Mayor Zimmer Recommends Two Good Causes This Week

Mayor Dawn Zimmer has two worthy causes and fundraisers for your calendar this week...

Dear Friends,

I am writing to personally invite you to two very important fundraising events [this] week.

Hoboken Charter School Fundraiser
Tuesday, September 18th
at the Turtle Club, 936 Park Avenue
6-9 PM

As most of you know, Hoboken Charter School’s building was badly damaged in a fire last week. While insurance will cover a great deal of the costs, there is immediate need for additional help.

The Hoboken Rotary is sponsoring this event and the Turtle Club is offering a complimentary beverage to anyone who donates $10 at the door.

Vote Yes for November Fundraiser
Thursday, September 20th
at Arthurs Tavern, 237 Washington Street
6-8 PM

The citizen sponsored election reform to consolidate municipal elections on Election Day in November is critically important to the future of our town.

Holding our elections on Election Day will empower Hoboken citizens by increasing voter participation, reducing voter fatigue, reducing the seemingly endless barrage of campaign literature and saving taxpayers money.

Unfortunately, the well financed enemies of reform are gearing up to oppose this much needed reform. Please help this citizen’s group by giving them the resources they need to get these reforms enacted by the voters this November.

The event will include light refreshments and open bar for beer and wine. The requested contribution is $100 ($150 for couples).

I will be attending both events and look forward to seeing many of you there.

Regards,

Mayor Dawn Zimmer

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Mayor Zimmer Recommends Two Good Causes This Week

Odor in the Court?- Beth Mason Political Operative Matt Callichio Files Harrassment Charges Against Blogger for Merely Asking him a Question

Matt Calicchio pictured left with his boss Beth Mason right

Beth Mason Political Operative Matt Callichio and employee of the "art gallery" - Gallery 1200 aka the Mason Family Civic League has filed harrassment charges Against Roman Brice. The case has been moved to Jersey City Municipal Court since Calicchio is a Democratic Committeeman in the fourth ward and is a full time employee of Councilwoman Beth Mason.

The charges stem from merely asking him a a question about a harassment case that BOE board member Theresa Minutillo filed against him in the fall of 2010. Calicchio filed harassment charges April 12th before his harassment case went to trial in Union City.

Two hearings on this case were held in Hoboken, May and July. A third court appearance is now upcoming soon in the case requiring Roman Brice to take yet another day off and deal with this "harassment" charge.

The handwritten Complaint summary filed by Matt Callichio April 12, 2012

Background:

In April 2012, word was out the seven months of hearings in the Minutillo harassment case was headed to trial in May with Matt Callicio the named defendant. According to sources close to Roman Brice who pens the website MSV in Hoboken, this is what's transpired to date:

• Roman on the morning of April 12th sent a text inquiring to Matt Calicchio if a trial date had been set.
• Matt has had MSV's phone number since the prior year and they had spoken and texted before in 2011.
• Matt responded in text as if he did not know who was asking the question.
• In response, Roman made a phone call, Matt did not answer the question about the trial date and the line disconnected.
• Not sure if the line was an ATT&T drop, a call back was made leaving a voicemail inviting Matt to call and discuss any set trial date.
• That was the first and only contact made to that point with Matt Calicchio in all of 2012 by Mr. Brice.
• Matt was likely still unhappy about being caught in a lie with the infamous Giattino sign theft at Kayla's cleaners. MSV had done this story on that incident as linked here: http://www.hobokenhorse.com/2011/04/masonocchipinti-staffer-caught.html
• Matt Calicchio was contacted late morning (11:30 am ) April 12th to be interviewed about any scheduled trial date with Theresa Minutillo in Union City.
• He retaliated by filing a harassment charge 4:30 pm later the same day at the Hoboken Police Department..
• MSV did its story on the Minutillo case and released it the following week on April 19th.

First hearing in Hoboken earlier in 2012:

• Matt Calicchio arrived to court and was seated with Ryan Yacco, Beth Mason's Civic League Program Director and 2011 Beth Mason for Council Campaign Manager.
• Mediation was held and scheduled for another round. Matt attempted to have editorial control over MSV inserted.
• Frank Raia arrived and looked over the room and went to where Matt was seated shaking his hand.
• He then leaned over and asked Ryan Yacco to get up and he sat down next to Matt Calicchio.
• Ryan Yacco went outside and then spoke to a third Beth Mason political operative (Matt and Ryan being #1 and #2)
• During the hearing after mediation, Ryan Yacco went to the front of the room and took notes during the entire hearing.

Editor's Note: The attendees in the room for the first hearing lends credence this is a politically motivated case and nothing more.

Second hearing in Hoboken later in 2012:

• There were no Mason political operatives in attendance this time (other than Matt).
• Prosecutor Tracy Zur - never discussed the harassment charge from April.
• Instead she pointed to a photo of Matt Calicchio taken when he walked by an outdoor eatery claiming "this had to stop".
• Prosecutor claimed that Matt Calicchio was being followed to work and his job (no evidence was provided).
• Prosecutor acted as if taking a photo of a public official was a legal problem - that's not in the April complaint. Mr. Brice has been taking pictures at City Council meetings for three years.
• Matt claimed he had witnesses and the list was only given to Prosecutor Tracy Zur, no one else saw it Question: How do you produce witnesses to a phone call?
• Repeated attempts to generate additional complaints by Matt have failed with the HPD apparently revolving around two photos taken in public including a City Council meeting.
• Matt brought printouts of his attempted complaints to be processed and gave them to the prosecutor. The prosecutor acted as if those complaints made to Hoboken Police Dept. were to be acted upon in the hearing even though no complaint was issued by HPD and had nothing to do with the April complaint.
• The judge asked Matt Calicchio if it was true he was an elected official in the 4th ward for Democratic Committee.
• Matt Callichio said he wasn't sure.
• Roman Brice said yes it's true.
• The judge asked Matt again.
• Matt said he wasn't certain
• Roman Brice told the judge all Democratic committee people had been extended another full year (into 2013).
• Roman Brice then told the judge Matt works for Councilwoman Beth Mason.
• The judge asked Matt if this was true.
• Matt claimed he worked for the Mason's "Art Gallery"
• Roman Brice replied, "Yes your honor, Beth Mason"
• The judge again asked Matt if that was the case.
• Matt said he worked for the Mason family.
• Judge Mongiello then responded - "And is she part of the family?" He then continued in the hearing without awaiting an answer noting he was moving the case out of Hoboken.

End of 2nd hearing Recap:

• The judge told Matt Calicchio to stay away from Roman Brice and if he sees him on the street to cross over to the other side.
• The prosecutor Tracy Zur yelled out during the hearing that MSV "called" re: wrote that Matt Calcchio is a pedophile (Editor's Note: apparently another charge taken at face value from Calicchio).
• The prosecutor twice requested that there be a restraining order placed on Roman Brice.
• The judge denied her requests.
• The judge explained to everyone present he could go outside and walk on Washington Street and anyone could take his picture saying it's not against the law.
• As the judge concluded his remarks Matt bursted out yelling "He's being served a civil lawsuit tomorrow!"
• Judge Mongiello dryly responded, "We don't do that here."

Editor's Note: This last comment by Matt Callicio shows the coordinated awareness of the civil lawsuit against Brice, Pincus and 10 plus anonymous bloggers - called by some a SLAPP lawsuit using the courts as a tool for political intimidation.

Matt continues to lie in court and this case as in the instance of the Minutillo case serves as my proof for that statement. That's the lesson learned from getting away with perjury in Union City in the Minutillo trial. Judge Macias at the end of the trial called the testimony of Matt Calicchio and Tania Garcia, both Mason Civic League employees completely "fabricated".

Do you think Matt Callichio is abusing the courts in this case by filing a harassment charge against Roman Brice for merely asking a question? I see this as an abuse of the judiciary and call an odor in the court. With Matt having the backing of boss and public figure Beth "Money Bags" Mason the ability to legally harass political opponents seems to have no boundaries.

Background on the Prosecutor: For those interested in the background of one of Hoboken's prosecutors Tracy Zur, the record shows she was appointed for 2012 as Hoboken prosecutor here:

http://www.hobokennj.org/docs/council/agenda11/final-final-revised-updated-ccm_12-21-11.pdf

The actual resolution showing she is paid 65K for work on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Municipal Court is at the link:

http://www.hobokennj.org/docs/council/respack11/final-revised-updated-respac-12-21-11.pdf

Also Note: I have not contacted 4th ward Committeeman Matt Calicchio for this story. I don't want to be forced to take time out to go to court to explain to the judge I asked an elected official a question. Matt is welcome to comment here if he so chooses. I will not censor his comments and allow him to respond if he so chooses.

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Odor in the Court?- Beth Mason Political Operative Matt Callichio Files Harrassment Charges Against Blogger for Merely Asking him a Question

Hoboken Skate Park Renovation in Progress

More news on Parks from the City of Hoboken...

HOBOKEN’S SKATE PARK RENOVATION IN PROGRESS

Madison Street Park Will Temporarily Close for Repairs

Hoboken’s Castle Point Skate Park, located on Sinatra Drive, is in the process of being renovated. More than half of the equipment is in need of resurfacing and several damaged subsurface areas are being repaired or replaced. All steel grind edges, copings and thresholds will be securely bolted or welded to the ramp framing. Repairs are in progress and expected to last at least through next week, weather permitting. Sections of the park will remain open during repairs.

In addition, minor repairs are needed to the play surface in Madison Street Park. The park will be closed for renovations on Friday, September 14 and Saturday, September 15.

“The year of the parks continues with the renovation of our waterfront skate park,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “We’ve renovated playgrounds at Jackson Street Park, Madison Street Park and Legion Park and made a down payment to buy land for a Southwest Park. Construction is almost complete at Mama Johnson Field, and will soon begin at Church Square Park, Sinatra Park, and 1600 Park.” ◦

Hoboken Skate Park Renovation in Progress

Ian Sacs - City of Hoboken Hoboken Transportation and Parking Director Moving on and New Hire for Finance Director

MAYOR ZIMMER ANNOUNCES SENIOR STAFF CHANGES

Mayor Zimmer welcomes Solomon Steplight as new Finance Director Mayor Dawn Zimmer announced that Transportation and Parking Director Ian Sacs will be leaving his position on October 15, 2012 and that she has appointed Solomon Steplight as Finance Director effective today.

Director Sacs recently informed Mayor Zimmer that he and his family are moving to Europe. He has agreed to assist with completing major ongoing projects on a consulting basis.

“Ian put Hoboken on the map as a leader in progressive transportation initiatives,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “He brought us new technologies like multi meters and an online permit sale system, started a nationally-recognized car-sharing program, set into motion years of roadway safety design improvements, expanded customer service hours, made our streets more accommodating for all users and reduced car crashes with pedestrians and bicyclists, eliminated garage waiting lists, and expanded our shuttle system and bicycling infrastructure. I can’t thank him enough for all he has done for Hoboken.”

“My choice is best for our family, yet nonetheless difficult,” said Director Sacs. “I thank Mayor Zimmer for the opportunity to serve Hoboken; it has been a sincere pleasure working alongside her team of stellar professionals.”

Mr. Steplight’s strong managerial experience includes serving as Assistant Finance Director in Newark and as Director of Finance, Strategy and Administration at a national nonprofit organization. His resume is available on the City website: www.hobokennj.org/docs/mayor/Steplight-Resume.pdf. “I thank Director Trasente for his service to Hoboken through a difficult time, for being a part of putting our finances back on track, and for agreeing to assist through a transition period,” said Mayor Zimmer. “During his time as Finance Director, we have made City Hall more efficient and seen a significant reduction in the municipal tax levy.” ◦

Ian Sacs - City of Hoboken Hoboken Transportation and Parking Director Moving on and New Hire for Finance Director

Statement from Mayor Zimmer on Passing of E. Norman Wilson

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR ZIMMER ON PASSING OF 

E. NORMAN WILSON

Mayor Dawn Zimmer issued the following statement on learning of the passing of former Councilman E. Norman Wilson early this morning:

“My thoughts today are with his sister, Carol Ann, his friends, and all of those whose lives he helped improve. I am thankful for his decades of service to our community as a Councilmember, as director of HOPES, and for his role in saving Hoboken University Medical Center as a commissioner of the Hoboken Municipal Hospital Authority.”

Editor's Note: E. Norman Wilson is the Second former HUMC Commissioner to pass away this year. Is saving a hospital hazardous to your Health especially when someone like Beth Mason did everything she could to scuttle the sale of the hospital.

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Statement from Mayor Zimmer on Passing of E. Norman Wilson

City of Hoboken to Host Annual September 11th Interfaith Memorial Service

From the City of Hoboken a memorial service for the victims of 9/11 tomorrow at 6:30pm at Pier A Park...

HOBOKEN TO HOST ANNUAL SEPTEMBER 11^TH INTERFAITH MEMORIAL SERVICE

The Hoboken community will come together to share in its annual September 11th Interfaith Memorial Service for the victims, their families, the City of Hoboken, and the entire nation. Fifty seven Hoboken residents were lost on September 11, 2001.

The service will take place on Tuesday, September 11th at 6:30 pm. on the southeast corner of Hoboken’s Pier A Park – the site of a makeshift memorial on September 11, 2001. All are invited to attend. ◦

City of Hoboken to Host Annual September 11th Interfaith Memorial Service

City of Hoboken Seeks Volunteers for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The latest training session for new CERT team volunteers has been announced by the City of Hoboken....

HOBOKEN SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO GROW COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT)

Interested Community Members Invited to Apply for Training

The City of Hoboken seeks to continue to build its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and has scheduled a CERT training program for community members interested in volunteering.

CERT training promotes a partnering effort between emergency services and the people that they serve. The goal is for emergency personnel to train members of neighborhoods, community organizations, or workplaces in basic response skills. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for their area.

If a disastrous event overwhelms or delays the community’s professional response, CERT members can assist others by applying the basic response and organizational skills that they learned during training. These skills can help save and sustain lives following a disaster until help arrives. CERT skills also apply to daily emergencies.

If interested in joining CERT, please download and complete the application (www.hobokennj.org/docs/publicsafety/CERT-application.doc) and return by email to certteam@hobokennj.org. Participation in CERT requires the successful completion of a training course on a range of subject matter specific to emergency response and disaster relief.

All classes will be conducted at the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 707 Clinton Street starting at 7:00 pm and ending at 9:30 pm. The training schedule is as follows:

• 10/23/2012 - Disaster Preparedness
• 10/30/2012 - Fire safety
• 11/6/2012 - Disaster Medical Operations 1
• 11/13/2012 - Disaster Medical Operations 2
• 11/15/2012 - Light Search and Rescue Operations
• 11/29/2012 - CERT Organization
• 12/6/2012 - Disaster Psychology
• 12/13/2012 - Terrorism and CERT

A final exam will be at the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps at a date to be determined.

Participants must attend every module of training as well as participate in the final emergency simulation exercise in order to receive certification as a fully trained CERT Team member.

Upon completion of the training, each participant will be issued a CERT Member Emergency Kit to maintain for future deployments. ◦

City of Hoboken Seeks Volunteers for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

City Council Meeting Tonight Starting at 7pm

Tonight's City Council meeting has a lot on the agenda. Below are some of the key items for tonight:

1. Ordinance to move the elections to November. 
2. Reading on Petition to eliminate Runoff elections from City Clerk of Hoboken. 
3. Ordinance for Repairs on Pier A Park and 9/11 Memorial.
4. Presentation by the Planning Board on the NJ Transit plan proposed by the City of Hoboken. 
5. Dueling Sidewalk Cafe Ordinances. 

That is just to name a few items. Should be a late night irrespective of whether "City Council of No" (Occhipinti, Mason, Russo, Castellano) who are often either unprepared or just play ignorant or uniformed has obstructionism on the brain.

Agenda: http://www.hobokennj.org/docs/council/agenda12/revised-ccm-9-5-12.pdf
Resolutions: http://www.hobokennj.org/docs/council/respack12/revised-respack-9-05-12.pdf

Live video by Ustream

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City Council Meeting Tonight Starting at 7pm

Obama Watch Party this Thursday at Marty O'Briens in Hoboken

There is an informal viewing party for Hobokenites this Thursday for Barack Obama's speech at the Democratic Convention. Details are below in a letter from Mayor Dawn Zimmer...

Dear Friends,

Please join me for an Obama Watch Party, this Thursday at Marty O'Brien's (1st & Bloomfield) from 8:30 - midnight.

Marty O'Brien's is offering our group some great drink and food specials for this event!

We’ve heard from Governor Romney, and Congressman Ryan about their vision for America’s future, and I look forward to hearing President Obama’s response and his vision together with all of you.

Last week Congressman Ryan claimed to have run a marathon in under 3 hours, when in fact his time was four hours, and one minute.

Finishing a marathon is a great achievement no matter what your time. Had Mr. Ryan not "misremembered" I would have been impressed, given that my marathon time was a lowly four hours and 30 minutes.

I know my time, and like all runners, I will never forget it. I don’t know if President Obama or Vice President Biden have ever run a marathon, but I hope if they did, they would be honest about their time.

Let's come together to hear President Obama stand up for the ideals that have made our country great.

Everyone is welcome! (Democrats, Republicans, & Independents, as long as you pledge to tell the truth about your running times!)

See you Thursday!

Mayor Dawn Zimmer

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Obama Watch Party this Thursday at Marty O'Briens in Hoboken

Stevens Students Volunteer Throughout Hoboken - Class of 2016

Here is a feel good story about Stevens college students getting a good start as freshmen by helping out the local community in cooperation with the City if Hoboken. You may recall that Stevens Institute students played a large role in helping spread the word on evacuations with respect to hurricane Irene last year. Here is the recap of their August 25th efforts...

STEVENS CLASS OF 2016 FRESHMEN

VOLUNTEER THROUGHOUT HOBOKEN

As part of the Stevens Institute of Technology’s Class of 2016 orientation to Stevens and the City of Hoboken, approximately 100 freshmen fanned out across Hoboken on Saturday, August 25 to participate in community service activities.

“The generosity of the Stevens community is amazing,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “One year ago, students who had been in Hoboken just a few days were going door-to-door to get the word out about Hurricane Irene, and we are so thankful to the Class of 2016 for continuing in that proud tradition of service to our community.”

Freshmen worked to clean up Stevens Park, Church Square Park and Maxwell Park. Students assisted the Department of Transportation and Parking by painting curb corners red to improve pedestrian and traffic safety. They also volunteered at the Hoboken Shelter, In Jesus’ Name Food Pantry and helped clean the facility for the FAITH Services-Ryan White Programs at Hoboken University Medical Center.

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Stevens Students Volunteer Throughout Hoboken - Class of 2016