Here is a press release from the Zimmer Administration on the resignation of Terry LaBruno as Health and Human Services Director without sniping editorial and revisionist commentary that is typical of Hoboken 411.....
Hoboken Acting Mayor Dawn Announces Resignation of Health & Human Services Director Terry LaBruno
City of Hoboken, August 31, 2009 - Hoboken Acting Mayor Dawn Zimmer announced today that the city’s Health & Human Services Director, Terry LaBruno, has submitted her letter of resignation. Ms. LaBruno, whose resignation is effective on Friday, September 4th, has accepted a teaching position at St. Peter’s Preparatory High School in Jersey City.
“I want to thank Terry LaBruno for her service to the City of Hoboken,” Acting Mayor Zimmer said. “Through a very difficult period in our community she has performed her duties with the utmost professionalism and I wish her every success in her new position.”
Ms. LaBruno served on the Hoboken City Council for four years (2005-2009), serving as vice president for two years of her term. In addition, Ms. LaBruno headed the Parking & Transportation Committee while in office.
“I appreciate the way Acting Mayor Zimmer has treated me during my tenure as the Director of Health & Human Services,” Ms. LaBruno commented. “I also want to thank my staff for their support and acknowledge that the services they provide for the people of Hoboken are worthwhile and immeasurable.”
In conjunction with the resignation of Ms. LaBruno, Acting Mayor Zimmer announced that Hoboken resident Jonathan M. Metsch Dr. P.H. will now head the newly formed Novel H1N1 Surge Task Force alongside Hoboken Health Officer Frank Sasso. Ms. LaBruno had been selected to serve in that capacity prior to her resignation.
“It is important that we continue to move forward in a cohesive manner as it relates to the Novel H1N1 Surge Task Force,” Acting Mayor Zimmer said. “Terry’s work in putting together the groundwork for this initiative was indispensable and I am grateful to Dr. Metsch for his help in her absence.” Dr. Metsch, former President and CEO LibertyHealth/Jersey City Medical Center for 17 years, had already been appointed as a community representative on the Task Force.
My comment:
This comes as no surprise as the protector of the status quo Terry LaBruno probably wouldn't be a long term good fit for the position in an administration that wants to spend judiciously on public safety and service. It was former Chief Carmen Labruno (relative of Terry's) that once had one of the highest salaries for any police Chief in the country, just in case there was any doubt of where Terry Labruno stood on cost cutting measures with the fire and police.
Dawn's note highlighting Terry's commitment on Parking and Traffic echoes her respect for Terry's efforts that she had shared with me privately. This is a win-win resignation for both parties and I am fairly certain it was mutual and amicable. While I disagree with Terry Labruno on many things, I give her full credit for sticking around for a while and helping Dawn in this trying transition.
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