Unofficial Election Results by Ward and District

Note: This article was finally restored by Blogger after a glitch. The article published last week includes machine votes and vote by mail but not provisionals. All election results held up after the provisionals were counted.

Here are the unofficial election results for the May 2011 City Council Races in Hoboken. Provisionals are not yet officially tallied an the elections are usually certified by Friday after a Tuesday election.

The results mirror in some ways the results of the April BOE election where Zimmer's allies took the 5th and the 6th although the total votes for the "old Guard" were more City Wide. The 2013 Mayor's race promises to be interesting indeed.



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Unofficial Election Results by Ward and District

Click It Or Ticket Seat Belt Enforcement And Education Campaign

From the City of Hoboken:

Click It Or Ticket Seat Belt

Enforcement And Education Campaign

Law Enforcement Officers will begin a comprehensive vehicular safety project from May 23 - June 5, 2011. The purpose of the 2011 “Click it or Ticket” program is to increase safety belt usage in New Jersey, and at the same time, save lives. During this period Hoboken Police Officers will be cracking down on unbuckled motorists as part of the National “Click it or Ticket” campaign.


The goal of the program is to increase the statewide safety belt usage rate to 100%. The current safety belt usage rate in New Jersey is 93.73, and the rate has steadily risen during the last thirteen years.

During the 2010 Click it or Ticket campaign, 406 police agencies participated in the two-week initiative. As a result of the effort, law enforcement officers issued 35,671 seat belt citations, 5,832 speeding summonses and made 592 drunk driving arrests.

“Using a seat belt is the simplest way for a motorist and his or her passengers to protect themselves when on the road”, said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Motor vehicle occupants who buckle-up are up to 75 percent less likely to face life threatening injuries in a car crash”. ◦

Click It Or Ticket Seat Belt Enforcement And Education Campaign

Hoboken Police To Host National Night Out

From the office of the Mayor:

Hoboken Police To Host National Night Out

On Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011, Chief Anthony P. Falco Sr., along with the Hoboken Police Department’s Community Policing Unit and Mayor Dawn Zimmer will be hosting our annual National Night Out. National Night Out is a nationwide event that allows the community workers to give back to their community. The goals of National Night Out are 1) Heighten crime and drug awareness; 2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; 3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnership; 4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

This year, we would like to see more of the Hoboken community involved in this event. If you wish to participate, please contact Sergeant Melissa Gigante at 201-420-2100. We look forward to working together with you to make our community safer, stronger and more unified than ever before!

Link: http://www.hobokennj.org/news/hoboken-police-to-host-national-night-out/ ◦

Hoboken Police To Host National Night Out

Letter to the Editor: Jean Marie Mitchell on Recent Hoboken School Events

Letter To The Editor: Former School Board Member Jean Marie Mitchell

The former school board member talks about recent developments.

To The Editor:

Does a gifted history teacher get to write his own “permission slip,” pile his students into his car and drive them off on a "field trip?" What if they are broadsided by another car? What if they check into a motel overnight and a student gets hurt or worse? Who is responsible? Who pays the doctor’s bill or the legal judgment? What about a football coach whose stars get opportunities for college scholarships otherwise far out of their reach? Does it matter if the championships are won by playing kids who are academically ineligible? What happens to the standards for those kids' education? What about the kids who didn’t get to play? What about the teams they beat? Do the ends really justify the means?

Most everyone - students, parents, the public, the Board, and Superintendent Dr. Mark Toback - supports the theatre program at Hoboken High. We’re all proud of the great performances Paula Ohaus has inspired our kids to achieve, but even her fans have acknowledged problems with the tactics by which she has achieved these goals. They acknowledge the sleepovers at her house, the financial irregularities, the out-of-district students getting major roles in a school play, and the unauthorized trips in private cars but they defend Ms. Ohaus’s good intentions. Doesn’t a great artist deserve a second chance, or even a third? Maybe, but there have been many chances under three superintendents and Ms. Ohaus has been very clear about her contempt for the rules she flouts. She stated publicly that she intends to continue the sleepovers and other practices. She is not looking for another chance; she wants the rules to change, at least for her.

Ms. Ohaus would have us believe that her practices are minor problems, but they are not. They are clear violations of common-sense rules we have in place to protect the district from legal liability and students from harm. Her actions imply that the district is wrong, for example, to require background checks on adults in close contact with teenagers or to prevent those teenagers from spending the night in her private home. I think the district board is right to require these safeguards. If something tragic happened, a judge would be well within his rights to throw the book at us. Never mind what the parents would say.

I believe that learning to live by society’s rules and learning to excel within reasonable boundaries is part of becoming an adult. I believe that lesson is as important as winning a game or getting a standing ovation. Our new superintendent, Dr. Toback understands this. He is raising the bar. He is committed to a great theater program, while also protecting our children and our district. I also believe that as a community, we need to stand up and let him know we support him. Please call him (201-356-3601) or email (mark.toback@hoboken.k12.nj.us) to let him know that he has your support to lead our district.

Jean Marie Mitchell
Hoboken School District Parent ◦

Letter to the Editor: Jean Marie Mitchell on Recent Hoboken School Events

5th Ward Candidate Scott Delea Sends his Thanks - Mirror Mirror on The Wall....

5th Ward Candidate Scott Delea described here at the Hoboken Journal the "ever evasive enigma" sends his thanks to his supporters in last Tuesday' City Council Race. He came up short on the vote tally to send this election to a runoff  and was purportedly supported by Mike Russo. That support is probably why Scott came in second place this time and that sad sack of bloviating botulistic bombasticism Belfiore came in third. Perry Belfiore really shit the bed this time with his piss poor turnout. Lane Bajardi? Are you reading? Print this article out and put this on your easel weasel!  I made another defecatory reference yet again!

For the record, I am confident that Peter Cunningham did not spend an exorbitant amount of money on his winning campaign. Thus, even in defeat Scott's handlers don't quite present the facts right once again. I for one look forward to participating in his Party with Purpose events from time to time even though I realize that giving to the charities directly is more efficient. After all, Scotty has to get his cut.

The "Hoboken Journal Saturday Thank-a-Thon" continues.....

We had an amazing day on Tuesday and I am so proud of our team. We ran an incredibly strong campaign based upon strong principals and a plan to improve our City.

Despite being vastly overspent and going up against an incumbent councilman backed by the Mayor, we came in a respectable second place out of four candidates and fell short of getting into the runoff by 16 votes.

I stand by my belief that the future of Hoboken lies in our ability to find common ground rather than perpetuate the "us" vs. "them" mentality so prevalent in our City. We ran a clean, honest campaign staffed by a team of hard-working and passionate volunteers who were a cross-section of Hoboken...young, old, rich, poor, born and raised, newcomer and everything in-between. And, thanks to all of you, we were funded by friends, family and other small businesses that recognize the importance of building a stronger community while growing the local economy to create jobs and reduce taxes.

I will continue to stay as committed as ever to making a difference in Hoboken by continuing my work with Party With Purpose, The Boys and Girls Club and creating jobs with my company Inflexion Interactive.

If you have any interest in being involved, please send me an email.

Special thanks to key members of the team including Jason, Eduardo, Jeff, Vincent, Jen, Diane, Lucille, Stacey, Don, Brian, Matt, Ryan M, Ryan, Natalie, Rob, Mario, Tom, Joe C, Joe M, Ethan, Cory, Manny, Jamar and of course my family. You are all incredible people and Hoboken is a better place because of you.

Best wishes to Perry Belfiore, Lenny Luizzi and congratulations to Peter Cunningham.

- Scott ◦

5th Ward Candidate Scott Delea Sends his Thanks - Mirror Mirror on The Wall....

Rami Pinchevsky 4th Ward Candidate- Sends Thanks

Rami Pinchevsky 4th Ward Candidate wo came up short on votes Tuesday sent sent this note of thanks in to his supporters:

Dear Family, Friends, and Supporters,

This spring, I had the unique opportunity to stand for office as a candidate for Hoboken's Fourth Ward Council Seat. I want to thank all of you who made it possible for me to spread my vision for a better 4th Ward. As a candidate, I was able to meet hundreds of incredible people who live in the 4th ward and make many new friends. I ran because I wanted to make our corner of town a destination for families, create new parkland, and improve the lives of all residents. My experience has strengthened my commitment to fight for these things and the benefit of ALL 4th Ward residents. I hope that our current Councilman will put politics aside, eschew the advances of developers, and will always represent the best interests of the 4th ward. If he does, I will be his most ardent ally in moving Hoboken and 4th Ward ahead.

As the Democratic Committeeman for the 4th Ward, along with my wife Miriam, the Democratic Committeewoman, and as a member of the Planning Board, I will continue to be involved with our local community. In these roles, I am committed to keeping you informed about how local politics and government services are affecting your day-to-day life and will be working hard to make our corner of town a little better. Very soon, I will be launching a website that will contain news and information about the 4th ward.

Once again, my sincerest thanks to all of you who contributed to my campaign through your generous donations of time, money, and skills. Together we can continue to move Hoboken ahead.

Your friend and neighbor,

Rami Pinchevsky ◦

Rami Pinchevsky 4th Ward Candidate- Sends Thanks

Eric Kurta 1st Ward Candidate Sends Thanks

Eric Kurta came up short in last weeks election but sends his gratitutde for anyon that voted and helped in his campaign....

Dear Resident,


I cannot thank you enough for supporting my campaign for Hoboken City Council. While we did not prevail on Tuesday, we can take comfort in the fact that we ran an honest and positive campaign on the issues affecting our ward and city. I’m truly grateful to you and all the volunteers who handed out literature, made phone calls, knocked on doors, and motivated me to keep working hard day after day. Your dedication and activism has truly made Hoboken a better place.

I’m also humbled by the fact that more than five hundred First Ward residents supported my candidacy on election day. I feel truly fortunate that so many residents placed their trust in me to be their city council representative. I couldn’t be happier for my friends, Jen Giattino and Peter Cunningham, who were victorious in their respective council elections and enabled the reform team, led by Mayor Dawn Zimmer, to regain control of the Hoboken City Council. With a team firmly in place committed to honesty, accountability, and progressive new ideas, I’m confident that Hoboken will be in good hands for the foreseeable future.

Once again, I thank you for your support.

Your friend and neighbor,

Eric Kurta ◦

Eric Kurta 1st Ward Candidate Sends Thanks

Peter Cunningham Sends Thanks

Email from Peter Cunningham who was re-elected to the 5th Ward Hoboken City Council earlier this week.

Dear Editor,

We did it – again! I extend many thanks to everyone who came out and voted this Tuesday to affirm that we are moving Hoboken forward. Thankfully, we succeeded despite the continuous barrage of negative campaign tactics by my opponents. They tried to divide our community by saying I was divisive and out of touch. But the voters, volunteers and contributors from across the ward came out May 10th to recognize our achievements by an overwhelming margin. I am proud that we stayed positive and remained focused on the issues that matter most: the budget, our taxes, good government without corruption, and providing new amenities to benefit all. I am most proud of the diverse support that I received throughout the entire Ward. Many of you know who you are. I cannot thank you enough for the trust you have placed in me.

Do we still have a lot of work to do? Of course we do. And you can be sure that I will get it done .... done right and balanced, every step of the way.

As usual, the campaign experience left an indelible mark. I learned so much from the hundreds and hundreds of doors knocked on in the 5th ward, and deeply appreciate all those who extended their endorsements, from the Administration to the numerous leaders within our many communities. I was cautiously confident that we could do it on Tuesday as we took a very calculated approach, and we executed our plan; but was also mentally prepared for a runoff. I am so pleased that the election is over. Now, we can focus on passing the budget, bringing taxes down, and delivering a higher level of service to our communities.

I extend many thanks to all involved in the campaign, and recognizethat my family is the cornerstone to my success. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Sincerely,

Peter Cunningham
Councilman Fifth Ward
1009 Garden Street
cunninghamforhoboken@gmail.com

201-562-7071 ◦

Peter Cunningham Sends Thanks

Ravi Bhalla For State Assembly Introduction Email

Ravi Bhall sent this out to his supporters that he is challenging Ruben Ramos for State Assembly in the Democratic Primary this June 7th.

Dear Supporter,

First, I want to thank all of the candidates that ran on the Zimmer team’s slate of candidates, and congratulate Councilman Peter Cunningham and Councilwoman-electJennifer Giattino on their success. But really, all of the candidates and volunteers should hold their heads high and be proud. By working together, we ran a clean and fair campaign and delivered a Council Majority back to Mayor Zimmer!

I write you today to formally announce my candidacy to serve as a Member of the General Assembly for the 33rd Legislative District of New Jersey. The election is on June 7th and the 33rd Legislative District is comprised of Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City, and a substantial portion of downtown Jersey City.

Please attend our Volunteer Kickoff meeting this Sunday, May 15th at the Headquarters at 1st & Willow at 11:00AM. We will use this time to get the office in shape, discuss future plans, and distribute window signs and campaign flyers.

Link to Event: https://wfc2.wiredforchange.com/o/8886/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=1366

I am running for Assembly because the voters in Hoboken and the entire district deserve a real alternative to the politics as usual in Hudson County. Important decisions are made behind closed doors by power brokers outside of Hoboken instead of where they should be: at the ballot box. I believe voters should be provided a real choice instead of hand-picked political patrons. And, I am proud to say Mayor Dawn Zimmer agrees completely. That's why she fully supports my candidacy.

As a city councilman, I have seen the consequences of the bad decisions our legislators make in Trenton at the local level. As an attorney-at-law, I have seen how the rights of average citizens, such as employees in the workplace and healthcare for working families and seniors, are continually trampled by special interests in our state capital. Hoboken needs qualified and talented public servants representing our interests both here at home and in our state capitol, and that is exactly why I am running.

There are three candidates vying for two seats in the 33rd District: incumbent Assemblyman Ruben Ramos, Sean Connors, and myself. You can vote for any combination of 2 out of the 3 candidates, or you can vote for just me. Either way, we will be sending a message that we want a new direction in New Jersey.

However, you should know that I will not be running alone. We have a whole slate of Democratic Committee candidates under the slogan "Democrats for Honest Government." Our party needs reform, and by electing these candidates, you can make that change a reality.

Please also mark your calendar for our Campaign Kickoff/Fundraiser on May 24th at Hudson Tavern, 51 14th Street in Hoboken!

Link to Event: https://wfc2.wiredforchange.com/o/8886/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=1367

If elected, I pledge to truly represent the interests of Hoboken’s residents, not those of the local party machine.

Sincerely,

Ravi S. Bhalla
Candidate, General Assembly
33rd Legislative District ◦

Ravi Bhalla For State Assembly Introduction Email

Political Cartoon and Quote of the Day: A Two 'Fer

At least there is one consolation prize in having Tim Occhipinti and Beth Mason get re-elected, 4 more years of lampooning! It can be biting but is certainly not the hate driven dirvel at Beth Mason's perpetual campaign website Hobroken411.

One of our local wags sent this to me...

Overheard on a 4th Ward street corner:

Citizen: "Excuse me, how do I collect that $40 to vote for Tim?"

Occhipinti worker: "Uh, you gotta go to 12th and Washington, Beth Mason's headquarters; they'll handle it." ◦

Political Cartoon and Quote of the Day: A Two 'Fer