MSV

Assemblyman Ruben Ramos endorses Barbara Buono for Governor

2013-09-26T13:47:00.003-04:00

Assemblyman Ruben Ramos who is running for mayor in Hoboken gave his support along with several other Latino elected officials for Barbara Buono for Governor as reported by the AP.

Ramos is mentioned in the story:

Assemblyman Ruben Ramos Jr., who represents Hoboken and teaches in Paterson, said he felt confident Buono would make education and public safety priorities if elected governor.

Ramos and his council slate are competing with the new entrant, the recent backed slate of developer Frank "Pupie" Raia and Councilwoman Beth Mason who inserted Tim Occhipinti for mayor moving himself down into a council at-large seat.

The Ramos campaign put out their platform detailed below:

Talking Ed Note: There's word the discussion of affordable housing and the controversial Vision 20/20 massive redevelopment has been removed from all literature and the Ramos campaign website.

MSV is not confirming this for the moment but it appears there is no platform detail on anything regarding Vision 20/20 or affordable housing.

HHA's controversial Director Carmelo Garcia who is suing the City of Hoboken, the mayor's husband and the former chair Jake Stuiver on a host of alleged charges including "ethnic cleansing" for failing to support his undocumented Vision 20/20 program was seen recently outside the Ramos Campaign headquarters.

Superintendent Dr. Toback reveals "serious incident" surrounding EMT program

2013-09-26T09:48:00.001-04:00

Dr. Toback issued the following letter yesterday:

Dear Parents, Guardians, Caregivers, Students, and Concerned Citizens,

I write to you today in response to a recent article that appeared in the Hoboken Reporter regarding the Hoboken Public Schools Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program. I can imagine that most people reading the article have some serious questions about the motives of the administration for not continuing the program. The article included some relevant information, but not enough for residents to fully understand the decision.

A Wake Up Call
Quite a bit of attention was focused on the EMT program after a serious incident where the adult driver of the HHS ambulance was arrested for crimes of a sexual nature committed against students attending Hoboken High School. Although the EMT students were not the victims, you can appreciate that there was an extensive investigation and evaluation process. The arrest was a low point in the history of the program, but it was a wake up call in many ways and the incident revealed some other issues.

Facts Concerning the Discontinuation
You cannot be at two places at the same time.
One of the issues that arose was the dual nature of work for the employees involved with the EMT program. The driver mentioned above was also working as an instructional aide which means that when he was on an ambulance call, he was not working with the students he was assigned to work with and support. This is a liability for the district as students needing services would not be receiving those services in the consistent manner required.

Needs of Students

The teacher missed classes when there was an ambulance call and this had an impact on all of the students. The EMT students also missed class when there were calls. Now, with only a small number of students, the program would be excessively reliant on the same students missing class. The first priority for our students must be the core subjects like reading and math.

NJDOE Approval

After further evaluation of the program, it became clear that the district was running a career education program. The problem is that all career and technical education programs in New Jersey public schools must be approved by the New Jersey Department of Education. The EMT Program is not an approved program. Operating an unapproved program is a liability for the district.

Insurance Issues

We recently uncovered some insurance concerns that must be resolved. School districts are required to report to insurance companies any situations creating unique risk much like you would be required to do in order to be insured. The EMT program was never reported to our insurance carrier and they were not aware we had such a program. In our case, the district has a number of emergency medical students in training and as you can imagine, the cost to insure such a program would be quite high. Considering that the program is not operating with the required NJDOE approval, it may not be possible to insure the program. While the program may be covered in some respects by other insurance from the city or elsewhere, we do not have any written record of this and our insurance carrier has their own stand. Our current carrier, the New Jersey School Board Association Insurance Group, declined to cover the program and suggested we look elsewhere.

Cost

In order to operate the program properly, there would be a number of additional employees that we would need to hire including a driver who would be on stand-by to drive the ambulance. We would need to provide additional supervision for different events where supervision did not exist. The district would need a full time teacher. The cost for insurance is not determined at this point. It is safe to say that the program, with the additional employees, benefits, insurance, and all other costs, would be in the neighborhood of at least $150,000 and possibly as high as $200,000. That is quite an investment for a class that is not required.

Mythbusters
There are many other claims and optional explanations that have been offered regarding the decision to not continue the program. I have responded below to some claims and offered relevant facts.

There are many more students interested in the program.

The enrollment situation is very simple. At the end of the school year, there were seven students signed up for the EMT program. Six students were seniors and one was a junior. The fact that almost no under class students signed up does not speak well to the future of the program. Students have some classes that they must take to graduate and others they can choose. The district employees cannot compel students to enroll in the EMT program. The main point is that the students have clearly communicated their level of interest in the program.

With one less ambulance in circulation, the residents, students, and teachers are not as safe as they once were.

I believe that the residents of the city should be greatly concerned if optional class choices of high school students have an impact on their overall safety. If this is the case, then there is a much larger problem and it has nothing to do with the public schools. Like any other school district in the United States, we would need to call an ambulance if there is a medical emergency for a student or staff member.

There are other programs that have smaller enrollments. The school district is not being fair by maintaining the AP program and not the EMT program.

Advanced Placement classes are critical and the classes in most, if not all cases, meet high school graduation requirements. In addition, all public schools are required to offer programs for gifted and talented students. At the high school level, AP programs make it possible to meet state requirements. Because AP classes are single classes, the district usually expends only a small stipend of about $5,000 to the AP teachers for each class we offer. While G&T programs are required, there is no requirement to run an EMT program.

Students are missing out on full college scholarships and opportunities at medical schools.

A survey of high school guidance counselors and teachers revealed that there were no students they were aware of who received full or partial EMT scholarships from a college or university or admission to medical school based on their involvement with the EMT program. Montclair State University offers an EMT in Residence Program. This is not a scholarship, but more of a work program. If selected, the resident EMT will be responsible for being on campus and on-call a minimum of one night per week (11 p.m. to 8 a.m.), three day shifts per week (12 hours total), and two weekends per month. In exchange, the EMT is given a room on campus and priority registration rights.

The EMT Program at Hoboken High School is the only one in the state and maybe the nation. How could the BOE end such a unique opportunity for students?

If you consider the information above, I believe that it is easy to understand why it is so unique and why no other comprehensive high schools in New Jersey and maybe even the United States operate an EMT program. There are critical issues that must be considered. The decision to discontinue was a scheduling decision that was handled at the building level in combination with other concerns. The Hoboken Board of Education did not have anything to do with the decision to discontinue the program. Given the above, many people would probably question if it is reasonable for a local board of education to take on such a responsibility.

I am hopeful that this letter clears up at least some misperceptions about why the school district would not continue the EMT program. While the intent of the program was noble and worthwhile from the day it started, there are important issues that must be considered. Nobody wants to discontinue a program unless it is necessary.

Sincerely,
Mark Toback Superintendent of Schools

Latest updates from the Hoboken campaigns:

2013-09-25T18:27:00.002-04:00

Kids First announces:

From the kickoff: BoE trustee Ruth McAllister, Leon Gold, Irene Sobolov and Jennifer Evans
Special guest: Mayor Dawn Zimmer

=====

Vision for Hoboken announces:

Thank You to Our Supporters!

I just wanted to thank you personally for coming out and supporting our ticket last night. The reception was overwhelming!

Here's the thing: There is a lot more work to be done if we want to be celebrating on November 5th and I need your help to get there.

We will be campaigning hard everyday until Election Day -- will you join us?

Visit: http://www.vision4hoboken.com/volunteer/ for volunteer opportunities
or
Stop into our headquarters at 801 Washington Street, Hoboken

Thank you for all you've done -- and for working harder from now until Election Day.

- Ruben

P.S. For those that couldn't make our event yesterday you can still contribute: http://www.vision4hoboken.com/make-a-donation/

Fourth ward committeeman Matt Calicchio

The Frank "Pupie" Raia slate didn't announce it but...

With no headquarters available at its Facebook stated location downtown on Washington Street ready, a meeting of sorts took place at the Beth Mason Civil Lawsuit League at 12th and Washington.

Inside the political office on the northern side were fourth ward Democratic committeeman and Beth Mason political operative Matt Calicchio, BoE trustee and council at-large candidate Peter Biancamano with a third unidentified man.

No it wasn't FinBoy.

Horse Sense: Hoboken411 gets on the Beth Mason "One Hoboken" payroll (again)

2013-09-25T11:28:00.001-04:00

Hoboken411's Perry Klaussen never one to be confused by principal, issues or sanity and to the surprise of absolutely no one dived right in heads first getting behind the Beth Mason controlled mayoral candidate Timmy Occhipinti and the Raia council slate.

That Hoboken's infamous smear merchant and top political mercenary would go along with Beth Mason is not a surprise, that was only a matter of when not if.

That Perry Klaussen would attack the Zimmer administration vaguely suggesting they are "ethically corrupt" will not catch anyone off guard either.

It's his bonafide endorsement of vote-by-mail ballots out of the gate raising eyebrows:

Hoboken411's Perry Klaussen, the mercenary editor in service to Beth Mason
is officially pushing her council manufactured candidate Tim Occhipinti for mayor.
The only surprise comes in his full throated endorsement of vote-by-mail fraud.

The closing line of Perry Klaussen's lead-in is quite a tell. "If you can't vote in person, luckily we live in a democracy-and you can Vote By Mail," he says.

Where are all these Hoboken Housing Authority residents in the "4-4" in the back of the fourth ward planning to be that day?

Following up with his full throated endorsement of the dog whistle video calling a minority councilman an "animal," Hoboken411 is announcing in a sound far less than a dog whistle that massive, vote-by-mail fraud is expected!

And he's thanking Beth Mason in advance saying he's proud to get behind the fraud.
That's "One Hoboken" Hoboken411 is thrilled to be getting behind.

At the last City Council meeting one Hoboken resident urged the vote-by-mail payees to hold out for $200, not the typical $40 a vote re: "campaign worker" payment they have received at election time in the Hoboken Housing Authority.

The Ruben Ramos campaign is attempting to limit the VBM damage (typically in the hundreds but growing closer to four digits in recent elections) with Carmelo Garcia having his people "educate" HHA residents to not take the money in this election cycle. More on that tenant-landlord PR effort later.

Talking Ed Note: Does anyone see the irony in Timmy Occhipinti running again as an "independent" this time for mayor but he doesn't even have permission to come up with his own campaign theme?

In 2009, Beth Mason ran her distant third place campaign under the banner "One Hoboken." She's clearly not over the devastating defeat and is using her surrogate Tim Occhipinti to fulfill the unrequited love she didn't get from Hoboken voters.

Let's dedicate this Horse Sense editorial to all Hobokenites who stand up against vote-by-mail fraud.

HHA's Carmelo Garcia promotes Hoboken411 smear of Councilman Bhalla

2013-09-24T18:43:00.002-04:00

MILE SQUARE VIEW EXCLUSIVE

Smear and dehumanization of Councilman Bhalla hearkens back to violence and murder against South Asians in Hoboken

Controversial Hoboken Housing Authority Executive Director Carmelo Garcia promoted via Facebook a Hoboken411 article smearing Ravi Bhalla featuring the council meeting video where fellow Ruben Ramos backer Perry Belfiore calls the minority councilman "an animal."

Garcia who has advocated other local websites be "denounced" at a recent meeting alleging "misinformation" about his stewardship and Vision 20/20 redevelopment at the HHA is oddly advocating for the notorious website where iron-fisted censorship is the norm and smear jobs of residents, city employees, local officials, local businesses and even the local hospital have been a Beth Mason sponsored staple over years.

Both Belfiore and Garcia are intimate supporters of Assemblyman Ruben Ramos' run for mayor. Last Thursday evening both Belfiore and Garcia were seen outside the Ramos HQ offices conversing with campaign staff.

Has Carmelo Garcia ever once denounced the years long defamation of so many in the community by Hoboken411? It appears not as the Old Guard is united in respect to smearing a minority councilman.

Back in 1987, insulting South Asians was the least of the problems as a gang of local teens attacked and killed one South Asian in Hoboken who was visiting a local cafe.

Carmelo Garcia who is under fire for secretly taping others and trying
to "set them up" for his lawsuit is trumpeting another Hoboken411 smear job.

Are Perry Belfiore, Carmelo Garcia and Hoboken411 hearkening back to the "good old days working together in a familiar dog whistle leading into Election Day?

A local racist group calling themselves "Dotbusters" in a letter to the Jersey Journal publicly vowed to rid the area of South Asians and were responsible for more than a dozen attacks in less than a year. One attack led to the murder of one victim in Hoboken back in the late 80's.

One of the four teens sentenced in the savage attack which led to the death of Navroze Mody has been on the payroll of the HHA under Carmelo Garcia in recent years. Employee records out of the HHA are not readily available even to HHA commissioners under Garcia's less than transparent "leadership," and it's unknown if limited employee records are accurate.

At the time of the sentencing for the crime leading to the coma and death of Navroze Mody, many in the Indian community felt neither "karma" or "justice" was served.

Related: Background on the local areas's "Dotbusters" and the systematic violence they delivered as retold in a paper written by Elizabeth Guttierez.

This story is dedicated to the memory of Navroze Mody who was murdered in Hoboken while visiting a cafe with a friend in 1987.

White House salutes Hoboken CERT Team and Lou Casciano

2013-09-24T16:56:00.003-04:00

City of Hoboken announces:

HOBOKEN CERT COORDINATOR & VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED BY WHITE HOUSE & FEMA

FEMA Deputy Administrator Richard Serino (left), Hoboken CERT Coordinator Lou Casciano (right), and other Champions of Change honorees at the White House.

Hoboken’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers were recognized as “Community Preparedness Heroes” by FEMA and CERT Coordinator Lou Casciano was honored as a Community Preparedness and Resilience “Champion of Change” by the White House.

“Lou Casciano and our CERT volunteers helped save lives during Hurricane Sandy,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “I congratulate them on this incredible honor and thank them for their ongoing work to educate and prepare our community for future emergencies through the Hoboken Ready initiative. Their efforts are an essential part of a comprehensive plan to make Hoboken more resilient.”

Lou Casciano – Community Preparedness and Resilience “Champion of Change”

On September 24, 2013, Hoboken CERT Coordinator Lou Casciano was honored at the White House as a Community Preparedness and Resilience “Champion of Change.”

Lou joined the Hoboken Community Emergency Response Team in April 2010 and during his tenure was instrumental in managing the response to Hurricane Irene which led to his appointment as CERT Coordinator in June 2012. In this new role, Lou recognized the need to plan for the next incident. His techniques proved invaluable when Hoboken experienced the significant effects of Superstorm Sandy just one year later, including: (i) identifying and training key volunteer leaders to help manage the influx of 5,000 volunteers; (ii) identifying and recruiting doctors, pharmacists and nurse practitioners; (iii) opening Hoboken High School to accept and distribute more than 23,000 Meals Ready to Eat, and tens of thousands of donations from around the country; (iv) managing and supplying six Points of Distribution throughout the City; and (v) manning the Emergency Operations Center throughout the entire 14-day tour. In August 2013, Lou was appointed as Operations and Training Officer for the Office of Emergency Management with the City of Hoboken.

Hoboken CERT Volunteers – “Community Preparedness Heroes”

The volunteers of the Hoboken CERT program were recognized as “Community Preparedness Heroes” as part of the 2013 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Awards.

After Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast in October 2012, the Hoboken CERT team was deployed to assist Hoboken’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in recovery efforts. The program distributed Hurricane Sandy information flyers throughout the Hoboken Housing Authority and locked down its HAM radio frequency to all communications with the exception of emergency traffic. Additionally, the CERT program set up and manned the Emergency Operation Center with the Hoboken OEM and began the process of soliciting volunteers and staffing shelters. On October 30, 2012, the CERT program started with recovery operations by identifying leaders and organizing hundreds of volunteers. Hoboken CERT was able to utilize its amateur radio repeater as the primary means of communication for shelter operations, shuttle bus communications, and volunteer communications.

Former allies now the most bitter of foes

2013-09-24T09:27:00.002-04:00

A screen shot from a 2010 YouTube ad featured Assemblyman Ruben Ramos and Tim Occhipinti together.
The bad blood between the political camps is beyond anything seen on the campaign trail in recent years.

This story is MSV subscriber content. If you haven't received the email, please contact smartyjones@me.com

Sign of the Times: Buying and selling votes is illegal?

2013-09-24T09:00:00.003-04:00

A reader sent in this pic as seen on 2nd and Willow. Perhaps they need to move west.
Please keep in mind HHA Executive Director Carmelo Garcia claims you need his prior approval
to use your First Amendment rights in the HHA.

Latest updates from the campaigns

2013-09-24T06:31:00.003-04:00

The Mayor Dawn Zimmer campaign announces:

Blog Volunteer Contribute

Dear Horsey and MSV readers --

We need you to get in the game. The Zimmer Team along with fellow Hoboken residents, Abby and Eli Manning are preparing for our biggest event yet.The fight for doing what is right for our City is challenging. But my Council team Ravi Bhalla, David Mello, Jim Doyle and I are deeply committed to our community and we want keep building on our record. Together we saved our hospital, taking the City off of a $52 million bond guarantee, and completed 1600 Park--a project that members of my team have been fighting for since the 90s.

I know there is more work to do, which is why I am fighting to protect and preserve our treasured waterfront and bring more park space to all corners of Hoboken. I am pleased to report that we now have renovated and upgraded nearly all our existing city parks, providing a broader array of active recreational opportunities.
The completion of 1600 Park and upcoming renovation to Elysian Park and Sinatra Park are just the beginning of the great things happening in our City. With your support we look forward to bringing a beautiful waterfront park at Hoboken Cove including a new boathouse to expand everyone’s access to the Hudson River, and most importantly, we are fighting to make sure that developers follow through on their legal obligations to bring open space instead of over-development with the Monarch project.
So join us on Monday September 30th! Your support can make a huge difference in the future of our City and it will be a great night out with Abby and Eli! Get in the Game!
Mayor Dawn Zimmer
http://www.dawnzimmer.com/

Vision for Hoboken announces:

Support our Vision for Hoboken tomorrow, September 24th at Cadillac Cantina!

Just a reminder that our next fundraiser is taking place tomorrow night at the new Hoboken hot spot Cadillac Cantina. Join Ruben, Laura, Eduardo, Joe and fellow supporters for drinks and appetizers from 6:30PM to 8:30PM. As we prepare for the non-stop madness of October, your financial support is crucial to our operation. Please help us continue to reach out to Hoboken residents and realize our vision for our city.

When: Tuesday, September 24th

from 6:30PM - 8:30PM

Where: Cadillac Cantina

80 River Street

Hoboken, NJ 07030

Contribution: $100 per person

Please make checks payable to:

Vision for Hoboken

107 Jefferson Street

Hoboken, NJ 07030

Perry Belfiore instructs reform council "control your animal"

2013-09-23T11:48:00.003-04:00

In rant against Councilman Ravi Bhalla, Ruben Ramos insider Perry Belfiore calls him an "animal"

In a clear sign of severe frustration leading into the November election, long time politico Perry Belfiore ranted a list of grievances he's held against Councilman Ravi Bhalla urging reform oriented council members in conclusion to "control your animal."

Most of the antics at last week's council meeting consisted of minor issues from years ago, almost all unsubstantiated but each are high on Perry Belfiore's list. He recently was given time on the Beth Mason sponsored website Hoboken411 to vent his spleen with rather weak and tepid criticism.

Here Belfiore amps it up to pre-election foul levels and spends most of his time complaining about a Hoboken Housing Authority contract never issued to Florio Perucci. The firm recently hired Councilman Bhalla as an attorney. Putting aside those realities, Belfiore concludes it's a conflict of interest.

In a round about defense of the flailing Ruben Ramos mayoral campaign, Belfiore who some say is the master strategist and hoped to be named Business Administrator under a Ramos mayoralty refers to the letter from Corporation Counsel criticizing a conflict where HHA counsel Charles Daglian sat in a meeting advocating for his own contract. He states that critical letter came about due to Councilman Bhalla's intervention.

Only Belfiore has nary a word to say about the contract for Daglian passed (and later nullified) in that HHA vote. He takes no issue with it whatsoever. He does however insist that the City's counsel was summoned by Councilman Bhalla to weigh in on what HUD itself described as "legally flawed," reported exclusively here by MSV.

In point of fact, the letter by Hoboken Corporation Counsel was legally requested by then HHA Chair Jake Stuiver and is part of the legal process permitted by HUD in raising just such a conflict orchestrated by HHA Executive Director Carmelo Garcia and Charles Daglian. At the last HHA meeting, a seventh attempt was made by Garcia to push another approval for Daglian's contract. It was met affirmatively by Ramos council slate candidate Eduardo Gonzalez - however, the attempt failed.

Where else but Hoboken can a contractor repeatedly insult his bosses and insist they approve his selection after more than half-a-dozen attempts to pass a contract where the board members have clearly expressed no confidence?

Does any of this give Perry Belfiore pause?

Belfiore continues with his litany of attacks on Councilman Bhalla throwing innuendo around where no compensation or payment can be remotely demonstrated taking a wild shot at Councilman Dave Mello who is also on the November ballot.

One can say this is merely politics but it's not. It's bitter, sour grapes in advance of an election. The strategy hatched by the Ramos campaign depended on all voters remotely open to voting against Mayor Zimmer and her council slate uniting behind his campaign. Undoubtedly, it was a good idea at the time but as Al Sullivan accurately noted over the weekend; it came without consultation of other Old Guard politicos. Once Frank "Pupie" Raia put a slate and money with the Mason family in, the jig was up.

Perry Belfiore's bitter rant might as well be viewed within the prism of someone who is tossing vitriol after losing an election. That's pretty much what it is but the HHA residents re: Carmelitos in attendance eat it up and cheer madly.

Will they be doing so after the November election?

Here's the full, unedited performance of one Business Adminstrator aspirant: Perry Belfiore.

Talking Ed Note: It's hard not to conclude after witnessing this sad display that for the Perry Belfiore's of the Hoboken political world, the writing is on the wall and a long held plan to see Assemblyman Ruben Ramos become mayor is looking all but impossible.

The lashing out, the bitterness, the anger without any discernible factual support is an obvious indicator the party is over.

Belfiore is a sharp observer of the local political scene. Thursday night MSV saw on the corner of the Ramos HQ, Perry Belfiore speaking with former fourth ward councilman Chris Campos and another unknown man while several feet away, field campaign manager John Castellano was speaking with another person who has been in the Hoboken news lately:

Carmelo Garcia.

It was 8:00 pm, relatively early for the campaign to be calling it a night.
Last one out of the office, turn out the lights.

Mayor Dawn Zimmer endorses Kids First at Turtle Club

2013-09-23T09:12:00.007-04:00

Mayor Zimmer addresses dozens at a packed Turtle Club Sunday afternoon urging active support for the Kids First ticket of
Jennifer Evans (l), Irene Sobolov and Leon Gold.

Mayor Dawn Zimmer speaks to a crowd Sunday afternoon urging supporters of good government to get out and actively back the Board of Education Kids First ticket. Kids First has seen the mayor's support since the reform movement's 2009 successes when both were elected.

The Kids First majority has eliminated administrative overhead, faulty contracts and numerous bad practices exposed in audits putting the money back into the classroom for children ever since.

On Saturday, independent candidate Patricia Waiters running for a seat on the BoE backed out of the Better Schools Now ticket telling MSV it will be endorsed by Mayor Zimmer's opponent Ruben Ramos who she does not support for mayor.

Super Bowl XLVIII excitement building for Hoboken

2013-09-22T17:44:00.007-04:00

For the first time ever, the Super Bowl will be held in an outdoors cold climate location and Hoboken stands to be in the middle of the action. With the NFL mega-marketing for the event, hundreds of millions in spending for the big dance will be hitting New York and New Jersey with both states co-hosting the event.

Scott Katz, chairman for the Hoboken events committee has been working to see Hoboken a focus of the event next February with the week leading into the big game being a significant opportunity for local business and an elevated profile for the Mile Square.

Working closely with Katz through the process is Sixth ward councilwoman Jen Giattino. Both visited Indianapolis to see the festivities leading into the Super Bowl there and make valuable contacts. They were joined by Director Leo Pellegrini to identify the best practices and ideas to see Hoboken get a piece of the action.

Showtime is not far off in the distance with Pier A a site for a large ice rink and a lit 18 foot Super Bowl XLVIII centerpiece near the water beckoning across the river to Manhattan.

Featured in the above video on Fox5 with Scott Katz and Jen Giattino is Hudson County Freeholder Chair Anthony Romano.

New slate forms for BoE election: Better Schools Now

2013-09-21T09:55:00.005-04:00

Going up against Kids First will be BoE slate "Better Schools Now" featuring
Vanessa Falco, Brian Murray and Patricia Waiters.

According to the Facebook Page:

Better Schools Now announces school board ticket. Better Schools Now is comprised of long time resident and parent, Vanessa Falco, local realtor and parent, Brian Murray and dedicated community advocate and parent, Patricia Waiters.

"Parents are tired of waiting for the schools to improve. Better Schools Now has plan to deliver schools that compete with the best schools in the state. We wantparents to choose Hoboken Schools over charters or moving to the suburbs. Families move because of the schools. Better Schools Now sees a future where families stay for the schools It's up to us to deliver a school system including the high school that competes and wins on education.." , says Murray

"The current board has played the blame game. Instead of taking responsibility for failing our children, they blame the kids or parents who choose to leave. Better Schools Now is going to change that culture. We are going to provide real support systems from the bottom up. Additionally we will lean on the Hoboken community for added support to create a culture of excellence. Hoboken's Future is in our youth" adds Falco.

"The school system is in dire need of an extreme makeover and that is just what we will do. " adds Waiters

A fundraising event is set for October 11th at Joe Branco's downtown bar Room 84.

CORRECTION & UPDATE:

In a phone interview earlier Council and BoE candidate Patricia Waiters denied she has agreed to be on a slate with Vanessa Falco and Brian Murray. Explaining she had considered doing so two weeks back when the photo was taken, she claimed no knowledge of the announced Facebook page and fundraiser at Joe Branco's downtown bar Room 84.

Waiters also said she is not interested in joining with the other two candidates who are aligning with the Raia slate.

Waiters stated for the record:

"I have no interest in supporting this BoE ticket Better Schools Now and Ruben Ramos for mayor. You see how they play dirty? I have not agreed to be on this ticket and will not join with the other two candidates (pushed by the Raia slate and Tim Occhipinti for BoE). I am an independent."
Told by Ruben Ramos backers her council candidacy would harm Ruben's council slate, Waiter recounted her response, "I am not with Ruben Ramos and do not support him for mayor."
Waiters reiterated she had no knowledge of the Facebook page launched only days ago with her quoted (above) as being part of the Better Schools Now slate.

"How would I be part of a fundraiser (at Room 84) when I'm not on a ticket?" Waiters added, "You see what they do Horsey."

Indeed. They even duped MSV with a phony release on Facebook quoting Patricia Waiters.
MSV apologizes to Patricia Waiters as she's changed her position on this election.

And now a word from...

2013-09-20T14:19:00.000-04:00

Da Horsey

It's full bore campaign season in Hoboken and this election will define the future of our City be it forward under a steward where professional expectations are a given or backwards to the "On the Waterfront" and Hoboken "tradition" as some Old Guard say.

Most of you will decide whether you can participate in spreading the word performing some community effort on behalf of a campaign but if you are overwhelmed, there's other important ways to participate.

You can sign up for email notices via a campaign but also for MSV, either yourself and/or a friend. This way, you stay on top of the big developments and undoubtedly, the big brawls.

Next week MSV will highlight more of the insanity from the peanut gallery at the City Council meeting and all the ins and outs of a what is guaranteed to be a bruising election.

In the meantime, let your friends and neighbors know what the stakes are because they're for keeps.

It's easy to sign up using the "Follow by email" option on the top right. So feel free to sign up for yourself, friends and family and you'll be guaranteed to be kept abreast by the biggest and best website covering Hoboken government, politics and corruption.

Just enter email(s) in this box on the upper right of this page as seen below:

Plug in on MSV via email on the upper right of the site.

Talking Ed Note: You can also subscribe to comments too in Intense Debate if you so choose.
No information is collected, maintained or held by MSV.

Campaigns heat up... the latest

2013-09-20T09:10:00.001-04:00

From the desk of Councilman Ravi Bhalla for the Mayor Zimmer Team Campaign:

Blog Volunteer Contribute

Dear Horsey and MSV readers:

It’s pretty amazing what we’ve done together in such a short time. Constructing new parks, restoring trust in city government and cutting taxes are just a few of our team’s achievements over these past few years.

But we know what our opponents will say too. We believe that only facts matter. We need to make sure that the facts reach the voters. Which is why we need your help today.

We’ve created this beautiful infographic highlighting the top ten things we’ve achieved together so far:

These are some of the few things that only happened because of you, and your belief in us.

Now, we need you to let others in your community know what we’ve accomplished together, so please spread the word on Twitter and Facebook.

Helping us spread the word about the progress we’ve made is essential. But there’s more to be done and we need your help, so sign up to volunteer today.

Together, we will continue to Lead Hoboken Forward

Ravi Bhalla
Councilman
http://www.dawnzimmer.com/

The Vision for Hoboken campaign announces:

Come to our campaign headquarters on Saturday

Join our candidates for coffee and donuts, then everybody will head out for some door-to-door canvassing!

We've been working hard to spread the word about the upcoming election and our team's Vision for Hoboken, but we need your help! This Saturday morning, you are invited to stop by our headquarters for coffee and donuts with the candidates. In the afternoon, we will be canvassing door-to-door all over Hoboken and would love to have you join us in doing so. Please see the details below and contact John Castellano to RSVP or if you have any questions.

When: 10:00AM - coffee and donuts
              1:00PM - neighborhood canvassing

Where: Vision for Hoboken headquarters
              801 Washington Street, Hoboken

Contact: John Castellano, campaign field director
                 John.James.Castellano@gmail.com

***

Kids First announces:

Dear friends and neighbors,

Please join us this Sunday, September 22, for the Kids First 2013 Hoboken School Board election campaign kickoff!

Date: Sunday, September 22

Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: The Turtle Club, 936 Park Ave, Hoboken

Current board members Leon Gold and Irene Sobolov are running for re-election; joining them on the ticket is Jennifer Evans. They seek your support in order to continue the progress made by the Kids First majority board over the past four years.

Kids First is committed to improving the Hoboken Public Schools and it is with your continued support that we are achieving that goal. We all know that strong public schools improve the quality of life in our city. Spending wisely and investing your tax dollars in the classroom provides priceless opportunities to Hoboken’s students.

As we launch our all-volunteer grassroots campaign we need your financial help so we can communicate our message to Hoboken voters. We need to raise funds for city-wide advertisements, campaign mailers, window signs, T-shirts and campaign literature. Your contribution will allow our voices to be heard in the November 5th general election and ensure the visibility of our candidates: Leon, Irene and Jennifer.

Please consider an early contribution to Kids First. You may donate online here. Alternatively, please make checks payable to Kids First 2013 and mail to: Kids First 2013, c/o 214 Garden Street #4, Hoboken, NJ, 07030.

We thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you at the kickoff!

Follow the campaign to get the latest news by “Liking” our campaign page on Facebookand on Twitter.

An intimate first hand account of widespread HHA voter fraud

2013-09-19T12:36:00.003-04:00

MILE SQUARE VIEW EXCLUSIVE FEATURE

HHA resident Barbara Reyes calls HHA a "guinea pig" for vote-by-mail ballot fraud

One of the fascinating aspects of the Old Guard vs. Old Guard battle in the Raia-Mason vs. Ruben Ramos camps is the ensuing war over vote-by-mail fraud taking place in the Hoboken Housing Authority and seniors buildings.

Another intriguiging aspect is seeing the war over the voter fraud take the stage front and center in a City Council meeting.

The messenger of bad tidings telling truths about rampant vote buying in the Hoboken Housing Authority comes from Carmelo Garcia acolyte Barbara Reyes. Although she was forwarded and failed three times for housing authority commissioner in recent months, she continues to be a Garcia spokesman for the undocumented Vision 20/20 redevelopment.

Garcia who is currently aligned with long time friend Ruben Ramos for mayor is waging a campaign to impose a cease and desist on vote-by-mail fraud. Garcia himself was the recipient of hundreds of such suspicious ballots in his last BoE race, one shared with running mate now council candidate opponent Peter Biancamano who is running with Frank Raia and Tim Occhipinti.

That was then, this is now. It's mano a mano, Old Guard vs. Old Guard and Barbara Reyes unceremoniously blows the whistle following another public speaker who decried the clear vote-by-mail ballot fraud last November.

Reyes says the HHA Tenant Association has "noticed" there's a "big issue" with absentee ballot fraud.

"We're always used as the guinea pigs," Reyes says matter of fact. Reyes points to a plan their tenant group will educate, going door to door in the HHA to battle against the VBM effort where ballots are signed and handed over unsealed stating, "Unfortunately, that's what's happening."

Reyes concluded her remarks saying, "Unfortunately, as we see the fourth ward is always the one that has.... the largest number of voter fraud going on and absentee ballots (vote-by-mail) as well."

Is that right?

Talking Ed Note: Reyes says the HHA tenant group is mobilizing presently but the practice of rampant absentee re: vote-by-mail fraud has been happening "for years." So why has this group under Carmelo Garcia suddenly found religion and decided to "educate" against vote-by-mail fraud?

Does it have anything to do with Carmelo Garcia backing Ruben Ramos who is not equipped to compete with the machinery and money against the Raia-Mason slate's efforts?

Tim Occhipinti became quite uncomfortable with all the public discussion during public portion about rampant voter fraud in the fourth ward. The self-proclaimed "independent" has seen hundreds upon hundreds of questionable, and highly mathematically improbable vote-by-mail ballots churned out among his "paid campaign workers" in previous elections going back to 2010.

Occhipinti departed the dais and upon reaching the rear of the room got a friendly pat on the back along the lines of "it'll be alright" from Mason political operative Matt Calicchio according to eyewitnesses.

Beth Mason didn't exactly look enamored with the vote-by-mail fraud discussion in the video either.

Peter Cammarano election violations filed by NJ ELEC

2013-09-19T09:23:00.003-04:00

Peter Cammarano ELEC Complaint

Peter Cammarano last Saturday enjoyed the day's block party. Days later he's been hit
with 15 NJ Elec violations with fines possibly totaling $6,800 a pop.
His Old Guard colleagues are warring over vote-by-mail fraud in the Hoboken Housing Authority.

Talking Ed Note: The complete filing of 15 violations by the NJ Election Law Enforcement Commission is available for review and download. Some are taking heart in seeing the effort and others wonder about accountability in Hoboken for those who have flouted NJ election law: the name Beth Mason comes to mind.

Commenters have remarked with some hope the Tim Occhipinti campaigns in 2010 and 2011 will see some form of justice. Based on this timeline, nothing would hit until 2014 at the earliest.

Unrelated a blood feud has broken out on the rampant vote-by-mail buying in the Hoboken Housing Authority between the Old Guard camps of the Raia-Mason slate and Ruben Ramos campaign.

Suddenly, some in the Old Guard have found religion and at the last City Council meeting odd words emanated from the Carmelitos under the sway of their landlord Carmelo Garcia, Hoboken's Ethic Cleanser who is currently aligned with Ruben Ramos.

The Ramos campaign doesn't have the means or funds to compete with the monied Tim Occhipinti campaign which has demonstrated remarkable ability to generate vote-by-mail voters and "campaigners" by the hundreds.

More on all this later. In the meantime, the blood and the vote-by-mail ballot applications flow in the HHA and senior buildings. One speaker at the Tuesday City Council meeting urged the "campaigning" vote-by-mailers to hold out on the usual downtown going rate of $40 per vote and get $200 saying the vote buyers can afford it.

Anyone know the name of the new NJ Attorney General?

Only in Hoboken folks, only in Hoboken.

Cammarano and 2009 slate, treasurer hit with massive ELEC violations

2013-09-18T18:30:00.000-04:00

Peter Cammarano who was becoming comfortable again with life spending time with neighbors at the 1100 Block Party last weekend received some bad news when New Jersey ELEC whacked the former mayor and felon with a comprehensive list of 15 violations.

Cammarano was hit with the violations along with his slate and former treasurer, among them Angel Aliciea who is suing the City of Hoboken and shares an attorney with HHA Director Carmelo Garcia.

From the Star Ledger's Ted Sherman, co-author of the Jersey Sting:

Four years after his arrest in a massive federal corruption sting, former Hoboken Mayor Peter J. Cammarano was charged today with major campaign finance violations — including his acceptance of $25,000 in cash bribes.

In a 61-page civil complaint filed by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, Cammarano and his campaign were charged with receipt of excessive contributions and cash, as well as failure to file contribution and expenditure information, and not certifying his reports.

The former mayor and others tied to his campaign face the possibility of significant fines for the violations.

The story also names others connected to Cammarano and former slate member of Councilwoman Beth Mason:

Before his arrest, Cammarano had been an election law lawyer in New Jersey.Also named in the complaint were Vincent Addeo, Angel Alicia and Raul Morales, who had all been candidates for council running with Cammarano in the 2009 campaign, and Lucy Truglio, who served as campaign treasurer. ELEC said they face fines of up to $6,800 for each violation in the 15-count complaint.

Read the whole story at the Star Ledger when clicking on the linked text above.

Saturday's story:

Sign of the Times: Peter Cammarano attends 1100 Bloomfield Block Party

A graying, heavier Peter Cammarano enjoys a moment with neighbors at the 1100 Bloomfiled
Block party yesterday. Did he invite his former City Council colleague Ruben Ramos who
made a later appearance?

More on the political overtones of the party and current criminal related corruption matters.

It'll be arriving in the inbox of MSV subscribers soon.

WABC Radio slams news station for conflict of interest on Eli Manning story

2013-09-18T13:04:00.000-04:00

Says the newsreader on the "tick tick tick" station is a paid hack of Mayor's opponent

File it in the how did this guy know so much about Hoboken politics category.

An announcer on WABC radio slammed a competitor on the AM dial for allowing a "hack" to slam the mayor on its news station saying he's paid by "the other side." The morning bird WABC announcer then complains about the tick tick tick news station: "why did they let him get away with it?"

He's clearly referring to a newsreader on a competing radio station who is a well known rabid Mayor Zimmer hater. The question is how did the WABC announcer know so much about Hoboken politics and all about the "hack" announcer working with Mayor Zimmer's opposition? Is he an MSV reader?

Well who can that be now?

In the media clip below, you can read it but it's far, far better to listen as the words Dawn Zimmer were transcribed as "Don Zimmer." But it just makes far better sense when you hear it.

It's so tasty, you'll think back to the old days when you loved Chef-Boyar-dee!

Anyone have the skinny on how the WABC announcer knows so much about tick tick tick news?

City tourism website legal wrangle leads to Beth Mason exposed and unglued

2013-09-18T08:19:00.001-04:00

Beth Mason claims council "uninformed" but reveals she doesn't do her job

Last night's City Council meeting featured Hoboken Ugly front and center, the Old Guard playbook out in full force demanding the beast be fed and raising ever shriller voices with some of the ugliest charges in recent days.

Days? Well, this is a body where some members with vision of green loot sparkling in their eyes accuse others of racism for not allowing what Council President Peter Cunningham designated last night "a marketing brochure," re: Vision 20/20. The Old Guard council members Beth Mason, Michael Russo, Terry Castellano and Timmy Occhipinti urge it be passed without any scrutiny or Master Plan.

The Vision 20/20 scam was being pushed by Vision 20/20 circus barker and self-worshipping king of the HHA Banana Republic, Mr. Ethnic Cleanser Carmelo Garcia who is finding a less than receptive environment in the City Council (and throughout Hudson County) with the revelations of his secret taping trying to set others up and what was deemed last night "a frivolous lawsuit." Garcia is suing the City, the HHA, the mayor's husband, a HHA commissioner and thinks it will help him gain his political and economic objective(s). More on that later.

In the featured clip below, council candidate Joe Mindak who is on the Ruben Ramos slate appeals to the City Council as a 30K website contract has been tied up in legal wrangling after he announced his candidacy. He requests aid of the council to clear up the legal matter, saying he's not violating pay-to-play laws as he's personally contributed nothing to his campaign.

We pick up from that point in public portion when Beth Mason's unfortunate self-inflicted gaffe is exposed:

After Corporation Counsel Melissa Longo responds to the inquiry on the website's status and informs the council the City has been threatened with litigation by Joe Mindak's attorney, Mason blurts out the council has not been informed.

After being corrected and told by Longo an earlier request had been made and the entire council was notified on the status as a group via email, Beth Mason goes off the deep end and refuses to accept the obvious reality: she doesn't do her job.

A Mason rant ensues as she attempts to cover her self-exposure saying the administration is "hiding behind friggin* paperwork" (emails?) not communicating. Peter Cunningham attempts to suppress laughter in replying to the obvious, "We do." He follows by saying "read your email." To that Mason responds, "no."

Perhaps she only enjoys reading other people's emails.

Mason's rant is applauded by the Carmelitos in the room, the small band of Carmelo Garcia Hoboken Housing Authority members along with Mason operatives encouraging her to rant on more about... well nothing really.

Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Ms. Mason.

Even Beth Mason's own allies don't recognize her as the 2nd ward councilwoman. They don't even include her
on official requests for information but a political operative is included IN HER PLACE.
Not just any political operative; it's Beth Mason's political operative. Perhaps he should attend council meetings.

Talking Ed Note: Perhaps Councilwoman Beth Mason who has multiple consulting firms on the payroll for "council business" including one fishy political operative from Weehawken among them will take it upon herself to do her job and read the information distributed to all council members.

Someday

Based on her lack of preparation when she exposes her own incompetence, don't expect that to change.

Sadly, this was the least of the ugly stomach-churning behavior that went on with the shrill voices raised in desperation as the November election approaches. More to come.

* Yes, Beth Mason upon revealing she doesn't read her own emails on City business actually did say "friggin paperwork."

Pre-election fun and games in City Council @ 7:00

2013-09-17T18:14:00.004-04:00

Part 1:

Video streaming by Ustream

Part 2:

Video streaming by Ustream

Time for another episode of the City Council sagas. Hoboken is of course a live theater far more entertaining than most network television and your master of ceremonies Councilman Michael Russo almost never fails to entertain (as long as it's not you seeing your tax dollars go up in smoke).

Tonight is an unusual meeting with a light agenda but don't think it won't mean there's no fun and games. Hoboken election season is all about fun and games and the Hoboken Sopranos live for this.

With the election momentum established by Mayor Dawn Zimmer, the best chance for the Old Guard is to come up with something to create as a side story meaning wild accusations will be flying!

Will it come up tonight? Hey, if Da Horsey had something definitive it would be shared but we're going on track records here. With two Old Guard led tickets, fun and games is inevitable.

Let the games begin!

Here's the resolution pack: http://www.hobokennj.org/docs/council/respack13/revised-respac-9-17-13.pdf

Huffington Post reports on Eli Manning - Mayor Dawn Zimmer fundraiser

2013-09-17T14:13:00.002-04:00

The Eli Manning - Mayor Zimmer fundraising effort at the Madison latter this month is not only going viral in town - it's gone national.

The Huffington Post picked up MSV's announcement last night today reporting:

Giants quaterback Eli Manning will appear at a fundraiser for Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer later this month.

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is jumping into New Jersey politics, hosting an expensive football watching fundraiser for Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer (D) later this month.

Zimmer's campaign is circulating invitations to the high-dollar event, featuring Manning and his wife, Abby, PolitickerNJ.com reported. Held on Sept. 30 at a bar in Hoboken, the fundraiser will feature football along with politics. Eli and Abby Manning live in Hoboken.

According to the invitation, which was posted on local political blog Mile Square View, admission to a VIP reception is $1,000 a head or $1,500 a couple, while the general reception is $500 a head or $750 a couple. The Mannings are billed as Zimmer's "special guests" for the event.

To read the complete Huffington Post story see the link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/17/eli-manning-dawn-zimmer_n_3941741.html

Talking Ed Note: While NY Giants Quarterback Eli Manning's working with Mayor Zimmer is national news, don't expect to see a word about it on Beth Mason sponsored Hoboken411.

Hoboken drew national media attention with the infamous Nazi Truck last November seeing coverage on the Huffington Post for the repeated display of a Nazi swastika all over town.

Local rabbis publicly requested an apology for the actions but none was forthcoming. Councilwoman Beth Mason who hosted the campaign responsible last November has never said a word on underwriting the endeavor although it's been linked directly to one of her long time political operatives.

Joe Branco a c0-campaign manager for the notorious Move Forward campaign denied approving the Nazi Truck although it made five trips to Hoboken including the night of the BoE election when it featured a Move Forward campaign ad of its candidates.

The three Move Forward candidates were swept by the Kids First ticket.

2013-09-17T13:00:00.000-04:00

Hoboken Family Alliance helps the community and now it's time to help HFA! Please join us for our annual fundraiser to help us fulfill our mission to serve the community. Come celebrate Around the World in One Square Mile with a globally infused night of dining, dancing, drinks and ooooodles of awesome givewaways. Thurs. Sept. 19 at 7 PM at the Kolo Klub.

Tickets are $100 and all proceeds benefit HFA's initiatives - including programs for children with special needs, scholarships for college bound high schoolers, community advocacy and pedestrian safety. As the director of children with special needs, I'm just trying to do my part for all our children but especially kids like Lydia. Would love to see you there! Get your tickets here! Hoboken Family

Mayor Zimmer campaign announces fundraiser with Eli and Abby Manning!

2013-09-16T21:59:00.002-04:00

NY Giants Quarterback Eli Manning and his wife Abby
are special guests at a fundraiser for Mayor Dawn Zimmer
on September 30th at the Madison.

The Mayor Dawn Zimmer campaign released a big announcement tonight:

As I head over to celebrate the opening of our new office with the rest of the team, I wanted to take a minute to share some big news. So far, we've announced our council team, collected over 800 petitions and the ballot is ready to go. Now, it is my pleasure to announce our biggest event yet.

Your neighbors and Hoboken residents Abby and Eli Manning will be joining me, Councilman David Mello, Councilman Ravi Bhalla and Council candidate Jim Doyle for a night of football and fun. Oh, and it will be a great chance for you to hear more about how we are fighting to protect the future of Hoboken's waterfront.

As some of you may know, my team and I have been leading the fight to create new parks, recreational space and a waterfront that is the envy of Northern New Jersey.

Join Us, Team Zimmer with special guests Abby and Eli Manning for an unforgettable night.

Monday September 30, 2013

Madison Bar and Grill

1316 Washington Street

Hoboken, New Jersey

Exclusive VIP Reception begins at 7:00pm

$1,000 per person

$1,500 per couple

General Receptions begins at 8:00pm

$500 per person

$750 per couple

Tickets are limited, so don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of this amazing night! To purchase your tickets now go to: dawnzimmer.com/thegame

Photo courtesy AP

2013-09-16T20:00:00.000-04:00

For more information please contact Tony Soares: tony@boutiquerealtynj.com