The Hoboken Tax Reform Coalition
Hoboken Revolt calls for Russo Resignation
In July of 2009 the residents of Hoboken were subjected to a Mayor who was convicted of criminal actions in connection with what appears to be the same federal investigation. He disrespected the integrity and sacred trust of his constituency. Former Mayor Peter Cammarano infamously said something like " Those who are not with me will.... be ground into powder". Now we have a sitting Councilman who openly acknowledges his Influence peddling and general lack of respect for Hoboken residents who aren't in his "family".
Councilman Russo spoke of conversations he had with Council President Beth Mason where she agreed to Russo’s request for picking her three council seats in the last mayoral election, in return for his involvement in her campaign. He bragged about having a six vote majority, “I have a supermajority, a veto proof majority. At the end of the day I am going to have total control of the City Council.” Russo spoke of his “friends to help move things along” for Dwek when he inquired about development in Hoboken. He went as far as saying, “Once we get all those people in place we will expedite.” Russo also admitted to getting Hector Claveria appointed to the Housing Authority and providing him with an apartment covering four months back rent. When Hector said he would not campaign with Russo, Russo said, “Hector let me explain to you how this works. I do for you, you do for me.” In another part of the conversation Russo stated “the world is losing common sense with all this nonsense pay to play stuff.” These statements are deplorable and show the Councilman’s blatant arrogance and disrespect for his office and the residents of Hoboken.
Hoboken Revolt asks Council President Beth Mason and the entire City Council to denounce this behavior and publicly demand the resignation of Councilman Russo. We need to send a message that corruption will no longer be tolerated in Hoboken!
Revolt encourages all Hoboken residents to attend a rally calling for the resignation of Councilman Michael Russo at City Hall tomorrow night at 6pm before the City Council Meeting.
Tags: corruption, resignation, russo
Views: 42
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Thrill on -
First, he went through the payroll to see who was receiving benefits and didn't notice his father was still receiving benefits.
Second, he lives in subsidized housing.
Third, he met with Dwek and made detrimental comments
Fourth, he is a Russo.
Let's get him, Nino, Tim and Theresa out of office for good. These crumegedeon have no respect for honest citizens and have taken advantage of hard working people. Enough is enough as they continue to exacerbate the situation contributing to Hoboken's negative image.
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Permalink Reply by Kyle on
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Council conflicts and Pay-to-Play violation uncovered
Last week the Hoboken City Council awarded a $29,000 no-bid contract to Hoboken attorney Paul Condon. City council watchers say two members of Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s majority should have abstained from the vote due to their conflicts of interest. Instead they voted with the rest of the council without a peep. A responsible press reports on the conflicts of politicians who hold elective office, especially those who campaigned against the crony/pay-to-play culture that has existed for so long.
Hoboken411 presents the facts:
Condon’s connections to Bhalla and Cunningham
Paul Condon’s law office is located in Suite 4A at 33-41 River Street. Councilman-at-Large Ravi Bhalla’s law office is also located in Suite 4A at 33-41 River Street. Condon and Bhalla share an office, putting them in a business relationship that should have been disclosed to the public before Bhalla voted in favor of awarding the no-bid Special Legal Counsel contract to Condon. Bhalla never mentioned his relationship with Condon during the discussion of the resolution, and voted yes when he should have abstained.
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Permalink Reply by Kyle on
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The plot thickens for Michael Lenz, who looks more like Peter Cammarano with every new detail.
Hoboken411 reported Tuesday that Lenz accepted $1000 in developer campaign contributions after voting to uphold zoning variances for those same developers. Lenz fought community activists who appealed a Zoning Board decision to give the owners of 226 Park Avenue an additional floor and units before accepting the contributions. Lenz has not disputed one word of the story since it was published.
Now Hoboken411 can report Lenz met with developer Kyle Enger at the Coach House Restaurant BEFORE the hearing to discuss how Lenz could help him keep his variances. This is eerily similar to the kind of activity that led to the incarceration of Cammarano, who also promised zoning variance consideration to a developer at a diner before a contribution was made.
Since the story broke, people with first-hand knowledge of the meeting have confirmed Lenz and Enger specifically met to discuss the case prior to the hearing.
Judging by comments from former Corporation Counsel Michael Kates, the Coach House meeting was wholly inappropriate under the law. Kates advised the council they shouldn’t discuss the appeal with anyone, and that such discussions were “extracurricular” and should be “disregarded.”
During the open public comment portion of the March 10, 2010 City Council meeting, Enger’s wife Joan gave a speech explaining why she felt Dan Tumpson’s appeal of the variances should be dismissed. After this speech, City Attorney Kates directed council members not to respond to what she said, and to completely disregard it as “uncalled for” under the law.
Kyle Enger then angrily yelled out at Kates from the audience, and the gavel came down. Take a look at how it transpired on video to see how inappropriate a meeting between Lenz and Enger would have been under the circumstances.
Watching that video it’s clear that any meeting between Lenz and Enger prior to the hearing would be considered improper, which is probably why it was held in North Bergen instead of Hoboken. Lenz holds many meetings at the Coach House when he doesn’t want people from the Mile Square City to see them.
Unlike most council business (which is legislative and open to discussion and lobbying) Zoning Appeal Hearings are quasi-judicial proceedings under the law. Members of the council can only consider “de novo” testimony entered into evidence during the original Zoning Board process. They cannot entertain other arguments.
The question many are asking is, did Lenz promise to assist Enger in exchange for campaign contributions?
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Permalink Reply by Brian R. on -
Sorry Kyle, you're finding reds under your bed where there aren't any. Bhalla's office isn't at that address and hasn't been for a long long time. Bhalla's relationship with Condon is one of colleagues in a profession, not one of business partners in a business relationship. Even sharing space, which they aren't, wouldn't mean they were in a business relationship when it comes to an attorney and the practice of law.
Why all the chatter about others on the Council in this forum post devoted to Michael Russo's transgressions? I'm sure there are other places to post that are more appropriate and won't cloud the issue that we're all here to learn about: Michael Russo's statements and actions.
Kyle said:
Council conflicts and Pay-to-Play violation uncovered
Last week the Hoboken City Council awarded a $29,000 no-bid contract to Hoboken attorney Paul Condon. City council watchers say two members of Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s majority should have abstained from the vote due to their conflicts of interest. Instead they voted with the rest of the council without a peep. A responsible press reports on the conflicts of politicians who hold elective office, especially those who campaigned against the crony/pay-to-play culture that has existed for so long.
Hoboken411 presents the facts:
Condon’s connections to Bhalla and Cunningham
Paul Condon’s law office is located in Suite 4A at 33-41 River Street. Councilman-at-Large Ravi Bhalla’s law office is also located in Suite 4A at 33-41 River Street. Condon and Bhalla share an office, putting them in a business relationship that should have been disclosed to the public before Bhalla voted in favor of awarding the no-bid Special Legal Counsel contract to Condon. Bhalla never mentioned his relationship with Condon during the discussion of the resolution, and voted yes when he should have abstained.
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Permalink Reply by Dave Kaplan on
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Kyle,
You have to be kidding right?
Having an office in the same building as someone? You are equating this with agreeing to accept a bribe?
Kyle said:Council conflicts and Pay-to-Play violation uncovered
Last week the Hoboken City Council awarded a $29,000 no-bid contract to Hoboken attorney Paul Condon. City council watchers say two members of Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s majority should have abstained from the vote due to their conflicts of interest. Instead they voted with the rest of the council without a peep. A responsible press reports on the conflicts of politicians who hold elective office, especially those who campaigned against the crony/pay-to-play culture that has existed for so long.
Hoboken411 presents the facts:
Condon’s connections to Bhalla and Cunningham
Paul Condon’s law office is located in Suite 4A at 33-41 River Street. Councilman-at-Large Ravi Bhalla’s law office is also located in Suite 4A at 33-41 River Street. Condon and Bhalla share an office, putting them in a business relationship that should have been disclosed to the public before Bhalla voted in favor of awarding the no-bid Special Legal Counsel contract to Condon. Bhalla never mentioned his relationship with Condon during the discussion of the resolution, and voted yes when he should have abstained.
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Permalink Reply by Dave Kaplan on
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I guess I again fail to see what relevance, if any, this has. Lenz has been out of office since last year.
Kyle said:The plot thickens for Michael Lenz, who looks more like Peter Cammarano with every new detail.
Hoboken411 reported Tuesday that Lenz accepted $1000 in developer campaign contributions after voting to uphold zoning variances for those same developers. Lenz fought community activists who appealed a Zoning Board decision to give the owners of 226 Park Avenue an additional floor and units before accepting the contributions. Lenz has not disputed one word of the story since it was published.
Now Hoboken411 can report Lenz met with developer Kyle Enger at the Coach House Restaurant BEFORE the hearing to discuss how Lenz could help him keep his variances. This is eerily similar to the kind of activity that led to the incarceration of Cammarano, who also promised zoning variance consideration to a developer at a diner before a contribution was made.
Since the story broke, people with first-hand knowledge of the meeting have confirmed Lenz and Enger specifically met to discuss the case prior to the hearing.
Judging by comments from former Corporation Counsel Michael Kates, the Coach House meeting was wholly inappropriate under the law. Kates advised the council they shouldn’t discuss the appeal with anyone, and that such discussions were “extracurricular” and should be “disregarded.”
During the open public comment portion of the March 10, 2010 City Council meeting, Enger’s wife Joan gave a speech explaining why she felt Dan Tumpson’s appeal of the variances should be dismissed. After this speech, City Attorney Kates directed council members not to respond to what she said, and to completely disregard it as “uncalled for” under the law.
Kyle Enger then angrily yelled out at Kates from the audience, and the gavel came down. Take a look at how it transpired on video to see how inappropriate a meeting between Lenz and Enger would have been under the circumstances.
Watching that video it’s clear that any meeting between Lenz and Enger prior to the hearing would be considered improper, which is probably why it was held in North Bergen instead of Hoboken. Lenz holds many meetings at the Coach House when he doesn’t want people from the Mile Square City to see them.
Unlike most council business (which is legislative and open to discussion and lobbying) Zoning Appeal Hearings are quasi-judicial proceedings under the law. Members of the council can only consider “de novo” testimony entered into evidence during the original Zoning Board process. They cannot entertain other arguments.
The question many are asking is, did Lenz promise to assist Enger in exchange for campaign contributions?
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Permalink Reply by scott m siegel on
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Nice try. 2 $500 legal checks from two different people are quite different than bribes. But I agree Mike should have abstained. Condon shared the same office but their practices were entirely separate. No conflict there. Russo should resign his positions of VP, HHA representative and chair of the finance subcommittee. The voters of the 3rd Ward will have to decide if Michael is fit to be their representative this May 10th. Theyall aren't unethical.
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Just a word of advice. Posting stories from Mason411 hurts your credibility, since that site has continually lied and spun the truth. Even if your post is accurate no one here would believe it. Try to use a credible news source next time.
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Permalink Reply by PeterD on
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As I'm sure is the case with many of you, I'm extremely concerned that this will have no effect on the outcome of the race for 3rd Ward Council. Lets face it, we know who Mike's voters are, and they ain't going anywhere, lest they join the "real" world and start paying market price (everything) like the rest of us. Just as I did for Dawn, I'm going to bust my hump to try to get Greg in.. I'm not surprised one bit about Mike's shenanigans, I'd venture to say that his voters aren't surprised either, and more importantly will accept it and vote for him again.
I love the smell of napalm in the morning..
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Permalink Reply by Kyle on
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WHAT ABOUT BHALLA AND CUNNINGHAM? WHERE IS POG ON THIS? NOTHING FOR OVER A YEAR?
Council conflicts and Pay-to-Play violation uncovered
Last week the Hoboken City Council awarded a $29,000 no-bid contract to Hoboken attorney Paul Condon. City council watchers say two members of Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s majority should have abstained from the vote due to their conflicts of interest. Instead they voted with the rest of the council without a peep. A responsible press reports on the conflicts of politicians who hold elective office, especially those who campaigned against the crony/pay-to-play culture that has existed for so long.
Hoboken411 presents the facts:
Condon’s connections to Bhalla and Cunningham
Paul Condon’s law office is located in Suite 4A at 33-41 River Street. Councilman-at-Large Ravi Bhalla’s law office is also located in Suite 4A at 33-41 River Street. Condon and Bhalla share an office, putting them in a business relationship that should have been disclosed to the public before Bhalla voted in favor of awarding the no-bid Special Legal Counsel contract to Condon. Bhalla never mentioned his relationship with Condon during the discussion of the resolution, and voted yes when he should have abstained.
Cunningham’s conflicts: business and campaign cash
Fifth Ward Councilman Peter Cunningham’s wife Jen works at Hudson Place Realty. Paul Condon’s wife Renee works at Hudson Place Realty. Jen Cunningham and Renee Condon have on occasion jointly offered and marketed Real Estate for sale, creating a business relationship that goes beyond simply working for the same agency. In addition, Renee Condon made a $750 campaign contribution to Peter Cunningham’s election fund in 2007. This contribution is in violation of the contractor Pay-to-Play ordinance advanced by People for Open Government.
What does POG’s ordinance say about this kind of contribution?
You can read the whole ordinance here. It says the law bans contributions to Hoboken candidates from business entities (including individuals, family members, firms of all types and affiliates) prior to receiving professional services contracts with the City of Hoboken. That limit is $300 per year to a candidate like Peter Cunningham, who accepted $750 from Renee Condon, wife of Paul Condon, who was just awarded a no-bid public contract by the Zimmer Administration.
Cunningham’s action also opened the city up to a lawsuit, according to the POG ordinance:
SECTION 7 CITIZENS PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION: Notwithstanding any other common right of law, any Hoboken citizen or citizens group shall have the right to sue any or all entities in violation of this ordinance, including the business entity awarded a contract or agreement to provide “professional services” or “extraordinary unspecified services”, the candidate or committee as specified in subsection 1(a) above, and/or the City Hoboken, in order to compel those entities to comply with this ordinance.
Condon’s political activities
Paul Condon is no stranger to Hoboken politics. In 2004 he ran an unsuccessful campaign for Board of Education, and considered a bid – but did not run – for City Council in 2007. Last week he was awarded a no-bid contract to be the Special Legal Counsel handling the matter of suspended police Lieutenant Angelo Andriani’s activities in a Florida airport. Under New Jersey law a “professional services contract” of $29,000 or less does not need to go out for public bidding. The Mayor has the power to recommend an attorney for a council vote. In this case it was Condon, whose relationships with Bhalla and Cunningham go far deeper than they’ve disclosed.
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Permalink Reply by Kyle on
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MAYOR ZIMMER AND DIRECTOR SACS SHOULD RESIGN. WHERE IS THE PUBLIC TRUST
HOBOKEN – The Hoboken Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) wrote Mayor Dawn Zimmer, in a letter dated April 4 and received by the Reporter on Friday, to “express its concern” over the administration’s handling of an alleged incident on March 24 and the subsequent arrest of Hoboken Parking and Transportation Director Ian Sacs and city employee Bill Laney.
Specifics of the arrests have not been released by City Hall, but a source leaked the police report of the incident on March 30. Click HERE to see the report.
Two sides of the story have emerged, but according to a police report, a vacant, city-run Hop shuttle was found by Sacs on the side of the road with the keys in it, so Sacs decided to drive it back to the city’s municipal garage. Laney was the driver of the bus, and claims Sacs harassed him and took his personal keys and refused to give them back. The bus keys were attached to Laney’s personal keys, which Sacs allegedly took, according to police. Laney said in the report that he was helping his wife and infant child get into their personal car. Then, a confrontation occurred at City Hall that resulted in counter complaints and the arrest of both men.
“After reviewing the report by the Hoboken Police Department, it is clear that there are two versions of the events that transpired on March 24 which led to the arrest of Mr. Ian Sacs,” according to a letter from Eugene Drayton, President of the NAACP and William Ayala, chair of the legal redress committee.
Zimmer has called for a third party investigation into the incident that saw Sacs be arrested for harassment and theft of property, and Laney be arrested for simple assault.
The organization says they are concerned by reports that the administration handled the incident “in a manner that is prejudicial against Mr. Laney and could serve to violate his Civil Rights.”
The letter states that a city attorney advised Sacs and not Laney. The letter also says Sacs received “preferential treatment” at the Police Department after the city got involved.
“We note that Mr. Laney has a pending lawsuit against the city of Hoboken that predates the events of March 24,” the letter states. The letter finishes by saying the Hoboken NAACP “will monitor this situation for violations of Mr. Laney’s civil rights.” -- Ray Smith
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