Hoboken Legion of Superheroes Welcomes Wonder Woman!

Last night, Wonder Woman joined Robin, The Flash, and Batman for a bit of revelry and camaraderie as Hoboken’s latest superhero to be revealed. The Hoboken Legion of Super heroes now stands at four and according to not so boyish wonder Robin (who sports grey hair) more is on the way. The fearsome foursome were seen on Washington Street and elsewhere in Hoboken riding around led by Batman (the original Hoboken superhero) on their bikes blowing whistles as if they didn’t need any more attention.

Some say that this must be motivated by narcissism but based on TheBoken’s observations most people get a chuckle out of the superhero mania that has beset Hoboken. Some might say one has to be a bit bat sh*t crazy to parade around in a super hero costume but Halloween will soon be around the corner and many more will likely join in. Sure, at least one crabby year round short wearing not authentically local website owner (Killer Klown Klaussen) might be a “Debbie Downer” on the whole charade but TheBoken says live and let live and let people express themselves as long as no one is hurt in the process.

In Great Britain they have a term for people who are a bit off the beaten path, them call the “eccentrics” and have a long history of celebrating them. Besides, if everyone wore the same outfits all the time in the States wouldn’t that just be boring?

Hoboken has always had a history of its colorful characters both politically and socially. Perhaps this is just a new phase of that colorful past being brought into a even more colorful future with a new superhero twist. When you pack 50,000 people into a mile square, does one expect everyone to be truly normal?

Above all else, welcome Wonder Woman to the Hoboken Legion of Superheroes. You give the merry band a much needed shot of estrogen.

Note: This story is also featured on the website The Boken Online (http://www.thebokenonline.com/). I am a contributing editor for both websites. The Boken features more of an a-political view of Hoboken and all the fun things. As editorial policy I decided to keep this a political blog for the most part but once and a while a humanh interest story can be found here just to lighten to mood. If you haven't done so already please go to the BokenOnline's Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/TheBokenOnline) and click on the like button. We are trying to get that site to 2,000 lifetime likes. As always I appreciate the support. ◦

Hoboken Legion of Superheroes Welcomes Wonder Woman!

FBI Looking to Hire More Special Agents Locally

Now, The Hoboken Journal is not saying that due to recent seizures of computers and files from City Hall based on allegations of wire fraud and confidential information being leaked is responsible for this latest FBI press release but it would seem our local FBI needs some more re-enforcements in their Newark branch. After all this is New Jersey and Hudson County. That alone ought to keep these new recruits busy for some time. There is much work to be done. Godspeed.

FBI to Hire More Special Agents FBI Newark

August 11, 2011 NEWARK, NJ - The FBI is now accepting applications for the special agent position from now until September 23, 2011. In addition to the traditional background in law or accounting, the FBI is also seeking individuals with skill sets in information technology or computer science, intelligence, engineering, science (biology, chemistry, physics, etc.), foreign language fluency (particularly in languages that involve our national security interests, such as Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Farsi, Punjabi, etc.), military and law enforcement. Applicants may also apply under what the Bureau terms the “Diversified” category, which encompasses all other disciplines.

Applicants should be U.S. citizens and have at least a four year undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and three years of professional work experience. If the applicant has a master’s degree or higher, a minimum of two years of professional work experience is required. Selections of new agent candidates are based on the applicant’s demonstrated experience in the special agent core competencies: leadership, oral and written communication, initiative and motivation, interpersonal skills, adaptability and flexibility, organizing, planning and prioritizing, and evaluating information and making decisions. Applicants must also pass a written examination, a panel interview, a thorough background check to include a polygraph examination, and a strenuous physical fitness test. The application process for all FBI positions begins with an online questionnaire. Once the questionnaire is satisfactorily completed, the FBI will contact that applicant for further information and instruction. A further explanation of these requirements and the entire application process can be found at www.fbijobs.gov. Anyone interested in applying for the special agent position should thoroughly review this website, including FBI Employment Disqualifiers, FBI Drug Policy and FBI Background Investigation process, to ensure compliance prior to applying. Please do not call the field office with application questions as the answers to the most commonly asked questions can be found online. ◦

FBI Looking to Hire More Special Agents Locally

Mayor Zimmer Thanks City Employees For Flood Cleanup Effort

Below is the latest on the flooding recovery on 8/9/2011 that saw Hoboken get the double whammy of a nig downpour while at high tide. The usual flood zones in the 4th and 5th Wards as well as 3rd and 1st were also impacted.

Mayor Zimmer Thanks City Employees

for Flood Cleanup Effort

“The flooding we faced this week was severe, but I want to thank the employees of the Environmental Services Department and Fire Department who have been working non-stop to clear out garbage and wash away the sludge from our streets and sidewalks and our Police who worked to keep residents safe during the flooding,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “I have been assured by North Hudson Sewerage Authority that the pump they are constructing to alleviate the flooding is their number one priority, and I thank residents for their patience.”

Residents can report any remaining problem areas that require cleaning by calling Environmental Services at 201-420-2049 and emailing both tatkins@hobokennj.org and tshannon@hobokennj.org.

The construction of the pump has been delayed due to the need for manually cleaning out the inside of outflow pipes, but the North Hudson Sewerage Authority expects the pump to be operational by the fall of this year.

“I hope that once the pump is operational, it will alleviate the majority of the flooding, but I think we need to do more to fully solve our flooding problem,” added Mayor Zimmer. “That is why last year we installed a wireless network of sensors in our sewer system to collect the data we need to fully understand and ultimately address the problem in a cost-effective manner. If there is a silver lining to this mess, it is that the data we collected during the recent storm – combined with the data we will collect after the pump is operational -- will be useful to helping us find additional long-term solutions. I believe those solutions must incorporate green initiatives including flood mitigation through park land, permeable road and sidewalk surfaces, rain gardens, green roofs, and rain barrels.” ◦

Mayor Zimmer Thanks City Employees For Flood Cleanup Effort

Freeholder Meeting Part 2 from 8/11/2011

This is part 2 of the Hudson County Freeholder meeting recap that was held on Thursday August 11th at the very inconvenient to the real taxpayer time of 1pm.

As stated before, Hoboken did get the $3 million for the SW Park but in my opinion the meeting was marred over petty bickering over two small contributions to two upcoming ethnic parades in Hudson County. The two resolutions in question were:

35) Resolution authorizing contribution to Jersey City Puerto Rican Heritage Festival and Parade, Inc. - $1,700.00
36) Resolution authorizing contribution to the Dominican American Parade of Hudson County, Inc. - $2,300.00

When this item came up it started a tiff between Tilo Rivas who is of Dominican heritage and Jose Munoz who is of Puerto Rican Heritage. Each one essentially criticized each other's political motivations behind how to fund these events. It got a bit ugly and the discussion was drawn out over a good half hour. See the video clip below below which does not even contain the most heated sections of the commentary. Bill O'Dea did try to smooth things over with a compromise. Anthony Romano actually looked good in this exchange by staying out of what appeared to be a Latino political turf war gone personal. That is because perhaps the bar is set pretty low to begin with. In the immortal words of Rodney King: "Can't we all just get along".

Here are some of the highlights of the lively banter which might remind some of a Hoboken City Council Meeting:



My Comment: Just take a look at some of the major money related ordinances that came up at this meeting either for first reading or final vote. Don't you think the Board would be better off spending time directing the appropriateness of the costs of these measures rather than starting some petty ethnic parade turf war? I sure do! My advice to the quite capable Chairman Bill O'Dea is use that gavel sir, and direct this petty bickering to subcommittee after 10 minutes of getting nowhere. It reflects poorly on  the board of the whole and has me convinced that at least a few of the sitting Freeholders need to get their priorities in line.

1) $18,000,000!: An Ordinance of the County of Hudson, State of New Jersey authorizing the guaranty of the payment of the principal of and interest on not exceeding $18,000,000 aggregate principal amount of County-Guaranteed Special Acquisition Bonds issued by the Hudson County Improvement Authority for the purpose of providing additional security therefor, consenting to such financing and determining certain other matters in connection therewith.

2) $15,750,000!: Ordinance authorizing the acquisition of certain interests in real property located at 830 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City and the execution of installment purchase contracts in an aggregate amount not to exceed $15,750,000 to finance the cost thereof.

3) $12,000,000!: An Ordinance of the County of Hudson, State of New Jersey authorizing the guaranty of the payment of the principal of and interest on not exceeding $12,000,000 aggregate principal amount of County-Guaranteed Special Acquisition Bonds issued by the Hudson County Improvement Authority for the purpose of providing additional security therefor, consenting to such financing and determining certain other matters in connection therewith.

4) $10,500,000: Ordinance authorizing the acquisition of certain interests in real property located at 830 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City and the execution of installment purchase contracts in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,500,000 to finance the cost thereof.

Below are some more photos from the meeting:

The Freeholder meeting started with Hoboken and Jersey City Heights Representative Anthony Romano not present. He also missed a good chunk of Tuesday's meeting due to a personal issue.

The Hudson County Board of Freeholders with Summer Youth Program donors and contributors.

Anthony Romano unlike his political pal  Carmelo Garcia (infamous for skipping BOE meetings) at least shows up for meetings but was not on time for the Thursday meeting. On Tuesday he missed a key part of the meeting pertaining to Hoboken. Oops I already said that above. Kind of like Ground Hog Day over at MSV with respect to the FBI.

Agenda of the meeting is below: http://www.hudsoncountynj.org/Data/Sites/1/freeholders/docs/Agenda/2011-8-11_reg.pdf

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Freeholder Meeting Part 2 from 8/11/2011

Sinatra Drive North Re-Opens for Traffic Today at 12 Noon!

Good news for Hoboken residents, especially those living near Sinatra Drive uptown. The road will be opened as of 12pm today.

SINATRA DRIVE NORTH RE-OPENS TO TRAFFIC

Today at noon, Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise will join Mayor Dawn Zimmer for the re-opening to traffic on Sinatra Drive North.

“I thank County Executive DeGise and the County Freeholders for making these repairs a priority and for repairing our infrastructure for the long term,” said Mayor Zimmer. “I also thank residents for their patience and the crews who worked through a brutal winter in a challenging environment to make these repairs as quickly as possible.”

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Sinatra Drive North Re-Opens for Traffic Today at 12 Noon!

Dave Mello Advocates on Behalf of South West Park: Hoboken gets $3 Million for Park!

Hoboken City Councilman Dave Mello Attended yesterday's Hudson County Freeholder meeting and on the agenda was resolution 7 to re-allocate $11 million to various open space projects. Hoboken was originally granted $3 million to acquire the Henkel Site but conditions changed when BASF bought the site from Cognos. BASF will not sell that site until they remediate it themselves. The City of Hoboken as a result had requested Hudson County to re-allocate that money to the South West Park.

City Councilman Dave Mello Speaks up for SW Park

The Board unanimously approved the funding as part of the consent agenda for that meeting.  Dave mentioned that he has been advocating for the South West Park for over 5 years and mentioned that flooding remediation is also part of the plan. He showed pictures of Hoboken's recent flooding to the Board. On a side note: shame on the Hudson County Freeholders for holding a meeting at 1pm. How did this time help maximize public participation? Dave was lucky since as a School teacher he was able to take time off. Most other working residents can not. Kudos to Dave Mello for taking the time speaking up on behalf of Hoboken, especially the 4th Ward.
It should be noted that self-professed "Mr. 4th Ward, I drink when Hoboken Floods" Tim Occhipinti didn't show up probably because he was at his day job. Was that fair to Tim to deny him his moment of glory fighting for 4th Ward residents? He should have at least sent one of his allies/handlers to read a statement. At least the 4th Ward has a real advocate for SW Park in Dave Mello. It should also be noted that Anthony Romano was not present at the meeting Caucus on Tuesday when this issue came up. Anthony did support the resolution in the end.

At the previous caucus meeting on Tuesday Chairman Bill O'Dea had expressed his concern over having shovel ready projects in the future. Dave Mello had mentioned his concern over this as Hoboken needs funding for park acquisition and it was clarified by Mr. O'Dea that that was for future funding allocations. It was good that O'Dea was able to clarify that statement and support the resolution. Hoboken finally got a small piece of the park pie.

I will have a second update on other more trivial and unprofessional aspects of the meeting later today. And I thought City Council meetings were theatrical. Good grief!

My comment: Of course Hoboken should be happy about getting this funding extended but we are still under serviced in terms of parks and in general given that in 2010 Hoboken taxpayers shelled out $46 million to the County. Nice start, but Hoboken deserves more and that is one of the reasons why I am running for Freeholder, to ensure Hoboken gets its fair share of the pie.

Dave Mello Speaks on behalf of the SW Park Funding :

Agenda of the meeting is below: http://www.hudsoncountynj.org/Data/Sites/1/freeholders/docs/Agenda/2011-8-11_reg.pdf

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Dave Mello Advocates on Behalf of South West Park: Hoboken gets $3 Million for Park!

Freeholder Caucus Meeting Recap - 8/9/2011

I attended the Hudson County Freeholder Caucus meeting on 8/9/2011 to get an idea of where all the spending is going besides Hoboken out of their nearly 1/2 billion dollar yearly budget. The Caucus is set up on the Tuesdays before the Thursday meeting where main votes are taken. The Freeholder meetings are held at 567 Pavonia Ave in Jersey City on the 3rd floor every other week except summers and holidays.

Freeholder Meeting 8/9/2011 Highlights:

• Before the meeting various vendors were questioned over contracts for producing job placements for the County.
• Chairman O' Dea asked many probing questions and as chair is the main source of commentary and seems to run a fair meeting and professional meeting from what I observed.
• The board recognized Summer Youth Program contributors as the first item in the agenda. Photo is below.
• Resolution against PATH fair increase. This passed 8-0. I don't know any local politicians that are for this.
• Resolution 29 for construction in Kearney produced almost 20% savings vs. last meeting. It was discussed that there was a new procedure to handle change orders with pre-approvals. In the past pre-approvals were not always done. Well there you go. Maybe there is a little more minding of the store these days. About time.
• Resolution 2- Anthony Romano sponsored bullet proof vests. Only $10k. Seems like a no brainer to me to protect County Police Officers.
• Resolution 6 involved 750k grant from NJ Historic Trust for restoration of the Court House Mural. That is a lot of money for a work of art but history is important.
• Resolution concerned 7- 11 million dollars open space fund or one year extension.The following points were raised: It can fund 100% projects and has in the past for small ones. Lower equalization rates in the County are lowering the available funds for this program. For consideration by Chairman O'Dea: more points for readiness in the evaluation process for these grants was recommended. He expressed concern over tying up funds in order to prime the job market and that there should be forward commitments.He brought up the $3 million awarded to Hoboken for the Henkel Site. Cognos was originally the owner but bought by BASF. Process started in 2008. Reprogram request by Hoboken was made to redirect to SW. I see where Chairman O'Dea is coming form but Hoboken gets very little from the County in terms of Parks.
• Resolution 12- The contract to purchase is now 7.9 million. The purchase amount went up due to owner fixing roof.
• There were also some big ordinances on the table introduced, one for $18,000,000 and the other for $15,570,000 which is for 830 Bergen Avenue purchase in Jersey City. Perhaps an operational audit is in order to ensure the building isn't too big with the amount of positions the County has created that I am not sure what purpose they all serve. But that is why I am running for Freeholder: to find out.

Here is the agenda for reference:

http://www.hudsoncountynj.org/Data/Sites/1/freeholders/docs/Agenda/2011-8-9_caucus.pdf



Regular meeting is today at 1pm where action will be taken.

The Board of Freeholders

Freeholder Romano was in and out of the meeting. It was learned he had a personl emergency.

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Freeholder Caucus Meeting Recap - 8/9/2011

Beth Mason Strikes back on HUMC CEO Payout!

Beth Mason's latest salvo on the HUMC fired at Dawn Zimmer for trying to fulfill her campaign promise of privatizing the Hospital. Personally, I don't think any departing CEO should be rewarded for failing to do their job in turning around the hospital. Clearly Spiros Hatirus didn't. Word on the street is Spiros wanted even more. Instead he got $600K. I don't blame Zimmer for this though. Spiros' contract was likely set during the period when Dave Robert's allies (the same people Beth is aligned with) controlled the HUMC board. Beth Mason is married to a high profile attorney in Ricky Mason and doesn't even seem to understand the basics of contract law. As a City Council person time and time again she has displayed utter incompetance and here is yet another example.

The bottom line is that Spiros had to go in order for this deal to be finalized. Well now Beth Mason, how do you get a stubborn CEO to step aside? You offer him something. I don't have to like it though. Clearly Beth Mason doesn't either but I doubt her motivation is strictly on principle and apolitical. What is preposterous about the statement below is that Beth Mason once again accuses the Mayor as having Spiros as a political ally. The queen of mean is so desperate with her constant lies I wish it would be more laughable. The councilwoman of convoluted conniving will always put her own political interests first above that of Hoboken's. Here is her release:

Hoboken University Hospital chief executive received $600K severance package before bankruptcy filing

Dear Friend,

This morning the Star Ledger and Jersey Journal began to shine a light on what is really going behind the scenes as the sale of our hospital moves forward. Financial records reveal that the hospital’s former CEO was awarded a $600,000 severance package shortly before the hospital’s management company filed for bankruptcy. This golden parachute was approved by Mayor Zimmer and the members of the Hoboken Municipal Hospital Authority. The Jersey Journal asked Mayor Zimmer why the HUMA agreed to this payout when it wasn’t necessary, but according to the news story the Mayor “skirted the question”. The parachute is an absolute disgrace and should be terminated immediately.

While a politically connected CEO is being rewarded, our nurses are on the brink of losing their healthcare benefits. In addition, the hospital failed to make almost $2 million in payments to pension and healthcare funds for its 1,100 employees. Instead of standing up for taxpayers and treating other stakeholders fairly, the Hospital Authority is using this sale to benefit Mayor Zimmer’s political allies.

It is time for the Zimmer Administration and the Hospital Authority to stop operating in secrecy. The people of Hoboken deserve an open, inclusive, and transparent process. Together we will stop these backroom deals and continue to stand up for good government and the rights of everyday people.

- Beth Mason
Ex City Council President ◦

Beth Mason Strikes back on HUMC CEO Payout!

Sungevity giving out free Ice Pops at "Movies Under the Stars" in Hoboken Tonight!

Summer ’11 has been breaking temperatures across the United States.

So why should New Jersey residents wait for the ice cream truck to come, when they can get free ice-pops from a solar-powered truck like this? Sungevity, the nation’s most innovative and customer-centric residential solar company, is now offering their innovative services in the Northeastern market—including New Jersey!

To celebrate, the Sungevity solar-powered truck, equipped with solar powered iPads, will be traveling throughout the North Jersey region and the Jersey Shore, from August 10^th- 20^th, to help residents cool down by handing out free ice-pops. To see if the Sungevity ice-pop truck will be near you, you can follow it on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sungevity.

In fact the truck will be in Hoboken tonight for “Movies Under the Stars” Movie Dispicable Me! The movie starts at 8:15 pm tonight and is at Pier A Park. 

Recent data shows that New Jersey is number 2 in the ‘Top 10 Solar States’. Additional data includes:

• Four out of five New Jerseyites (81 percent) believe incorporating residential solar power can result in savings on energy bills.
• More than 8 out of 10 residents (82 percent) believe that New Jersey should make more of a commitment to solar power.

Escape the heat by visiting the Sungevity solar-powered truckand find out how to save 10-15% on their electric bill by switching to solar-energy. Here is a recent press release from Sungevity on their New Jersey Solar Survey:

NEW SURVEY SHOWS NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS SWEATING OUT THE SUMMER

ARE OVERWHELMED BY RISING ENERGY COSTS

82 percent of New Jersey homeowners believe that New Jersey should make a commitment to solar power

New survey results issued on August 8th from Sungevity, the nation’s most innovative and customer-centric residential solar company, and commissioned by Harris Interactive, shows that New Jersey residents who are desperately trying to beat the summer heat are overwhelmed by rising energy costs and searching for solutions. The survey shows that nearly 7 out of 10 (67 percent) New Jersey residents facing record-breaking heat this summer are overwhelmed by rising energy costs. Furthermore, New Jerseyites are more likely to be overwhelmed by rising energy costs than residents of Maryland (59 percent) and Massachusetts (56 percent). Nearly all New Jerseyites (99 percent) say it’s important to them to save money on their energy bill. New Jerseyans are already thinking about saving energy with solar power as a viable alternative to rising energy costs and pressure on the power grid. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association®, New Jersey is second amongst the United States in solar power.

The survey shows:

• Four out of five New Jerseyites (81 percent) believe incorporating residential solar power can result in savings on energy bills.
• More than 8 out of 10 residents (82 percent) believe that New Jersey should make more of a commitment to solar power.
• More than three out of five New Jerseyans (69 percent) believe that solar power should be the residential energy source of the future; by way of comparison, about three in four U.S. adults (74 percent) agree solar power should be the residential energy source of the future.
• More than 55 percent of New Jersey residents say they would be more likely to install solar if it saved 15 percent or more on their monthly energy bill.
• 26 percent of New Jersey residents are at least somewhat likely to consider installing solar power for their home within the next five years.

This new poll supports the pre-existing thought for a solar-power adoption amongst New Jerseyans. Sungevity, which allows consumers to save an average of 15 percent on their energy bill, launches its solar leasing services in New Jersey this week. To celebrate, Sungevity is bringing sunshine to life for the New Jersey population through a bio-diesel, solar-powered ice pop truck that will tour Northern New Jersey, bringing Solar Power to the People. Sungevity’s solar-powered ice-pop truck features specially installed iPads that will introduce New Jersey residents to the company’s innovative iQuote process, the solar industry’s easiest and most efficient process for going solar.

Sungevity Website: http://www.sungevity.com/ ◦

Sungevity giving out free Ice Pops at "Movies Under the Stars" in Hoboken Tonight!

Pilsener Haus in Hoboken Finally Opens: Good Times Ahead

The Pilsener Haus in Hoboken finally opened their doors last night to a packed crowd. Later in the evening there was a line to get in. Below is their press release which gives valuable information on the beers and food available....

It's been two years in the making... Pilsener Haus & Biergarten is proud to announce they are now open for business! New Jersey's first truly authentic biergarten offers the old-world experience that Europeans have enjoyed for centuries. Pilsener Haus' bar features 20 premium draft beers, including Pilsener Haus Original Brew, imported from Germany.The full beer list boasts almost 50 bottles, including select American craft beers.

View the draft list here.

View the bottle list here.

Pilsener Haus' bar -- centerpiece of the massive bier hall An Exceptional Austro-Hungarian Menu. Pilsener Haus & Biergarten's Chef Thomas Ferlesch, formerly of Cafe des Artistes and Brooklyn's Thomas Beisl, has created a genuine biergarten menu of schnitzels, wursts, charcuterie and more. Hoboken has gained not just a biergarten, but a superb restaurant as well.

View the Pilsener Haus menu here.

Features:

• Fun, beer, food & fellowship at communal tables crafted from re-purposed barn wood
• Brought to you by one of the founders of Brooklyn's Radegast, Pilsener Haus will also feature a regular schedule of live music.
• Biergarten...restaurant...music venue
• 10,000 square feet of tradition come to Hoboken!

Read more about Pilsener Haus & Biergarten here.
Address: 1422 Grand Street Hoboken, NJ
Phone: 201.683.5465
Website: http://www.pilsenerhaus.com/
Hours:

• Monday – Friday: 5 pm to 2 am
• Saturday – Sunday: noon to 2 am

Below are photos from last night's event:

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Pilsener Haus in Hoboken Finally Opens: Good Times Ahead