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Monday, March 7, 2011
Hoboken St. Patrick's Day Parade 2011 Photo Sets
This weekend I was covering the 2011 Hoboken St. Patrick's Day parade for the website The Boken (http://www.thebokenonline.com/) and was able to compile these three sets of photos from the parade. That widely read website is focused on events and happenings in the Mile Square minus the politics and has over 4,000 Twitter followers so I have been happy to help give The Boken a content boost. The weather gods seemed to once again give their endorsement of the parade by giving the crowd a sunny day and 50 degree plus temperatures. I got a couple of good photos of Grand Marshall Bill Noonan a well as Hoboken's very own caped crusader, Batman! Enjoy!
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Sunday, March 6, 2011
Giattino Rebukes Nino Giacchi on Lack of Concern for Open Space and Heavy Handed Tactics
GIATTINO REBUKES GIACCHI ON LACK OF CONCERN FOR OPEN SPACE, AND HEAVY HANDED TACTICS
Jennifer Giattino, candidate for City Council in Hoboken's 6th Ward, challenged Councilman Nino Giacchi for attempting to squash the consideration of an ordinance to acquire $20 million in bonding for open space at this week's public Council meeting.
"Had the introduction of this ordinance failed, the residents of Hoboken would have lost the opportunity to discuss this important issue," Giattino stated. "The intent of this bond is not to create a new tax, nor raise an existing one. The City is merely planning to use the current Open Space Fund as a safety valve needed to pay for desperately needed open spaces we all deserve, " Giattino said. "That just makes good long term sense."
"Due to the poor management of past budgets by previous administrations under which Mr. Giacchi has served, our tax dollars have not been utilized to their best potential. If we had been using our money wisely we would have had the funds to maintain our existing parks," Giattino continued.
"If we spend more wisely from now on, we will have the money to maintain our shared resources in the future. It is time to look forward, and not backward. It is time to start working together, instead of suppressing ideas based on petty politics and personal animosities. That kind of outdated thinking is hurting Hoboken taxpayers and has to stop," Giattino emphasized.
"This failed attempt by Mr. Giacchi to cut off even addressing this critical issue is just the latest example of Councilman Giacchi's lackluster performance in office. It is indicative of his constant failure to adequately serve the people he is supposed to represent, and another reason why we need new leaders on the City Council," Giattino concluded.
Thank you,
Jennifer Giattino
JenGiattino@jenforcitycouncil.com
http://www.jenforcitycouncil.com/
My Comment: Nino Giacchi hs styled his campgn trumpeting himslef as the "voice of reason". I however would like to see "votes of reason" instead. Jen's candidacy gives Hoboken that chance in the 6th Ward. It's time for a change in the 6th Ward. Share your thoughts in the comments below. ◦
Hoboken Journal on The Beat- Franz Paetzold Gets Petitions in Kings Supermarket
Update 3-6-2011: Franz was working outside his unofficial HQ The Hudson Tavern yesterday. A reader sent this photo in of Franz chatting up someone in Kings Supermarket uptown yesterday in order to get another petition signed.
Since Hudson Tavern just coincidentally happens to be one of my night spots on Saturdays, I went up there to unwind after a long day of taking pictures and video of the St. Patrick's Day Parade for the The Boken (www.thebokenonline.com ). I did run into Franz again who does frequent the establishment on weekends as well and we had a cordial conversation. I did not question him on his platform (I am saving that question for later) but I was able to get a few things clarified:
The filling deadline to get on the ballot for the May 10th City Council races is March 17th. Stay tuned.
My comment and assessment: I do believe that Franz is sincere in his efforts to run a self-funded campaign. Maybe most of the readers here feel that he doesn't have much of a shot. He does not have the name recognition of Beth Mason but that shouldn't stop some one from trying to get involved in local politics. The Hoboken Journal stands by a person's right to run for political office. While I support Tom Greaney as a candidate, it will be up to Tom to meet as many people as possible and get the support regardless of how many other candidates throw their hat in the ring. Readers: Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Update 3/1/2011: Due to comment volume and discussion interest this post has been bumped up.
Orginal Post 2/20/2011:
Franz Paetzold, an Associate Director in the Group Internal Audit division at a large bank in the area has picked up his petitions from Hoboken City Hall and is running for Hoboken's 2nd Ward City Council. I ran into him briefly last night and he had a stack of the green forms in his hand. I asked him if he knew the other candidates and he simply said, "I am in it to win it".
He has not filed his NJ ELECs as of today but is working to get his required signatures. He joins incumbent Beth Mason and challenger Tom Greaney. His inclusion in the race should he get his petitions in on time make it a three way race and most likely guarantee a runoff in June.
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| Franz Paetzold still gathering petitions for his 2nd Ward run. |
- Franz still intends to run and will not run a campaign that takes outside contributions.
- The Hoboken Journal posters "Campaign Manager" and "Incinerous" are not in any way affiliated with his campaign.
- He did acknowledge that he is acquainted with Paul Lichtstein when the two met at Vassar in the 90s.
- He did acknowledge this is the first time he has run for office.
- He is not convinced that Tom Greaney is the candidate that will beat Beth Mason. He thinks he has a chance of winning the race.
- As of this morning, Franz is still not up on the NJ Elections website as filing. He is not the only candidate that hasn't filed their 2011 campaign forms. For reference Mike Russo, Beth Mason and Terry Castellano still have not either for 2011.
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| Hoboken 2011 Election filers as of 3-6-2011 |
My comment and assessment: I do believe that Franz is sincere in his efforts to run a self-funded campaign. Maybe most of the readers here feel that he doesn't have much of a shot. He does not have the name recognition of Beth Mason but that shouldn't stop some one from trying to get involved in local politics. The Hoboken Journal stands by a person's right to run for political office. While I support Tom Greaney as a candidate, it will be up to Tom to meet as many people as possible and get the support regardless of how many other candidates throw their hat in the ring. Readers: Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Update 3/1/2011: Due to comment volume and discussion interest this post has been bumped up.
Orginal Post 2/20/2011:
Hoboken Journal Exclusive- Franz Paetzold to
run in the 2nd Ward
Franz Paetzold, an Associate Director in the Group Internal Audit division at a large bank in the area has picked up his petitions from Hoboken City Hall and is running for Hoboken's 2nd Ward City Council. I ran into him briefly last night and he had a stack of the green forms in his hand. I asked him if he knew the other candidates and he simply said, "I am in it to win it".He has not filed his NJ ELECs as of today but is working to get his required signatures. He joins incumbent Beth Mason and challenger Tom Greaney. His inclusion in the race should he get his petitions in on time make it a three way race and most likely guarantee a runoff in June.
2nd Ward Candidate Franz Paetzold
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| Franz Paetzold from his Facebook Page |
Editorial: BOE Board member Ruth McAllister on the Schools Cirrculum
Here is an editorial from Ruth McAllister on the progress that is being made with respect to the curriculum in the Hoboken Public Schools.....
I am writing to provide an overview of some of the recent activity of the Hoboken Board of Education Curriculum /Programs Committee. The topics covered range from exploring new math or spelling programs to AP classes to Gifted and Talented Programs to Hands on Science kits. The public is always welcome and encouraged to participate.
Over the last two months, the committee has met with Math and Science Supervisor Howard McKenzie and Humanities Supervisor Daniel Loughran to review the current and projected sequence of courses in their departments at Hoboken High School. Three definitive tracks have been identified in the HS to accommodate, Honors, College and Careers (CC) and Non College Bound learners. The sequencing is designed to lead the students towards the new AP course offerings beginning in 2011-12. (IB Seniors will be completing their courses during this transition year) The 8th grade year is now part of this new sequencing and tracking to ensure that they get the “jump” required to take multiple AP courses in their Junior and Senior years at HHS. For this reason, 8th grade Algebra was also reestablished this year. Also returning is an important math literacy class that was eliminated under the previous HS principal and administration. This will ensure that all our children leave HHS with the core math requirements they need.
Test scores, test scores, test scores! For years our children have been taking tests but the data was not analyzed effectively. That has now changed. For example, we began using “LEARNIA”, a program specifically designed to pinpoint areas (and even individual students) needing additional support. This is so powerful for both staff and students. The initial round, administered earlier in the school year, identified specific areas for teachers to concentrate on with at risk students. We are currently getting ready for the second round of LEARNIA assessments.
We are now evaluating a variety of new K-8 Gifted and Talented programming. Although there are several strategies already in place, including the Johns Hopkins Distance Learning Program, a more expansive program is needed to ensure adherence to the State Curriculum Guidelines.
Under Dr. Anzul’s guidance, the new Curriculum Writing Committee has established a curriculum revision schedule. The Committee is working with the Hudson County Curriculum Consortium, a project that allows school districts to share lesson plans. All of our teachers will have access to this growing database of information and ideas.
We are in the process of a major elementary school report card overhaul as well as the selection and replacement of Math Textbooks and Science Materials for our elementary schools.
Please visit the Curriculum, Programs and Instruction portion of the website http://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us/
to keep up to date with all the hard work of Dr. John Anzul and our faculty.
In closing, I would like to remind the public that Curriculum / Programs Committee meetings are open to the public. We have been meeting publicly since I became committee chair in May of 2009, I encourage you to attend. The schedule of meetings is listed on the website.
With kind regards,
Ruthy McAllister
Hoboken Board of Education Trustee ◦
I am writing to provide an overview of some of the recent activity of the Hoboken Board of Education Curriculum /Programs Committee. The topics covered range from exploring new math or spelling programs to AP classes to Gifted and Talented Programs to Hands on Science kits. The public is always welcome and encouraged to participate.
Over the last two months, the committee has met with Math and Science Supervisor Howard McKenzie and Humanities Supervisor Daniel Loughran to review the current and projected sequence of courses in their departments at Hoboken High School. Three definitive tracks have been identified in the HS to accommodate, Honors, College and Careers (CC) and Non College Bound learners. The sequencing is designed to lead the students towards the new AP course offerings beginning in 2011-12. (IB Seniors will be completing their courses during this transition year) The 8th grade year is now part of this new sequencing and tracking to ensure that they get the “jump” required to take multiple AP courses in their Junior and Senior years at HHS. For this reason, 8th grade Algebra was also reestablished this year. Also returning is an important math literacy class that was eliminated under the previous HS principal and administration. This will ensure that all our children leave HHS with the core math requirements they need.
Test scores, test scores, test scores! For years our children have been taking tests but the data was not analyzed effectively. That has now changed. For example, we began using “LEARNIA”, a program specifically designed to pinpoint areas (and even individual students) needing additional support. This is so powerful for both staff and students. The initial round, administered earlier in the school year, identified specific areas for teachers to concentrate on with at risk students. We are currently getting ready for the second round of LEARNIA assessments.
We are now evaluating a variety of new K-8 Gifted and Talented programming. Although there are several strategies already in place, including the Johns Hopkins Distance Learning Program, a more expansive program is needed to ensure adherence to the State Curriculum Guidelines.
Under Dr. Anzul’s guidance, the new Curriculum Writing Committee has established a curriculum revision schedule. The Committee is working with the Hudson County Curriculum Consortium, a project that allows school districts to share lesson plans. All of our teachers will have access to this growing database of information and ideas.
We are in the process of a major elementary school report card overhaul as well as the selection and replacement of Math Textbooks and Science Materials for our elementary schools.
Please visit the Curriculum, Programs and Instruction portion of the website http://www.hoboken.k12.nj.us/
to keep up to date with all the hard work of Dr. John Anzul and our faculty.
In closing, I would like to remind the public that Curriculum / Programs Committee meetings are open to the public. We have been meeting publicly since I became committee chair in May of 2009, I encourage you to attend. The schedule of meetings is listed on the website.
With kind regards,
Ruthy McAllister
Hoboken Board of Education Trustee ◦
City of Hoboken: Free Garage Parking For Residents In Flood Prone Areas
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for our area. Due to the potential for flooding, the City of Hoboken is providing free parking in municipal Garage B (located on 2nd Street between Hudson and River streets) through Monday, March 7 at 8am for residents who reside in flood prone areas and have a valid Resident parking permit or Temporary parking permit placard.
The offer is available on a first-come first-served basis. Due to the large amount of visitors for this weekend's festivities, parking in Garage B is more limited than usual.
A map of flood-prone areas is available on the City website: http://www.hobokennj.org/departments/environmental-services/storm-flood-zones/ ◦
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Hoboken St. Patrick's Day Photos Round 1
Here are just a few photos from Hoboken's St. Patrick's Day Parade. More photos and videos to come tomorrow.....
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| Bill Noonan 2011 Hoboken St. Patty's Parade Grand Marshall |
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| Hoboken Batman makes an appearance |
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| Hoboken's Cake Boss Buddy Valastro poses with fans |
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| Bag Pipe band marches on in style! |
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| Frank Sinatra Tribute singer sings along |
Happy Hoboken St. Patrick's Day!
A little Hoboken Journal tip (also given last year) for Hoboken St. Patty's Day revelers looking to avoid $2,000 should they have bladder problems....
For complete coverage of Hoboken St. Patty's Day go to the http://www.thebokenonline.com/ for fairly up to date coverage of the event. The Hoboken Journal will behelping out Brian and Adam out over at The Boken today. ◦
For complete coverage of Hoboken St. Patty's Day go to the http://www.thebokenonline.com/ for fairly up to date coverage of the event. The Hoboken Journal will behelping out Brian and Adam out over at The Boken today. ◦
Friday, March 4, 2011
Mayor Zimmer Responds to Renee Steinhagen of NJ Appleseed Regarding HUMC
The Mayor has responded to the innuendo filled letter from Renee Steinhagen of NJ Appleseed regarding her allegations of lack of transparency with respect to the sale of the HUMC and the process being used. Here is the letter from Dawn Zimmer sent to me by the HUMC for publication here:
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Reader Editorial- Council Caucus requested in 2008 and Needed Now, More than Ever
Here is an editorial from former 2007 City Council Candidate and Fire Chief Richard Tremitiedi on his views of why a caucus should be re-instituted at City Council meetings....
Council Caucus Requested in 2008 and Needed Now, More than Ever
There are too many extra long Hoboken city council meetings, some going seven hours.
This is not good for the public interest since it acts as a filibuster to the public portion of the meeting causing many to leave, those who remain get tired and who really wants to be there, talk or listen at 2 am the next day. At the last session one citizen said shame on the city council and another said that they are alienating the public. I concur with both statements and something has to be changed.
This condition is of long standing. During the lengthy council meeting of March 19, 2008, councilman Nino Giacchi recommended a return to having a caucus to expedite council business. This has merit since items and issues can be discussed, consensus gained and new items can be pulled if the council needs more study time or requires additional information. My letter to the Editor, Hoboken Reporter, was published March 30, 2008, [Bringing back council caucuses will improve productivity] suggested change. I have also spoken at council meetings in follow up. Unfortunately, it could not gain a council majority.
In my opinion, planning and organization will be greatly improved by having a council caucus before the meeting. Accordingly, I am again recommending this with the hope that the city council will now seriously consider implementation for improved time management to better serve the public. The governing body should set the example and act professionally. Personal politics should be reserved for their individual campaigns.
Respectfully,
Richard Tremitiedi
Resident of Hoboken, NJ
For Discussion: Share your thought in the comments below..... ◦
Council Caucus Requested in 2008 and Needed Now, More than Ever
There are too many extra long Hoboken city council meetings, some going seven hours.
This is not good for the public interest since it acts as a filibuster to the public portion of the meeting causing many to leave, those who remain get tired and who really wants to be there, talk or listen at 2 am the next day. At the last session one citizen said shame on the city council and another said that they are alienating the public. I concur with both statements and something has to be changed.
This condition is of long standing. During the lengthy council meeting of March 19, 2008, councilman Nino Giacchi recommended a return to having a caucus to expedite council business. This has merit since items and issues can be discussed, consensus gained and new items can be pulled if the council needs more study time or requires additional information. My letter to the Editor, Hoboken Reporter, was published March 30, 2008, [Bringing back council caucuses will improve productivity] suggested change. I have also spoken at council meetings in follow up. Unfortunately, it could not gain a council majority.
In my opinion, planning and organization will be greatly improved by having a council caucus before the meeting. Accordingly, I am again recommending this with the hope that the city council will now seriously consider implementation for improved time management to better serve the public. The governing body should set the example and act professionally. Personal politics should be reserved for their individual campaigns.
Respectfully,
Richard Tremitiedi
Resident of Hoboken, NJ
For Discussion: Share your thought in the comments below..... ◦
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Twenty Five Plagues of Hoboken: an Editorial by Scott Siegel
Resident Scott Siegel sent in this editorial about the 25 plagues of Hoboken. In Dawn Zimmer's first State of the City Address she made a joke about fighting the plagues of Hoboken that some in the old guard feigned as being offensive like Terry Castellano. As Scott Sigel sees it there are indeed plagues and this is no joke.
The Twenty Five Plagues of Hoboken: an Editorial by Scott Siegel
While I love Hoboken and have lived here for over 26 years, there are problems now and in the past that can qualify as “plagues”. Mayor Zimmer at her State of the City address was making a joke about Hoboken plagues, but Michael Russo and Terry Castellano denied that we have any problems or issues of note. Therefore, I present the 25 Plagues of Hoboken:
1) Mayor Anthony Russo convicted of bribery and sent to jail.
2) Mayor Peter Camaranno convicted of bribery and currently in jail.
3) Sewage Commissioner Michael Schaefer convicted of being Peter Camaranno’s bag man. Currently serving time in jail.
4) Parking Director John Corea indicted for stealing $600,000 from the Authority. His mob partner pled guilty.
5) Failure of Michael Russo to follow up on the above theft while on the Finance Subcommittee.
6) Mayor Russo lining his campaign pockets with developer cash, leading to shoddy work on Hoboken’s jewel- our waterfront, which is collapsing before our eyes.
7) Mayor Russo still owing taxpayers over $300,000.
8) Mayor Russo selling our water utility. Every week we have a water main break with residents losing their water supply because of his failure to ensure a capital improvement plan.
9) Hoboken’s decrepit and leaky sewer system.
10) Mayor Roberts lining his campaign pockets with developer cash leading to over development. His sweetheart PILOT’s screwed the taxpayer by leading to a higher than necessary tax rise. Where’s our pool and community center?
11) The failure to codify zoning laws from the Master Plan, contributing to over development.
12) Mayor Roberts infamous underfunded budget, leading to the state takeover.
13) Over development, creating exacerbated flooding.
14) Mayor Russo, Roberts and a compliant City Council not making needed capital improvements. Our police and fire HQ’s and many other structures have severe problems. They could have been addressed earlier at a much lower cost.
15) The Mason/Russo Chicken Hawk’s council majority being fiscally and legally irresponsible.
16) Tim Occhipinti’s campaign being investigated by NJ Attorney General Dow for potential voter fraud.
17) Beth and Ricky Mason spending $13,400, buying Tim Occhipinti the 4thWard seat.
18) Our Parking and Transportation office being overridden with termites.
19) The city council people still seated: Mason, Russo, Giacchi and Castellano grandfathering people in Church Towers making over $100,000 a year in “affordable units”, instead of opening those units to qualified, needy citizens.
20) Hoboken’s history of patronage jobs for friends and relatives, many of who were unqualified.
21) 44 major accounting violations from a previous Administration. The auditors couldn’t even tell if anyone was stealing from the city because accounts were so commingled.
22) Hoboken’s history of mismatching our assets and liabilities. We are currently financing long term assets, dangerously, one year at a time.
23) Beth Mason and Tim Occhipinti lying about our true cash surplus.
24) The council majority constantly turning meetings into marathons, depriving the public of good governance.
25) Council President Mason acting in a dictatorial manner, threatening our and even her own colleagues 1st Amendment rights.
I’m sure that your readers can come up with a few of their own. ◦
The Twenty Five Plagues of Hoboken: an Editorial by Scott Siegel
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| No. Swarms of locusts have not yet besieged Hoboken but termites certainly have. |
1) Mayor Anthony Russo convicted of bribery and sent to jail.
2) Mayor Peter Camaranno convicted of bribery and currently in jail.
3) Sewage Commissioner Michael Schaefer convicted of being Peter Camaranno’s bag man. Currently serving time in jail.
4) Parking Director John Corea indicted for stealing $600,000 from the Authority. His mob partner pled guilty.
5) Failure of Michael Russo to follow up on the above theft while on the Finance Subcommittee.
6) Mayor Russo lining his campaign pockets with developer cash, leading to shoddy work on Hoboken’s jewel- our waterfront, which is collapsing before our eyes.
7) Mayor Russo still owing taxpayers over $300,000.
8) Mayor Russo selling our water utility. Every week we have a water main break with residents losing their water supply because of his failure to ensure a capital improvement plan.
9) Hoboken’s decrepit and leaky sewer system.
10) Mayor Roberts lining his campaign pockets with developer cash leading to over development. His sweetheart PILOT’s screwed the taxpayer by leading to a higher than necessary tax rise. Where’s our pool and community center?
11) The failure to codify zoning laws from the Master Plan, contributing to over development.
12) Mayor Roberts infamous underfunded budget, leading to the state takeover.
13) Over development, creating exacerbated flooding.
14) Mayor Russo, Roberts and a compliant City Council not making needed capital improvements. Our police and fire HQ’s and many other structures have severe problems. They could have been addressed earlier at a much lower cost.
15) The Mason/Russo Chicken Hawk’s council majority being fiscally and legally irresponsible.
16) Tim Occhipinti’s campaign being investigated by NJ Attorney General Dow for potential voter fraud.
17) Beth and Ricky Mason spending $13,400, buying Tim Occhipinti the 4thWard seat.
18) Our Parking and Transportation office being overridden with termites.
19) The city council people still seated: Mason, Russo, Giacchi and Castellano grandfathering people in Church Towers making over $100,000 a year in “affordable units”, instead of opening those units to qualified, needy citizens.
20) Hoboken’s history of patronage jobs for friends and relatives, many of who were unqualified.
21) 44 major accounting violations from a previous Administration. The auditors couldn’t even tell if anyone was stealing from the city because accounts were so commingled.
22) Hoboken’s history of mismatching our assets and liabilities. We are currently financing long term assets, dangerously, one year at a time.
23) Beth Mason and Tim Occhipinti lying about our true cash surplus.
24) The council majority constantly turning meetings into marathons, depriving the public of good governance.
25) Council President Mason acting in a dictatorial manner, threatening our and even her own colleagues 1st Amendment rights.
I’m sure that your readers can come up with a few of their own. ◦
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