The Hoboken Journal

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Ravi Bhalla Assembly Kickoff Official Release

This from Ravi Bhalla's campaign manager on last night's kickoff at the Hudson Tavern for his run at NJ Assembly.....

LARGE CROWD AT BHALLA FOR ASSEMBLY KICKOFF

On Tuesday, there was standing room only in Hudson Tavern as Councilman Ravi Bhalla rallied a crowd full of supporters to get involved in his campaign to become the first Asian-American State Assemblyman in New Jersey.

Hoboken Democratic Vice-Chair, Phil Cohen, kicked things off by remarking how excited he was to see Ravi Bhalla take this next step in public service. It was only 2 years ago that Ravi Bhalla became a councilman in order to clean up City Hall and just last year that he ran a campaign to reform the Hoboken Democratic Committee.

Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer followed up by saying, “we need Ravi Bhalla in Trenton. We may have just retaken the majority on the City Council in Hoboken, but we cannot afford to sit on our laurels. We must keep pushing forward because this culture of corruption and incompetence is like an onion: with every layer we peel back, we expose another.” Mayor Dawn Zimmer ran on a ticket with Councilman Bhalla in ’09 on a reform platform. “The reason we started this reform movement, to end the backward political practices that hurt our families, still hold true on the state level. That is why I fully support Ravi Bhalla for State Assembly,” said Mayor Zimmer.

Ravi Bhalla then took the opportunity to outline his own reasons for running. He spoke about his father’s first days in America and how a friend had initially encouraged his dad to conform by removing his turban. Ravi Bhalla and his father both proudly sport the traditional Sikh religious head covering to this day, which for Ravi, is one of the best things about being American. “It doesn’t matter what race, religion, creed, color, or sexual orientation you are. In America, we can all be treated equally. The fact that I was elected to Hoboken’s City Council is a testament to that fact.”

Councilman Bhalla continued by outlining some of his platform. “Taxes are too high, unemployment is too high, and the reason nothing is being done is because corruption is too rampant. The FBI should not have to be the ethics enforcement agency of Hudson County.” At the end of the event, supporters were encouraged to wear t-shits and buttons and to sign up to volunteer.

For more information on Bhalla for Assembly, please visit http://www.bhallaforassembly.com/ ◦

Photo of the Day: NYC Battery Park WWII Memorial

Tonight at 6:45pm Hoboken will have its annual Memorial Day Parade starting at Hoboken City Hall. Today's photo of the day I took on my lunch break at Battery Park of the WWII Memorial. It is quite impressive up close.

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False Rumors, True Facts and Honest Opinions: Ravi Bhalla Runs for NJ Assembly

Rumor: If Ravi Bhalla is elected to NJ Assembly, Reform will lose their majority. Not true!

Fact: Absolutely not true until at least November 2012 when a special election will be held.

Opinion: This is very unlikely until at least May 2013 when the at large seat is up for re-election anyway as stipulated below:

If Ravi is elected to NJ Assembly, Reform/Good Governance will not lose their hard won City Council majority. Ravi would continue to serve on the City Council until January 2012, at which time he would be replaced by a vote of the City Council with Mayor Zimmer casting the tie-breaking vote. This means that Ravi’s replacement on the City Council would be selected by his reform Council colleagues and Mayor Zimmer.

This new reform Councilperson would serve through November 2012 when a special election would be held together with the 2012 Presidential election, for the balance of Ravi’s term (June 30, 2013). Given the large turnout for the Presidential election, and the enormous significance Ravi’s election would have in Hudson County politics, pundits in both Ravi Bhalla's and Mayor Zimmer's camp are quite confident that the reform majority would be retained through and beyond Mayor Zimmer’s probable re-election in May 2013.

See NJ Statutes 40A:16-4, 40A:16-7, and 40A:16-8 for confirmation.

My comment: This is a whisper campaign likely started by nefarious agents of Ruben Ramos' campaign (think Lane Bajardi) to suppress Ravi Bhalla's turnout. Ravi getting elected is actually in play here since there are three people looking to get into 2 spots for NJ Assembly. Ravi needs your reform support in Hoboken so make sure you vote row C. I say if you live in Hoboken and like Ruben Ramos and plan to vote for him(for the record I don't but he is a Democrat), also consider voting for Ravi just to make sure Hoboken gets the representation it deserves.

Keep in mind: If you are unregistered in a party but still registered to vote you can vote in the Democratic primary on June 7th but keep in mind you will be automatically reigistered as a Democrat when doing so. You can switch it back later to unregistered if you want. So please consider voting in this primary if you normally don't. Row C down the column if you are a democrat or independent for honest democrats. ◦

Honest Democrats for Hoboken - The Slate: Vote Row C June 7th

The slate of "Hoboken Democrats for Honest Government" on row C in the June 7th primary election is a city-wide team of Democratic committee people that are dedicated to growing Hoboken's Democratic Party and representing a Democratic Party that they can be proud of.

They are running against the HCDO team headed by Michele Russo, 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo's mother and wife of formerly convicted Mayor Anthony Russo for corruption. A plea deal likely saved her from going to jail as well. The "Old Guard"are very organized and likely want to use this committee to wheel money from outside developer interests as they have done in the past to sell Hoboken out. Reformers and Good Governance advocates need to make sure this does not happen.

The slate of Honest Democrats is supported by Mayor Zimmer and her City Council Majority. They are also supported by the Hoboken Journal (me) and other fine residents that know what is a stake. If Zimmer's slate on row C were to win that would send a very strong message to county and state bosses that want to use Hoboken to pilfer with huge over development at NJ Transit and Rockefeller Group uptown. We can't allow that to happen.

You can find the good guys and gals in Column C on June 7. Below is a list of candidates in chart form by Ward and District.

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Ravi Bhalla Fundraising Party Photos at Hudson Tavern May 24th

This year City Councilman at large Ravi Bhalla is running in the Democratic Primary for NJ Assembly. Last night he had a fundraiser event at Hudson Tavern which was attended by the following politicos: Phil Cohen, Peter Cunningham, Jen Giattino, Dave Mello, Dawn Zimmer and many of the committee candidates for row C "Democrats for Honest Government". Don't let the other posers fool you. Row C is for the real reform and good governance Democrats for Hoboken committee in the June 7th primary.

Ravi was introduced by Phil Cohen and Mayor Dawn Zimmer and then gave his reasons for running in this election. His biggest point was to make sure Hoboken is being represented which he asserted that was not happening now. Reports are that Ruben Ramos has been undermining the Mayor wherever he can and Ravi offers the voters a chance to change that. Ruben Ramos reports in the Statewide party bosses and often gives Hoboken short shrift. Vote Row C for change on June 7th!

Here are some photos of the event:

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Ravi Bhalla to be at PATH Station this morning

I'm getting this out a bit latebut here goes....

COUNCILMAN RAVI BHALLA HOLDS REMOTE OFFICE HOURS AT PATH STATION

On Wednesday May 25, Councilman Ravi Bhalla will hold remote office hours at the PATH Station on the corner of Observer Highway and Hudson St in Hoboken from 7:00 AM until 9:00 AM. The remote office hours are part of Councilman Bhalla’s continuing efforts to make Hoboken’s government more accessible to residents. “These remote office hours will help many people who commute back and forth from New York City who simply don’t have time or don’t think to take care of municipal matters that directly affect their daily lives. It’s just another small way I can improve the quality of life for Hoboken residents.”

Councilman Bhalla will be listening to the concerns of Hoboken residents, informing them about business before the City Council, and assisting them with voter registration, vote by mail, and change of address forms. ◦

Monday, May 23, 2011

Hoboken 2011 Elections: Winners and Losers from the BOE

I have had time to reflect on this year's school board and municipal elections and here is my take on the winners and losers of the BOE first. I will follow up with the municipal elections later this week :

Winner- Carmelo Garcia and his so called "Independents":

Bottom Line: Carmelo Garcia and crew got out their vote and the reformers didn't. Such is the reality in Hoboken politics. The "old guard" always gets out their vote and for the reformers it is hit or miss. If 5,500 people had voted in this election the result would have been different. But under a 4,000 vote total is like a death sentence to reform regardless of candidates. Carmelo "Wheeling and Dealing" Garcia and his hangers on of flip-flopping Peter "What are my Orders Pupie, Kiss Beth Mason's Ring and Up Mike Russo's Corrupt Butt" Biancamano and Frances Rhodes "I want my Junket" Kearns pretty much got out their maximum vote 2,250 this election which is on par for previous "old Guard" performances in one-on-one matchups.

Thus, to the victor go the spoils and we are talking about a potential $59 million budget in which he can place many political friends in low-show jobs as a reward for their electioneering efforts. Alas, they will have to wait until next year before they have a chance to take back the majority. Taxpayers: your wallets are safe this year from the graft of a Carmelo Garcia led school board. Curious that Maureen Sullivan voted for him as president this year which most assuredly conflicts with her ideological stance on cutting expenses.

Loser- Fair Elections and Following BOE Policy:

Carmelo Garcia and his team of independents have several key items missing from their ELEC reports. Things like campaign literature, money for campaign "workers" if you can even call them that are still conspicuously absent from them at last check. This disregard for the ELEC rules spills over into BOE policy as well. Take Paula Ohaus for example. Carmello Garcia's political activity on that issue this last month has made a mockery of the Hoboken School Board and his oath to uphold policy. His has been caught red-handed in the past with his fiscal shenanigans and if he should regain the majority next year watch the disregard for rules to go into full swing. The kind of reckless disregard that will get this School in a major multi-million dollar lawsuit one day. Mark my words.

Loser- Kids First:

This may be an arresting development to some but it is time to face facts people. Not enough affluent parents could give a crap about Hoboken's District Public Schools. Sure, a variety of factors led to the poor turnout in this year's school board election including a holiday, no majority really at stake this year, no headliners on the Kids First ticket but the number one killer for this slate was voter apathy. When less than 4,000 people vote in a City Wide election for School Board out of a population of 50,000 the reformers/good governance slates will lose every time. The Slate didn't matter much or did it? Kind of a chicken and egg argument but the result is the same: setback.

Push- "Marauding" Maureen Sullivan:

Anti public school Public School Board member Maureen Sullivan didn't run a slate this year and chose to sit this one out. Her turn is up next year. In Vegas parlance when there is no winner it is called a push. Reformers will get a chance next year to ensure that Maureen Sullivan's slate consisting of her, Liz Markevitch and one other and Kids First compete for votes and give back the voting majority to whoever the "old guard" is sponsoring. Which brings me to my final point: Why bother?

Loser- My interest in School Board Issues:

If enough taxpaying parents in the middle class who can't afford private schools don't exist or care about "District" Public Schools in Hoboken, then why in the hell should I? After all I don't have kids. I did for the right reasons support the continued improvement of Hoboken Schools for the sake of community. Better "District" Public schools to me always meant a better community. However, not enough parents are educated on the issues that face the School Board. Even more importantly, not enough care. As long as that is the case why bother? As long as there is a pop-up school like HOLA where affluent or connected parents can send their children to segregate them from the rest of the students, district schools don't really have a real chance for improvement. How is that for some unreal results? PJ O'Rourke and Maureen Sullivan will be happy campers.

In order to make Public Schools better in Hoboken the kids who are not performing well need to do better and that over time will possibly attract more affluent parents to consider sending their kids to public schools in Hoboken. However that is just a long term possibility and not the most likely of outcomes. Why waste my time? There is always the 2013 Mayoral race to gear up for. My personal time is too valuable to try and help parents that will sell out their children's education for $40 a vote or don't care at all for public schools. Besides the occaisional post on BOE topics I am done here.

That's right, I am done. Finished with the BOE on any kind of substantive basis. Hope that with Carmelo and Crew, should they get the majority back, that the budget goes to $80 million for all I care and test scores plummet. If that doesn't wake anybody up I don't know what will. At least Hoboken will get its money out of the County with the increased jail services.

My comment: By making my last point I am not encouraging people to not be involved in Hoboken BOE matters, I simply saying I have given what I can to public educational causes and refuse to give any more substantial chunks of my time on this area. ◦

Mayor Zimmer and Local Retailers Urge residents to "Shop Hoboken" June 11-12th

From Hoboken City Hall....

MAYOR ZIMMER AND LOCAL RETAILERS URGE RESIDENTS TO "SHOP HOBOKEN"

Mayor Dawn Zimmer joined local merchants at Anastasia’s Accessories to announce “Shop Hoboken” — a two day event to encourage residents to support local retailers. Nearly 40 participating retailers throughout Hoboken will offer various specials on Saturday and Sunday, June 11th and 12th.

Photo courtesy of City of Hoboken

“Our independent retailers create a unique identity for our city and are an important part of what makes Hoboken so vibrant,” said Mayor Zimmer. “The diverse mix of shops makes us a destination that attracts tourists from throughout the region and drives our local economy. I encourage residents to support our local merchants, especially during these challenging economic times, so we can preserve Hoboken’s distinct character and charm.”

Shopping locally creates more local jobs and promotes environmental sustainability. The City will be providing complimentary shuttle service on both Shop Hoboken days.

“As retailers, ‘Shop Hoboken’ is a way for us to thank residents for their continued support during these difficult times,” said Anastasia Kamper, owner of Anastasia’s Accessories. “Supporting local businesses creates local jobs and keeps dollars in the local economy. Research shows that for every $100 spent locally at independent retailers, $68 stays in the community.”

A list of participating retailers is available on the City website at http://www.hobokennj.org/shophoboken

Link: http://www.hobokennj.org/news/mayor-zimmer-and-local-retailers-urge-residents-to-shop-hoboken ◦

Carmelo Garcia Knocking Down the Projects! WTF? End of the World Afterall?

Well, not exactly. I tease the Carmelo....

Here is the latest gem from Carmelo Garcia who is the head of the HHA. He is rewarding his loyal voting base (loyal for the $40 a vote) by razing the projects. Of course there are assurances that no one will be displaced. Yeah right! Oh yeah, increased density too! Winner winner chicken dinner! Where is David Liebler to pump up this project? Fi fi fo fum, I smell a political operative to make me a deal/meal.To my knowledge this plan wasn't presented to the residents of the Housing Authority first. Talk about a lack of transparency by Beth Mason supported candidate Carmelo Garcia. Read on in the release and feel free to comment below.....

Hoboken Housing Authority Vision 20/20 Plan, Hoboken.......

COMPREHENSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATON STRATEGY

HOBOKEN HOUSING AUTHORITY VISION 20/20 PLAN

Hoboken Housing Authority; Marchetto Higgins Stieve Architects and Planners

Hoboken's rebirth from a former industrial working-class city to a more affluent, modern, bustling, comeback city has made it a poster child for 21st-century urban revitalization. But the city’s success has not come without consequences; popular demand has diminished the availability of affordable housing, as many older apartments have been converted to market-rate rentals and expensive luxury condominiums. As a result, Hoboken's low-income residents have had to rely increasingly on the availability of housing in the public housing projects.

The Hoboken Housing Authority (HHA) is the largest provider of low-income housing in the city. Like other older, urban public housing agencies in New Jersey, the HHA has a housing stock that is obsolete, below current safety and environmental standards and costly to maintain. The main campus of the HHA, constructed in 1949, contains 806 family-oriented public housing units in 25 separate buildings on a 17-acre site in the southwestern portion of the city. The buildings are poorly configured, isolated at the back of town and challenged by issues typical of World War II-era public housing projects: concentration of poverty, wasteful energy consumption, inability to serve handicapped residents, lack of opportunity for upward migration and poorly planned placement of buildings, creating hidden outdoor spaces giving rise to crime-related safety issues.

When evaluating whether to renovate or to rebuild its housing stock, the HHA determined that rebuilding was the only option. Over time, the cost to upgrade, repair and maintain the existing buildings would exceed the cost of providing new modern, sustainable, affordable housing in a mixed-income neighborhood. Two recent developments gave the housing authority an extraordinary opportunity to proceed with a rebuilding plan. Completion of NJ Transit’s Hudson Bergen Light Rail, with stops at Second Street and Ninth Street directly adjacent to the HHA campus, greatly improved access to the neighborhood. This, together with relatively high property values associated with the recent influx of new market-rate luxury housing directly adjacent along Jackson Street, created a unique set of conditions ripe for total transformation.

The combination of its own equity in the property along with the capacity for more dense redevelopment on site, gave the housing authority confidence that it could attract public and private investment for the transformation of the HHA campus into a sustainable, transit-oriented, mixed-use, mixed-income neighborhood. The Vision 20/20 Plan adopted by the HHA calls for phased development, with residents relocated into new buildings in order to vacate the older buildings one at a time. Each empty building would then be razed to create a development site for a new residential building that would mirror the style of the surrounding residential neighborhood. At the completion of each phase, the number of new units would exceed the number of decommissioned units, ensuring that existing residents will not be displaced and, at the same time, providing for a variety of mixed-income housing options, allowing for upward mobility within the neighborhood and a deconcentration of poverty.

The neighborhood redevelopment plan also allows for the extension of the city street grid through the site and includes facilities for recreation, transit, early childhood education and charter schools, retail space, shops and restaurants, and community program space for job skills training. ◦

Ravi Bhalla for Assembly Kick-off This Tuesday

From the campaign of Ravi Bhalla for NJ Assembly....

BHALLA HOSTS CAMPAIGN KICKOFF TUES, MAY 24th AT HUDSON TAVERN]

On Tuesday, Ravi Bhalla will host a special campaign kick-off event at Hoboken's own Hudson Tavern at 51 14th Street at 6:30PM. Supporters from all over Hudson County will be joining with the Assembly hopeful to show support, share stories from the field, and listen to Bhalla outline his reasons for running.

The assembly campaign in the recently redrawn 33rd Legislative District has been mostly quiet this year, but as anyone who has been near Bhalla's First St headquarters will attest, the pace has picked up dramatically. “I have seen tons of people coming in and out of the place this entire week. Today I counted no less than 2 dozen enter, then leave with Bhalla t-shirts and clipboards,” said Jennifer Rock.

Momentum for Ravi Bhalla has increased significantly in the past few weeks. As the Hudson County Democratic Organization once again battles against itself during the Democratic Primary, many view Ravi Bhalla's candidacy as a chance to significantly boost the opportunity of Democratic Committee candidates running off the line. “You better believe that when I go knock on doors and talk to voters that I'm talking about Ravi Bhalla too. He's already been knocking on doors in this neighborhood, so I'm hoping to build both of our name recognition,” said committee candidate Joe Branco.

Last year, Ravi Bhalla led a group of community activists to reform the Hoboken Democratic Committee by electing a new majority and wrestling control away from the Russo clan. Despite those efforts, the Hudson County Democratic Organization gave the official party line for this year's election to the Russo ticket anyway. This power grab has motivated Hoboken's reform community to take a stand for themselves and for Ravi Bhalla.

These Democratic Committee candidates, running under the banner “Democrats for Honest Government,” have more motivation than their own candidacy. As a City Councilman in Hoboken, Ravi Bhalla has already worked to reduce taxes by over 15%. He has fought for real, progressive initiatives like Corner Cars, which have cut down on the number of parking passes. He even took a stand and proposed campaign finance reform in Hoboken that would have ended pay-to-play and wheeling, leveling the playing field for candidates with real community support. With all of these accomplishments on his resume, reformers are anxious to see what he can do in Trenton.

“I have so much respect for the Democrats for Honest Government slate this year. Frankly, I am excited to have the support of such active and civic minded members of the community. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world,” said Councilman Ravi Bhalla.

For more information on Bhalla for Assembly, please visit http://www.bhallaforassembly.com/ ◦

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