What a Difference a Few Weeks Makes- Vince Lombardi now open to talks

Editorial Comment: I can appreciate some good revisionism as much as the next guy, but for the record, let's remember who wanted to sit down and talk on the record, and who wanted to run a PR campaign instead. Readers, please note the positive change in tone from Hoboken PBA President Vince Lombardi as opposed to his prior statements.....

Prior Statement August 26: http://www.nj.com/hobokennow/index.ssf/2010/08/hoboken_police_union_fires_bac.html

PBA President Vince Lombardi

In response to Zimmer's call to meet with police unions to discuss the layoffs, Lombardi stated that the PBA would not participate.

"We have no intention of cooperating with this obvious media publicity stunt," he stated. "We will not allow our membership to be abused in this egregious manner. Any further discussion of the city's layoff plan is absurd and we will not be a part of this nonsense."

Current Statement September 17: http://hudsonreporter.com/view/full_stories_home/9561910/article--More-layoff-news--Ramos-and-Lombardi-speak-out-?instance=up_to_the_minute_lead_story_left_column

Hoboken PBA President Vince Lombardi said on Friday morning that the decision is now up to the mayor.

“If she wants to resolve this without the threat of affecting public safety, the PBA is open to listen and sit down with the city,” Lombardi said.

My comment: I am happy to see the change in tone from Vince and a hopeful that a dialogue can continue between the PBA, the Chief and the Administration with only a week left before the layoff plan goes into effect. It is clear to me that the rally did not have the effect that the PBA had hoped. It is now time to negotiate. The outcome is unclear of what can be done at this point but I believe that cost cutting will still be an objective from our current Mayor. If jobs can be saved from the lower ranks and costs reduced I am all for it. Here is hoping that both Unions finally realize that Dawn Zimmer is serious abut cutting costs and working towards her promise of lowering municipal taxes. That was a campaign promise made by Zimmer and that Beth Mason and Mike Russo roundly criticized her for making but now following through on immediately. However, now that Dawn is actually acting on this promises both of them balk and offer no other solutions. Those two are simply not serious about the needs of the Hoboken taxpayer. Dawn Zimmer is and it was high time that the police union leadership got the message.  

I am happy for the apparent change in tone but just wish it could have been done sooner. The clock is ticking. ◦

What a Difference a Few Weeks Makes- Vince Lombardi now open to talks