public concerns.”

FXFOWLE’s redevelopment plan reflects none of the concerns raised by members of the public in the three open meetings. The concerns expressed include the very out-of-scale buildings, an appearance that does not fit into Hoboken, and the lack of integration into the City’s streetscape.
“Because this decision is not being taken in the open forum of a City Council meeting, Ms. Tripodi’s action raises a number of questions,” Pranses added. “First, what exactly does the additional funding cover and how valid are these expenses? Whose input did Ms. Tripodi seek in making her recommendation? If not City Council, who is setting the objectives and timetable for FXFOWLE?”

While the State Fiscal Monitor has the authority to sign contracts and approve expenses, “We believe that only the duly elected City Council members should represent the people of the City of Hoboken on matters that affect the future size and scale of our community,” he concluded.

About the Hoboken Rail Yards Task Force
The Task Force was formed in the wake of the third public meeting held by the City to present the NJ Transit Rail Yards redevelopment plan, when it was made clear that the designated planners, FXFOWLE, had incorporated none of the feedback expressed by members of the community at the previous two meetings. The group advocates development of the rail yards in a scale and manner that complements the larger community it will be joining. New development at this crucial site will impact Hoboken for many generations. For more information, contact Terry Pranses at pranses@aol.com.

About the Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition
The QLC (http://www.qlchoboken.org/) was instrumental in forging the western alignment of the Light Rail route in Hoboken, led the fight that prevented construction of a hockey stadium over the railroad tracks, and joined with several other groups fighting to secure properties at 1600 Park Avenue and 900 Monroe sites as designated parkland. Recently, QLC worked with Hoboken Heritage to protect portions of the Holy Innocents site from demolition and construction of a mid-rise building, and with the Neumann Leathers Tenants Association to save the historic factory buildings from demolition. It is currently promoting scrutiny of plans before the Hoboken Planning Board for 65-story and 45-story buildings proposed for the Erie Lackawanna train yards in southern Hoboken. In March 2008 the Coalition and its Committee for a Green Hoboken secured the unanimous passage of the Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement, a commitment to work for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions throughout the municipality. ◦

State Fiscal Monitor Acts Unilaterally to Extend FXFOWLE Contract

Mayor Debate Recap Poll

Rather than have me blather on about how I feel the candidates did during the debate, I thought I would let the readers of my blog decide who did the best during the debate for Hoboken Mayor. If there is a runoff, the debate format could be one on one for two hours with some back and forth. Here is the poll:

Online Surveys & Market Research

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Mayor Debate Recap Poll

RealHoboken.com on One Blogs Erosion of Trust

Here is an article from Joe Concha of http://www.realhoboken.com/ on a certain website proprietor who he feels is compromised in the current election in terms of reporting. Can anyone guess who or what website this could be about?:

Don’t Trust the Messenger
by Joe Concha

http://www.realhoboken.com/columns/2009_columns/trust.htm

My Comment: I spoke to Joe Concha this morning and he gave me permission to put the link to the story on my site. He verified to me that he spoke with many people including one Mason insider who wished to remain annonymous. Feel free to comment below whether this article hits the mark or not. ◦

RealHoboken.com on One Blogs Erosion of Trust

Former Fire Chief Tremitiedi Endorses Cammarano

Here is a press release from the Peter Cammarano Camp picking up yet another endorsement:

Tremitiedi Endorses Cammarano
‘Former Fire Chief Cites Public Safety Layoffs as Major Concern’

HOBOKEN, NJ – Former Hoboken Fire Chief and City Council candidate Richard Tremitiedi announced his support and endorsement for Councilman Peter Cammarano to be the next Mayor of Hoboken. “As a longtime resident, fire chief, and civic activist, I am honored to endorse Councilman Peter Cammarano and his diverse team, Frances Rhodes-Kearns, Michael Novak, and Angel Alicea,” stated Tremitiedi. “They will be there for every resident of Hoboken and truly represent the hard working families of our city.”

Tremitiedi had voiced his reservations about the State Monitor’s role in Hoboken and understood the control Judy Tripodi would have over decisions made in Hoboken city government. Now that public safety layoffs are imminent, those reservations are being realized.

As Chair of the Public Safety Committee on the Hoboken City Council, Cammarano understands the important role firefighters and police officers play in keeping Hoboken residents safe. “Nothing is more important than the safety of Hoboken residents and families,” said Cammarano. “I am happy to have the support and endorsement of Mr. Tremitiedi, he has a long history of service to Hoboken and understands the important role firefighters play in keeping our city safe.”

Cammarano has called for Tripodi to find other areas to trim the budget and make it more efficient, but not layoffs of public safety workers that could put Hoboken families and residents in danger.

“Peter has grown from his experience on the City Council, and is a genuine student of municipal government,” said Tremitiedi. “These qualities, and his dedication to Hoboken will get our city’s fiscal house back in order.”

Peter Cammarano is the only candidate running for Mayor who did his job last year by voting to pass a City budget – which would have stopped the State takeover and prevented the ensuing 47% tax increase. Cammarano has come out strongly against laying off public safety employees in Hoboken and wanted to avoid State control by passing a budget last year.

Here is the presentation in SlideShre:

Tremitiedi Press Release 4 29 09

View more documents from Kurt Gardiner.

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Former Fire Chief Tremitiedi Endorses Cammarano

Kids First Swearing in Ceremony - Hoboken BOE

Here is some raw video that I put together of last night's Kids First BOE ticket being sworn in to their 3 year positions on the Board of Education. This also contains footage of Rose Marie Markle being elected as BOE President. Carrie Gilliard was elected as BOE Vice President. I only attended the first part of the meeting as I also wanted to see the Mayoral debate as put on by POG and the QLC.

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Kids First Swearing in Ceremony - Hoboken BOE

State of NJ's Forests - Presentation at Hoboken Library 4/30/09

Here is an event that will be at the Hoboken Public Library tomorrow at 5PM April 30th. Brian Clough will be giving a lecture on "The State of New Jesery's Forests". Here are the details in Slideshare below:

Library Earth Day Lecture - Hoboken

View more documents from Kurt Gardiner.

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State of NJ's Forests - Presentation at Hoboken Library 4/30/09

Kids First Being Sworn in Tonight 7PM

The Hoboken Board of Education is having its reorganization meeting tonight at 7 PM. Kids first candidates Theresa Minutillo, Maureen Sullivan, and Ruth McCallister will be sworn in for their three year terms.

For Theresa Minutillo this is her second 3-year term. Frank Raia is out and the other vacancy of Anthony Romano, who stepped down to assume the duties of Hudson County Freeholder, will be filled by the two new-comers on the ticket.

Frank Raia was quoted in the Hoboken Reporter last weekend when asked what was next for him. He said: "I’m going Disney World" he joked. "I don’t know. I think the town is way out of whack. I don’t know what’s going on anymore."

Beth Mason put an ad into the Hoboken Reporter congratulating Kids First on their victory last weekend. Some Kids First supporters remarked that the price of the ad afterwards would have been better spent on helping the campaign. Others claimed she was trying to take credit after the fact. Beth Mason however, remained "officially" neutral throughout the contest. Last year she had endorsed a set of candidates but was not running for Mayor as she explained it to me last night. I leave that to the reader whether or not that is a post election rationalization or not.

My comment: In my response to Frank Raia's quote: "I don't know what is going on anymore" I think I know what is going on. The taxpayer woke up and voted. Whether a Dawn Zimmer or Beth Mason supporter, whether B&R, or newbie, a large cross section of voters showed up and voted against the incumbency. The Kids First ticket had the right message, the right slate, the recent tax increases, more media coverage (Hoboken 411 helped with some breaking stories), support of another political campaign (regardless of your opinion of Dawn's motivation for supporting Kids First her campaign organization helped with re-election day planning and election day execution), and the large number of volunteers. All these factors made the difference.

Also, Frank Raia did not do what he needed to secure the win. It is hard to tell at this point if it means that the natural status quo base has eroded. After all, just a year ago the Kids First Team suffered a setback and lost the seats needed for a majority. A lot can change in one year but it will take more than one year to get Hoboken Schools on track. As agents of change, we the supporters of Kids First must remain engaged.

Here is the Kids First Celebration Party Video (with plenty of comments):

http://thehobokenjournal.blogspot.com/2009/04/kids-first-celebration-video.html ◦

Kids First Being Sworn in Tonight 7PM

Tom Vincent Campaign Update

Here is a press release of upcomming events for Tom Vncent as a Mayoral Candidate:

Tom Vincent for Mayor

Upcoming Events

Monday April 27th, 2009
A Very Busy Week
There's one Meet the Independent Candidates event and three mayoral forums this week. Of the forums, one you can attend, and should, the other two aren't open to the public but will be shown on the web or local television.

Tuesday April 28, 2009
Mayoral Forum sponsored by People for Open Government, Quality of Life Coalition, and Our Lady of Grace.
7:30pm - 9:30pm

Our Lady of Grace school building (5th Street and Willow Avenue)
This is the main event. Come and submit questions and the moderators will select those to be asked of the candidates. The organizers combine similar questions, so even if yours doesn't get read exactly you'll most likely get an answer. This is a very well organized and fair forum that gets lots of attention from Hoboken voters.

Wednesday April 29, 2009
The Jersey Journal Mayoral Forum. Not open to the public (I only heard about this today).
1pm - 3pm tentative
Babbio Center at Stevens Tech.

The candidates will be asked questions by members of the Jersey Journal editorial staff:
Carly Baldwin (Reporter)
Augie Torres (Political Insider)
Margaret Schmidt (Managing Editor)
Judy Locorriere (Editor-in-Chief)

This will be video taped for distribution on The Jersey Journal's web site: http://www.nj.com/hobokennow/

Thursday April 30, 2009
Meet the Independents
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Texas Arizona, 76 River Street, Hoboken.
As this is a shared event among the independent candidates there's no donation to get in, and hence, no open bar.

Here's who will be there:
Ryn Melberg - Mayor Candidate
Frank Orsini - Mayor Candidate
Tom Vincent - Mayor Candidate
Chris Carbine - Council Candidate
Timothy Occhipinti - Council Candidate

Friday May 1, 2009
CableVision's Meet the Leaders Election Forum. Not open to the public.
11am - 12pm
CableVision studios in Newark
Jeff Henig asks questions of the candidates.

This will be broadcast on CableVision's local programming channel 18 Saturday May 2nd through Monday May 11th:

Saturday at 8pm
Sunday at 10pm
Monday at 8pm
Wednesday at 6pm
Thursday at 10pm
Saturday at 8pm
Sunday at 8pm
Monday at 6pm

And don't forget the actual election on May 12th. That's sort of the whole point here. Keep spreading the word. We're getting some traction and have to really surge these last two weeks. I'm trying to schedule more events and will keep you posted.

Thanks for everything,

Tom Vincent

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Tom Vincent Campaign Update

Hoboken Revolt - Information on Upcoming Election Events

Here is a message from Hoboken Revolt regarding the upcoming Mayoral and City Council Elections....

Election day is just two weeks away on May 12th! Want to learn more about who's running? Come to a forum TONIGHT to hear the six candidates running for Mayor discuss the top issues facing our city.

Event: QLC/POG Mayoral Candidates Forum
Date: TONIGHT, Tuesday, April 28th
Time: 7:30-9:30 pm (you can come in and out at any time)
Place: Our Lady of Grace School on Willow Ave at 5th St.

Sponsored by:
- The People for Open Government
- Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition
- Our Lady of Grace Parish

For more information visit: http://www.hobokenpog.org/

View the Council Candidate Forum video (viewable by candidate and topic) here: http://videos01.hobokenpog.org/1.aspx

Looking to get more involved? We need your help! Email us at VolunteerToRevolt@gmail.com

Help us help you...please consider donating to Hoboken Revolt so we can continue our efforts. Click here for more information: http://www.hobokenrevolt.com/page/donate-1

Love Your Town, VOTE!

For more information visit Hoboken Revolt at: http://www.hobokenrevolt.com/

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Hoboken Revolt - Information on Upcoming Election Events

Photo of the Day - Hudson Street Blooming Tree

Here is a photo of a tree on upper Hudson Street in full bloom. This stretch of street-scapes is one of the most beautiful in Hoboken.

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Photo of the Day - Hudson Street Blooming Tree

Gubernatorial "Fringe" Candidate Jeff Boss at NJ Rail Station Hoboken

Jeff Boss at Lackawanna Train Station Hoboken

Last night I ran into none other than Jeff Boss. Many of you may not know him but he is running for Governor of NJ in the upcoming Democratic Primary in June. One of the things that makes Jeff Boss a true "fringe candidate" is the use of all CAPS in his literature and his belief, still in a conspiracy theory about the US Government being behind the 911 attacks. His website is at the following address: http://www.jeffbossforgovernor.com/.

Here are his campaign promises for Governor (in their original all caps format):

THINGS JEFF BOSS WILL DO AS GOVERNOR

1. GET RID OF TOLLS ON THE PARKWAY AT THE UNION, ESSEX, BERGEN TOLL PLAZAS THE FIRST WEEK I AM IN OFFICE OR I WILL RESIGN.
2.GET RID OF TOLLS FOR N.J. LICENSED CARS ON THE TURNPIKE. I WILL RAISE THE TOLLS ON THE TURNPIKE 5 TIMES HIGHER, BUT WE WILL OFFER A PROMOTION RATE FOR N.J. LICENSED CARS THAT WILL OFFER TURNPIKE RATES AT LESS THAN $ .50c PER TRIP FOR N.J. CARS. THIS PROMOTIONAL RATE TO ENCOURAGE N.J. VECHILES TO CARPOOL. THIS PROMOTIONAL RATE WILL LAST AS LONG AS I AM IN OFFICE.
3. REINSTATE REBATE CHECKS FOR ALL
4. BRING THE UNION JOBS BACK TO N.J. BY PUTTING THE CEO'S AND THE FOREMAN THAT HIRE THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN JAIL FOR SEVEN DAYS FOR EACH PERSON HIRED. BRING THE UNION JOBS BACK TO NEW JERSEY, AND REGAIN QUALITY MIDDLE CLASS JOBS.
5. LOWER PROPERTY TAXES 25%-50% THE FIRST YEAR. MANDATE THAT THE TOWNS REAPPRAISE YOUR HOMES. MOST HOMES ARE DOWN 30% SINCE THE LAST APPRAISAL.
6. LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING. WE WILL BRING IN 2-4 BILLION IN TAX REVENUE.WE WILL OFFER FREE COLLEGE & GRADUATE SCHOOL FOR ALL N.J. RESIDENTS TO GO TO COLLEGE IN N.J.
7.FREE COLLEGE & GRADUATE SCHOOL FOR N.J. RESIDENTS THAT GO TO HIGH SCHOOL IN N.J. FOR 4 YEARS.
8. LOWER CAR INSURANCE 20%-50%. BY STOPPING THE INSURANCE FRAUD. WE WILL PUT A NEW LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY IN AFFECT TO STOP THE FRAUD IN ORDER TO LOWER THE INSURANCE RATE.
9. NO INSURANCE COMPANY OR HMO THAT DOES BUSINESS IN NEW JERSEY MAY DENY ANY LEGITIMATE CLAIM FOR NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS.
10. BRIDGE LOANS FOR THOSE NEAR FORECLOSURE OR IN FORECLOSURE SO PEOPLE DON'T LOSE THEIR HOMES. A TWO YEAR MORATORIUM ON FORECLOSURES.
11.. BUILD A NEW GREEN ECONOMY IN N.J. AND CREATE 100,000+ JOBS IN N.J. WE WILL BUILD WINDMILLS,SOLAR PANELS,AND THE ELECTRIC CAR IN N.J.. WE WILL USE N.J. LABOR,PARTS FROM N.J. AND CREATE 100,000+ NEW JOBS IN N.J.
12. INTEREST FREE LOANS FOR EVERYBODY TO PUT UP WINDMILLS AND SOLAR PANELS ON THEIR HOMES AND BUILDINGS. PAY THE LOAN BACK AT HALF YOUR CURRENT ELECTRICAL BILL. WITHIN A FEW YEARS,ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS WILL BE FREE. WE WILL FINALLY DO SOMETHING ABOUT GLOBAL WARMING.
13. FUND STATE WORKERS PENSION FUNDS.
14. FUND STEM CELL AND AUTISM RESEARCH.
15. SEPARATION BETWEEM CHURCH AND STATE
16. NO MORE FLOURIDE IN THE WATER SYSTEM
17. SCRAP OUR CURRENT VOTING MACHINES. REPLACE THEM WITH VOTING MACHINES THAT GIVE RECEIPTS AND ARE COUNTED SEPARATELY.
18. I WILL WORK WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO MAKE SURE THAT N.J. TAX DOLLARS WHICH ARE PAID OUT TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AT THE TOP 5% OF ALL STATES AND IS PAID BACK AT THE LOWEST 5% TO N.J. IS CORRECTED. I WILL MAKE SURE THE MONEY WE PAY IN, GETS PAID BACK TO NEW JERSEY AS CLOSELY AS POSSIBLE.
19. I WILL WORK TO GET THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO REPEAL THE PATRIOT ACT, WHICH HAS TAKEN AWAY OUR CIVIL LIBERTIES, PRIVACY, AND CIVIL RIGHTS. THE PATRIOT ACT HAS ALSO TAKEN AWAY OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.
20. I WILL FUND EDUCATION, INCLUDING RAISING SALARIES FOR TEACHERS.
21. I WANT TO BUILD NEW ROADS AND BRIDGES IN N.J. WITH UNION JOBS. I WANT TO GET THE NEW JERSEY ROADS WORKING CORRECTLY, WITH LESS TRAFFIC. I WANT TO BUILD A NEW ROAD FROM CAPE MAY TO SPARTA.I WILL WORK TO GET THE POWER LINES BURIED AND REPLACE THE LAND WITH ROADS, PARKS, BICYCLE PATHS AND WINDMILL FARMS.

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Gubernatorial "Fringe" Candidate Jeff Boss at NJ Rail Station Hoboken

Peter Cammarano Senior Lunch Recap from 4/26/2009

An anonymous reader sent in these photos of one of Peter Cammarano's events a Senior Lunch that was held on Sunday April 26th at the Elks Club. Here are some of the photos from the event:




The reader went on to say the following about the event:

I am going to be sending you pictures from Peter Cammarano's Senior Lunch he had today! It was a bunch of fun as you will see by the pictures. Over 300 seniors attended at the elks. Live music was playing seniors and the candidates were dancing. Also, all the families of the candidates attended.

Some notable people that attended were:

Frank Raia who also spoke (he also attended Peters Fundraiser at The Madison) - I guess this is a endorsement of sort from Raia.
Perry Belifore (HHA Commissioner)
Andrew Amato (Former 4th Ward Councilman)
Maurice Fitzibbons (Former Freeholder)
Hector Claveria(HHA Commissioner)
Michael Schafer (former Councilman)
Tom Foley( Elks and senior Foley)

Plus more I cant think about.. But it was VERY VERY FUN DAY FOR ALL ◦

Peter Cammarano Senior Lunch Recap from 4/26/2009

New Blog about Hoboken Taxi Issues

New Blog about Hoboken Taxi Issues

Here is a new website on Hoboken's Taxi issues sent to me by reader "ezl" entitled Hoboken Taxi Complaints. It is a blogger site designed inform residents about Taxi rules and regulations as well as a place to lodge complaints or concerns:

Like many in town, I have been incredibly frustrated by the state of the taxi services in town and also the lack of enforcement of the rules and regulations. My feeling is that so many folks are unaware of what the regulations actually are that most don't know their rights and feel that the current state of service is somehow within the bounds of the law.

To try to fill that gap I have started a blog on the topic at http://hobokentaxicomplaints.blogspot.com/.

On the site I've posted links to the municipal ordinances, recent activities by the city's Division of Taxi and Limousine Licensing, general rules and regulations and also the procedures to file complaints (happily, very straightforward).

I've also shared the site with Annette Chaparro, who heads Hoboken's Division of Taxi & Limousine Licensing so hopefully she can use it as a resource for communication, feedback, etc.

It would be great if you could share the site and its goal with your readers...the more eyes on this issue and the more voices demanding improvement the quicker we will have consistent, reliable service...

Thanks,

"ezl" ◦

New Blog about Hoboken Taxi Issues

Hoboken's Mayor Dave Roberts Makes Swine Flu Annoucement

NJ.com Hoboken now has an article that states that the city of Hoboken has released an advisory on the current Swine Flu issue that has ffected some people in the US. There have been no reported cases of Swine flu for Hudson County at this point. Dave Roberts had issued the folowing advisory in the article:

http://www.nj.com/hobokennow/index.ssf/2009/04/wash_your_hands_and_cover_your.html

Earlier this morning around 10:2o AM Dawn Zimmer had released this statement mentioning the need for such an announcement. Whether Dave Mayor Roberts did so of his own volition or was prompted by Dawn Zimmer can't be ascertained by me at this time:

ZIMMER CALLS FOR HOBOKEN SWINE FLU PREPAREDNESS BRIEFING

City Councilwoman Dawn Zimmer called for City Hall to conduct an immediate Swine Flu Preparedness Briefing so the Hoboken community is fully informed on existing contingency plans and what additional preparation is underway given this specific emerging situation.

Zimmer said: "Hoboken is a high density town, a major transportation hub with thousands of commuters coming and going every day, and an 'international' city with residents travelling all over the world. We need to assure the community that we have the "surge capacity" to quickly handle a large number of rapidly occurring cases.”

While monitoring status reports and directives from the (Federal) Center for Disease Control and Department of Homeland Security and the State Department of Health, it is important that Hoboken residents - particularly seniors, schools, day care centers, and restaurants - have a local information source starting today so appropriate consistent evidenced-based decisions are made."
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Hoboken's Mayor Dave Roberts Makes Swine Flu Annoucement

May 6th - Hoboken Homeless Shelter's Spring Happy Hour Fundraiser

Here is another upcoming charity event:

May 6th - Hoboken Homeless Shelter's

Spring Happy Hour Fundraiser

Location: City Bistro 14th Street (btw Washington & Hudson)

When: Wednesday, May 6, 7:00PM

Come join us at the Annual Spring Happy Hour Fundraiser to benefit the Hoboken Homeless Shelter - Wednesday, May 6th from 7 to 10pm at City Bistro. We are asking for a minimum donation of $25 at the door which includes half price drinks and complimentary appetizers. We have the 2nd floor & ROOFTOP bar to ourselves and live music all night long! Contact Todd Kinney mailto:todd.kinney@yahoo.com for more information.

If you can not attend the event but would like to make an online donation to the shelter, just click here: www.hobokenshelter.org/donors/Donor_Main.html

The mission of the Hoboken Shelter is to prevent homelessness and to assist homeless men and women re-integrate into the community. The Hoboken Shelter, which was established in 1982 and located at 300 Bloomfield Ave, is celebrating 25 years of creating community in Hoboken, sheltering 300,000 men & women, and serving over 1 million meals! (http://www.hobokenshelter.org/) ◦

May 6th - Hoboken Homeless Shelter's Spring Happy Hour Fundraiser

Kids First Celebration Video

Here is a video from the Kids First Celebration Party at Maxwell's Tuesday April 21st after the results had been determined:



The Kids First Team will be sworn in Tuesday April 28th at 7pm during the BOE reorganization meeting.

Here is an email from Theresa Minutillo of the Kids First team giving thanks to all her supporters:

Thank you, Hoboken, for giving us a chance to put Kids First.

Please come to the reorganization meeting April 28th at 7 pm as Maureen, Ruthy and I get sworn in and begin to get down to business. We look forward to your continued support and involvement as we work to make our schools the best they can possibly be. We’d like to thank the many friends, neighbors and family members who worked so hard, for a cause they believed in so much: our children's education. We’re excited to have the opportunity to support our students, teachers and the rest of our dedicated staff and look forward to working with the new board.

We would like to give a big thank you to our wonderful campaign manager, Liz Mulholland, who made everything possible; our treasurer, Kai Rebane; our graphic designer, Nancy Pincus; Jan Wilson, who coordinated our letter writing campaign; Greg Bond, our website designer; Jean Marie Mitchell for our beautiful buttons and tee's; Irene Sobolov, Felicia Rubino Drasheff, Liz Markevitch, Carrie Phillips and Barbara Bravo for all their canvassing and getting the word out; Lauren Blumenfeld for her volunteer coordination; Frances Jennings for scheduling our house parties; Rachel Goldberg for organizing the voter id's and call nights; Mac Hartshorn for our photographs; the Rev. Tony Forbes for introducing us to his friends/neighbors; our wonderful children, Gabriela Gross, Jesse McAllister, Timothy Koppisch and Julia Koppisch, and everyone else who put the time in. We must also mention Dawn Zimmer and her army of volunteers, staff and council candidates, Carol Marsh, Ravi Bhalla, and Dave Mello, for their early support and especially these last few days for putting their own campaign to the side and contributing so much to this decisive victory. And extra special thanks go out to our now fellow Board Trustees Carrie Gilliard and Rose Markle for being part of every Kids First campaign since we started and for their tireless efforts on the board.

For everyone who sent or read and responded to an email blast, came to an event, wore a button or tee shirt, hung a poster, wrote a check, or just quietly voted Kids First – Thank You. And now, after the ballots are counted, it’s time to go to work.

See you all this Tuesday, 7pm at 1115 Clinton Street. We're ready to get started. ◦

Kids First Celebration Video

Meet & Greet with Ryn Melberg April 30, 2009

Meet & Greet with Ryn Melberg April 30, 2009

Mark your calendars for a unique opportunity to meet independent mayoral and city council candidates. On Thursday, April 30th, 2009 at 6:30 PM the candidates will gather at the Texas Arizona Bar and Restaurant at 76 River Street.

Ryn Melberg, an experienced financial manager, will be joined by fellow mayoral candidate Frank Orsini and City Council Candidates Chris Carbine and Timothy Occhipinti. The candidates will be available all evening for casual conversation and any questions.

A cash bar and pay-as-you-go food will be available. For information, visit http://www.hirerynformayor.com/ or email: info@HireRynForMayor.com. ◦

Meet & Greet with Ryn Melberg April 30, 2009

Cablevision TV Interview Schedule - from David Mello

Here is a note from Council at large Candidate Dave Mello on the air times of recent Cablevision Interviews from the City Council Candidates. This not only pertains to him but the other council candidates as well:

David Mello TV Interviews Currently Airing - CHECK THEM OUT

Hi Everyone,

On Friday, my Council At-Large running mates and I were interviewed by Cablevision's local programming arm. The second airing of those interviews is tonight, Sunday the 26th, at 10:00 PM on channel 18. Check it out if you get the chance.

Below is the full schedule of channel 18 air times:

Monday, April 27th, 8:00 PM
Wednesday, April 29th, 6:00 PM
Thursday, April 30th, 10:00 PM
Saturday, May 2nd, 6:00 PM
Tuesday, May 5th, 6:00 PM
Friday, May 8th, 6:00 PM
Sunday, May 10th, 11:30 PM

Also, our recent first debate is running in a loop on channel 78. Check it out as well ... we did a great job.

Thanks!

- David

P.S. Big thanks to Ms. Denton for helping to make Friday's interview happen. ◦

Cablevision TV Interview Schedule - from David Mello

Obama: Swine Flu No 'Cause for Alarm'

Swine Flu Outbreak - At least one case in New York

Here is the latest from CNN on the Swine Flu breakout that seems to have its epicenter in Mexico and people who travel to the US:

(CNN) -- President Obama said Monday that the swine flu outbreak is a "cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert," but is not a "cause for alarm."

He added that the federal government is closely monitoring emerging cases and had declared a public health emergency as a "precautionary tool to ensure that we have the resources we need at our disposal to respond quickly and effectively."

Meanwhile, the European Union's health commissioner Monday called on people to avoid traveling to both the United States and Mexico, which seems to be the epicenter of the outbreak.
.......................

U.S. officials stepped up preparations for a possible epidemic after 20 cases were confirmed from New York to California. Canada, meanwhile, announced its first cases of the virus Sunday -- six mild cases.

Swine influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory disease that affects pigs. It is caused by a type-A influenza virus. Outbreaks in pigs occur year-round. The current strain is a new variation of an H1N1 virus, which is a mix of human and animal versions.

When the flu spreads person-to-person, instead of from animals to humans, it can continue to mutate, making it harder to treat or fight off because people have no natural immunity.

.......................

For the rest of the article click below:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/27/swine.flu/index.html#cnnSTCOther1

Another article about the Swine Flu in NJ from the Star-Ledger:

N.J. is still free of confirmed swine flu cases, but officials are watching

New Jersey remained free of confirmed swine flu cases during the weekend, but should they occur, the state is increasing efforts to identify outbreaks, an official said. Mascarenhas, Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/04/new_jersey_still_free_of_confi.html

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Obama: Swine Flu No 'Cause for Alarm'

The Great Hoboken Auction Recap

Last Saturday night on April 25th, the Hoboken Historical Museum had its annual auction to help raise funds for its operations. The event was well attended and full of local politicos. Eugene Flinn, a local area businessman was the auctioneer and I must say he did a great job. His high energy delivery and general excitement really got the audience into the event.

The most interesting auction tiem was a $1 bill that went for $40 to start off the festivities. The goal was to raise about $75,000 and there were plenty of high bids for certain items throughout. Given the prices paid for some of the items it didn't seem like there was a recession but maybe thats just because many in attendance were more well heeled than the average person. The silent auction had items that were more in the everday person's price range and a lot of people participated in that as well.

I had my eye on several things included a nice paperweight by a local artist. I let Fred Bado get the winning bid on it. I figure he could use it to make sure those PILOT agreements don't go flying away in the future. :) ◦

The Great Hoboken Auction Recap

Photo of the Day - Where is this?

For the photo of the day I will challenge my reader base to figure out where in Hoboken this religious display is located:

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Photo of the Day - Where is this?

Tom Vincent - The Missing Copy

The Hoboken Reporter did a profile of the three independent candidates for Mayor this weekend. Due to a publishing error part of Tom Vincent's profile was cut off in the latest issue of the Hoboken Reporter. I have given Tom the courtesy of publishing his responses here on this site:


Kurt

Candidate Profiles, The Missing Copy

As an independent candidate for mayor, I was looking forward to being included in the mayoral candidate profiles featured in this week's Hoboken Reporter.Life, however, is rarely fair.In the piece we were all given three questions to answer with strict limits on length.My profile accidentally got cut by about 25 percent. It happened in the jump from page 23 to 37. The result is that the reader goes from the conclusion of the first answer smack into the middle of the second answer, in a rather non sequitur fashion, without the luxury of an actual second question. Confused? I know I was.While this was obviously an honest mistake, we still have to wait a week to see a correction in print (the online version should be fine), so I'm providing the uncut questions and answers here:

Tom

Q: Please tell us why you are more qualified than your opponents.

A: The tax increase, the state monitor, the budget crisis, all of these are symptoms of a broken, severely out dated system. Right now we need to modernize the entire thing, top to bottom. I have lots of experience doing this very thing and I can do it for less. We also need a complete break with the past. I can provide new perspectives and positive energy. I want to make it rewarding and enjoyable to work for the city so we can attract real talent. I hold no grudges and have no political agenda so I am free to do what's right for the city. I'm also serious about sharing information. Transparency is just the beginning. I want to make the government easy to understand with explanations instead of simply posting documents. The more the citizens understand, the better the public dialog gets.

Q: What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Hoboken right now, and how do you propose to solve it?

A: There are two pressing issues. We have to fix the system and share information. We can’t really fix anything until we get the government operating efficiently and everyone knows what's going on.Then we'll be equipped to deal with the budget, flooding, parking, the hospital, health insurance costs, it seems everywhere you look there's something that needs fixing.With a state monitor running things, this is the perfect time to revamp the entire system so that when she leaves we've got a nimble and responsive government to take back our city. These are the most pressing issues because they are at the heart of our problems. Here's some of what we get: Eliminated waste and duplication. Easy access to information. Reduction of abuse. Redefined job descriptions. In short, we finally get the tools we need to run the city so we can start to explore our incredible potential instead of putting out fires.

Q: What makes Hoboken great?

A: Where to start? The people, the architecture, the history, but mostly the incredible potential. We have the opportunity to be an amazingly progressive, green, caring community and our government has let us down. It's like watching a good friend in a bad relationship and I feel that someone finally has to do something. ◦

Tom Vincent - The Missing Copy

Lenz is at it Again! - Photo Caption Contest

In a tribute to a recent event that got a lot of comments I have decided to have a photo caption contest of the picture below. It is of Michael Lenz with a balloon with a human face on it. Click on this link for more background:

http://thehobokenjournal.blogspot.com/2009/04/tale-of-two-websites-on-kids-first.html


Comment below and send me your comment via email to kurt.gardiner@gmail.com. If I get at least ten entries I will consider the contest a go. Winner gets a $50 gift certificate to the Elysian Cafe no later than next weekend. I will make a corresponding match to the Hoboken Jubilee Center. Keep it clever and not full of hate or vitriol. Those posts will be invalid for entry. You must both comment and email to have a valid entry. Good luck. ◦

Lenz is at it Again! - Photo Caption Contest

Dawn Zimmer Block Party - 3rd and Harrison Recap

Here are some photos from Dawn Zimmer's Block Party today at 3rd and Harrison that was held from 12-3PM today. The event was well attended and they even had music courtesy of DJ Sly. I even became the second incarnation of the Hoboken Dancer minus the flamboyance showing off a few of my hip-hop steps to the applause of the crowd. Though the applause could have been sarcastic, my knees aren't what they used to be. I did manage to pull off a few Kid N' Play moves but thankfully those highlights will not be here. Dawn and the team seemed to have fun playing with the kids and mingling with the residents.

◦

Dawn Zimmer Block Party - 3rd and Harrison Recap

Peter Cammarno - Observer Highway Cleanup Recap

Here are some photos of the event Peter Cammarno held this morning to help cleanup Observer Highway a bit. Mike Novak joined later in the morning and helped out as well. Even Dave Roberts stopped by for a quick hello and picked up a windshield wiper or rubber hose and pitched in. Maurice Fitzgibbons was there as well for logistics:

Here was the initial pitch: "In honor of Earth Day, we're rolling up our sleeves, putting on gloves & cleaning up waste along Observer Highway. Even donating an hour of your time can really make a difference."

My Comment: This is reminiscent of WPA projects done during the Great Depression to cleanup the country side as well as create jobs. First Peter quotes Lincoln in his Mayoral announcement and now he emulates FDR is this worthwhile effort to clean up the streets. I participated not as a supporter of his ticket but in the spirit of this good cause. It naturally begs the question of why this stretch of Highway can't be maintained better on a consistent basis.

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Peter Cammarno - Observer Highway Cleanup Recap

Photo - Chris Carbine out Campaigning

Here is a photo of Independent Candidate for City Council out campaining today. I ran in to him at 6th and Garden Street and he stopped for a brief chat with me. He emphasized that he has a small budget so he has to walk around to meet potential voters. That's campaigning old school.

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Photo - Chris Carbine out Campaigning

Meet the Independents - Next Thursday April 30th

Here is an announcement from Timoty Occhipinti for an event next week where he independent candidates are getting together for an informal meet and greet:

Meet the Independents:

Some of the independent mayoral and councilperson candidates invite you to an informal meet and greet on Thursday April 30th. The gathering starts at 6:30 PM at Texas Arizona at 76 River St. This event is pay as you go and all are welcome. Drop by for a drink and get to know your candidates in a more informal setting.

Confirmed Candidates Attending:

Ryn Melberg Mayor Candidate
Frank Orsini Mayor Candidate
Tom Vincent Mayor Candidate
Chris Carbine Council Candidate
Timothy Occhipinti Council Candidate

My Question: Does anybody know what happened to Patricia Waiters, the other City Council Candidate not on a slate? She was scheduled to show for the Hoboken Candidates Forum but never showed up. Comment below if you know. Thanks. ◦

Meet the Independents - Next Thursday April 30th

Dawn Zimmer Block Party Tommorow in 4th Ward

Dawn Zimmer has a block Party this weekend in the 4th Ward. If yiou are interested check out the details:

Block Party Hosted by 4th Ward Councilwoman Dawn Zimmer
This is a Meet-Up

When: Saturday, April 25th 2009, at 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Where: Harrison St. between 3rd and 4th
Hoboken, NJ 07030

Contact: info@zimmerforchange.com

Info: Come visit with Dawn and your neighbors and enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, and your friends in the city's 4th ward!

- Belated Easter Egg Hunt
- Kickball
- Grilled Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
- Italian Ice
- Live DJ ◦

Dawn Zimmer Block Party Tommorow in 4th Ward

Candidates Forum for City Council at Large- Video Highlights

In case anyone missed the Video Hoboken Municipal City Council 2009 Election Forum, here are the video highlights:

On Tuesday, April 14, 2009, People for Open Government and the Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition conducted a moderated forum for the three At-Large City Council seats candidates running in the 2009 May municipal election. The forum took place at the Our Lady of Grace Church. The event was moderated by Bob Bowdon. Written questions were provided by the audience and selected by a 3 person panel.

Here are the video highlights in their entirety, broken out by candidates and questions thanks to The People for Open Government website. This must have required a lot of work to break out the video this way.

Kudos to Mr. Kurta or whoever might have helped out in the editing:

http://videos01.hobokenpog.org/1.aspx

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Candidates Forum for City Council at Large- Video Highlights

Peter Cammarano- Roadside Cleanup Tommorow 4/25/2009 9 AM at Campaign HQ

Regardless of your political leanings here is an event that is a good idea from Peter Cammarano's Team. The plan is to meet at his headquarters his Saturday morning at 9am and go down to observer highway to clear up roadside debris. Here is the invite from Facebook:

Host: Peter Cammarano for Hoboken
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Meet at HQ
Street: 119 Washington St
Email: www.Cammarano09.com

Description: Join the Cammarano Team as we continue to give back to our wonderful community. In honor of Earth Day, we're rolling up our sleeves, putting on gloves & cleaning up waste along Observer Highway. Even donating an hour of your time can really make a difference.

My Comment: This is reminiscent of WPA projects done during the Great Depression to cleanup the country side as well as create jobs. First Peter quotes Lincoln in his Mayoral announcement and now he emulates FDR is this worthwhile effort to clean up the streets. ◦

Peter Cammarano- Roadside Cleanup Tommorow 4/25/2009 9 AM at Campaign HQ

Fundraiser Tonight at Goldhawk for Dawn Zimmer Team

Here is a note from Council at large Candidate David Mello about a fundraiser tonight:

Reminder - Fundraiser Tonight at Goldhawk for Dawn Zimmer Team

Hello All,

This is a reminder that we're having a fundraiser at the Goldhawk Bar and Lounge tonight, Friday, from 7:00 - 10:00 PM. The address is 936 Park Ave., Hoboken, NJ.
Minimum donation - $50.

Come join Ravi Bhalla, Carol Marsh, Dawn Zimmer and I for the festivities and help us continue the excitement behind this important race for Mayor and City Council majority control in Hoboken.

Hope to see you all there.

- Dave Mello

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Fundraiser Tonight at Goldhawk for Dawn Zimmer Team

Announcement from Ryn Melberg's Mayoral Campaign

Here is a press release from Ryn Melberg who is running for Mayor of Hoboken:

Come hear Ryn Melberg at the next week’s Mayoral Forum

When: Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Where: The auditorium at Our Lady of Grace School, corner of Willow Avenue at Fifth Street.
Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Listen as Ryn presents her plans to get Hoboken on the path to independence and stability. When you do, we know you’ll agree that there is only one candidate in this mayoral race who has the financial management skills and experience to do the job. That candidate is Ryn Melberg.

For more about Ryn and her comprehensive plan to get Hoboken’s financial house in order, visit her website: http://www.hirerynformayor.com/

People for Open Government, the Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition, and Our Lady of Grace/St. Joseph Parish are sponsoring Tuesday’s Mayoral Forum.

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Announcement from Ryn Melberg's Mayoral Campaign

Clarification from the Past- Mayor Russo was Aquitted on Assault Charges

There has been some chatter on some of the blogs out there about an incident that happened over 10 years ago regarding former Mayor Anthony Russo and Francis Przygoda, husband of Augusta Przygoda who was present at the Kid's first rally this Tuesday in support of the BOE ticket.

The NY Times article clearly states that Mayor Anthony Russo was aquitted by a judge in a court of law of the charges of criminal mischief placed against him. Read the article for yourself. The story is from 9/13/1996:

No Assault - Mayor Wins - NYT 9/13/2008

http://www.nytimes.com/1996/09/13/nyregion/no-assault-mayor-wins.html?scp=3&sq=russo+assault&st=nyt

I thought I would conclude this article at this point but I found one other incident regarding former Mayor Russo from 1998 involving State Senator Bernard Kenny. I believe this case also went no where but if anyone was around at this time please comment below:

Legislator Says Mayor Tried to Run Him Down - NYT 10/18/1998

http://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/14/nyregion/metro-news-briefs-new-jersey-legislator-says-mayor-tried-to-run-him-down.html?scp=6&sq=russo+assault&st=nyt

One thing I don't like is misinformation so I thought I would clear that up. Don't some of these bloggers believe in innocent until proven guilty or due process of law? ◦

Clarification from the Past- Mayor Russo was Aquitted on Assault Charges

Iphone Application "Baby Shaker" Pulled from Virtual Shelves

Here is some news that is coming from across the river in NYC. Apple recently released and then withdrew an application for the iPhone called the "Baby Shaker" which got the ire of many child abuse prevention groups.

Here is the story from the Daily News:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2009/04/22/2009-04-22_apple_pulls_baby_shaker_iphone_app_after_child_welfare_groups_protest.html

Here are two letters from the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation that I got from a distribution list that I am on:

Letter #1:

The Sarah Jane Brain Foundation held a news conference today outside the Apple Store in downtown Manhattan releasing the letter below to the Boards of Directors of Apple and AT&T. Just about every television network was represented at the news conference so watch your local evening news tonight for complete coverage. While Apple has removed the "BABY SHAKER" app from its online store, Steve Jobs and Randall Stephenson have not issued a personal public apology, Apple has not issued a full accounting of how this was vetted and launched and Apple and AT&T have not offered a significant plan to mitigate the damages they have done to prevent child abuse. Until they do, know we will continue to hold these organizations responsible for their actions. We have also provided the list of Board Members and their contact information. They have a fiduciary and corporate responsibility to ensure their companies do the right thing immediately!

All the best,
Jennipher

Jennipher Dickens
Communications Director
The Sarah Jane Brain Foundation
www.thebrainproject.org

Letter #2:

Open Letter To the Board of Directors of Apple, Inc. and AT&T, Inc.;

Within the last 72 hours America has seen the soul of your organizations and something is very wrong. Your companies are reporting record earnings and yet you are showing no signs of corporate responsibility.

As you know by now, Apple released an iPhone application on Monday which simulated and encouraged the shaking and killing of babies called "BABY SHAKER". As the father of a 3-year-old daughter who was shaken when she was only 5 days old, breaking 3 ribs, both collarbones and causing a severe brain injury, I was shocked, appalled and angered! As the Founder of the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation, named after my daughter, with the mission to prevent pediatric acquired brain injury and to support the millions of children/young adults who suffer from the #1 leading cause of death and disability in the United States, the damage you have caused is immeasurable!

Apple displayed extreme recklessness in launching this application and the results were immediate and disturbing. Below are a few quotes from journalists and editors based on our press release yesterday who prove the seriousness of your actions. Go online and read the anonymous blog comments making fun of shaking a baby. The harm your organizations have caused in making light of harming and killing babies is enormous!

"I know! That baby shaker thing is so funny! We’ll mention your support in the review." - John Biggs, Editor-in-Chief, CrunchGear

"Uh, it’s a joke." - Ken Layne, Managing Editor, Wonkette.com

"Learn to take a joke." - Richard Nalley, Senior Editor, ForbesLife

"I couldn’t disagree with you more. The Apple App store is like a bookstore. It needs to be open to all the most repulsive ideas or we will have a regime of censorship. The next thing you know some corporate executive will decide that it is not politic to allow an app that furthers an idea you care deeply about." - Saul Hansell, Technology Reporter, The New York Times

While we are glad public outcry forced Apple to pull the application, the cynical way it was pulled without any explanation, any apology or any plans to rectify the damage they have already caused can only lead me to one explanation: this was a purposeful public relations effort coinciding with their campaign to promote their 1 billionth application download during Child Abuse Awareness Month and Shaken Baby Prevention week! The question I ask of you as fiduciaries of both Apple and AT&T is

"How many babies is your 1 billionth application download worth?"

We have asked for a public apology from Steve Jobs and we would like one from Mr. Stephenson as well.

We would like a complete accounting as to who was responsible for the vetting and launching of this sick application.

We would like Apple and AT&T to develop a significant plan to reverse the damage they have caused.

Anything short of this will reinforce the belief this was a purposeful and cynical plan to reach a 1 billionth application download! As Directors of both of these companies you have a fiduciary and corporate responsibility and the authority to act immediately - we expect nothing less from you.

On behalf of the millions of families across this country who are dealing with a child who suffers from a pediatric acquired brain injury (PABI), we are demanding action.

If we do not receive an adequate response from Apple and AT&T by the time we begin our 15-city American PABI Tour on May 3rd (pabitour.com - to promote awareness and support families who are dealing with PABI) we will hold a demonstration in front of the Apple Store in all 15 cities.

Regards,
Patrick B. Donohue, Esq.
Founder, The Sarah Jane Brain Foundation
www.TheBrainProject.org ◦

Iphone Application "Baby Shaker" Pulled from Virtual Shelves