4th Ward Councilman Tim Occhipinti is still under investigation by the Attorney General's office for allegedly buying votes in this past November's special election, and now we find out that 3rd Ward Councilman Michael Russo may have agreed to accept a $5,000 bribe and ongoing payments as a result of the FBI sting that resulted in the arrest of our former mayor, Peter Cammarano.
This sort of corruption and incompetence have plagued Hoboken for too long. If we are ever going to lower taxes, rein in spending, repair our precious waterfront, build more parks, and make our city more family friendly, then we must demand open government and clean elections.
When our elected officials refuse to take action, then it is up to us - the voters - to remind them of their duty. I demand the Council Majority conduct a full investigation into the serious allegations that Councilman Michael Russo agreed to accept bribes. Furthermore, during any such investigation into Councilman Russo's conduct, he should be removed as Chair of the Revenue and Finance Committee and replaced as Vice President of the Council.
As long as the Council Majority remains silent on this issue, they will effectively be condoning the behavior of agreeing to accept bribes. We must send a message that we will no longer tolerate such dubious behavior from our elected officials. If they refuse to take action, then we must vote for reform on May 10th. ◦
