Community Invited to Special Council Meeting on Washington Street Plan

Community: Community Invited to Special Council Meeting on Washington Street Plan Dear Horsey & MSV readers, All members of the Hoboken community are invited to attend a special meeting to be held on Monday, February 8, 2016 at 7:30pm in City Council chambers to discuss the final design for the Washington Street plan. The meeting will include a presentation by T&M Associates, the engineering firm developing the final design. A resolution to approve the final design will be on the Council agenda for Wednesday, February 17. Once a final design is approved, final engineering drawings and bid specifications will be completed, and the project will be bid out for construction. Washington Street is Hoboken’s most dangerous corridor, with more than 300 crashes between 2013 and 2015, including a pedestrian fatality. The final design incorporates complete streets principles and builds upon the conceptual design developed in 2014 through an extensive community planning process. The plan will also modernize all elements of infrastructure along Washington Street. The 100-year-old water main will be replaced, green infrastructure will be incorporated to capture stormwater runoff and alleviate flooding as part of the Rebuild by Design strategy, and conduit for the backbone of a microgrid will be installed to improve energy resiliency for critical infrastructure. In addition to the complete repaving of the roadway, key highlights of the plan include: • Complete streets design provides safe access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. • Pedestrian countdown timers, curb extensions, ADA ramps, and new brighter street lights improve pedestrian safety. • Corridor travel times and emergency response times are expected to improve 12% to 15% through new optimized traffic signals and an emergency vehicle preemption system. • Protected bicycle lanes take bikes off sidewalks by providing safe access for all skill levels. Retail sales have been shown to increase after adding protected bike lanes to retail corridors. • The addition of loading zones, short-term parking spaces, and other policy changes increase parking availability for commercial activity and reduce the amount of double parking by delivery vehicles and those running quick errands • Parking capacity is preserved by increasing the angle of parking on the east side of the street (uptown) and relocating fire hydrants to corners as part of the water main replacement. Typical cross section and plan views for the downtown and uptown segments of the road can be viewed at: www.hobokennj.org/docs/transportation/Washington-Street-Plan.pdf.

Joint Statement from Mayor Zimmer and Chief Ferrante on Waterfront tragedy

Friday January 29, 2016 City of Hoboken www.hobokennj.org

Community: Joint Statement from Mayor Zimmer and Chief Ferrante Dear Horsey & MSV readers, Our deepest sympathies are with the Genovese family as they mourn the loss of their loved one, Matthew, a young Hoboken resident at the prime of his life. The Hoboken Police Department did everything possible to locate Matthew when he was reported missing by his family. This unfortunate loss of life on our waterfront has raised concerns within the community and we write to clarify a few important issues. First, while this particular case remains under investigation, it is important to understand that in this case and in all past cases of entry into the Hudson River from Hoboken over the years, there have been no indications of foul play in any instance. Every case has been determined to be accidental or voluntary entries into the river. In the several unfortunate situations where death arose from the incident, the State Medical Examiner’s Office has determined all of those to be death by accidental drowning and in some cases drowning aided by intoxication. The State Medical Examiner’s Office makes the final determination on all deaths. In the case of Matthew Genovese, the Medical Examiner’s case is still under investigation until toxicology reports come back, which can take several months. It is also important for the public to understand that the security cameras, which were operational when Matthew went missing, are intended to help the Police investigate what has occurred after the fact. While the cameras can help with an investigation, the cameras unfortunately cannot save lives. The City is conducting a review of the camera system to determine where additional cameras might be appropriate and helpful for future investigations. Under Chief Ferrante's leadership, a new Waterfront and Parks Unit was established last year which operates 24/7 along our 1.3 mile waterfront and 20 parks to ensure that our waterfront is as safe as possible.

SLAPP-suit: Lane Bajardi fails journalistic ethics

Yesterday, Grafix Avenger marked the passing of one year since the Hoboken SLAPP-suit trial tolled featuring some choice moments and legal testimony about a phantom email.

The testimony of Lane Bajardi's and Kim Cardinal Bajardi's attorney Jonathan Z. Cohen about said phantom email runs into a roadblock as the Honorable Patrick J. Arre, the trial judge on the matter of said SLAPP-suit is less than pleased with the lack of evidentiary proof.

Apparently no one told the former plaintiffs running a political operation on Hoboken411 is not equivalent to running a political operation on a trial of Hudson Superior Court.

Here's a snippet of trial testimony where the 1010 WINS News Director Ben Mevorach is highlighted as part of a phantom email no one has seen and isn't coming to testify on behalf of the plaintiff.

Two convicted felons in ex-mayor Peter Cammarano and City Hall email thief Patrick Ricciardi would join former councilwoman Beth Mason in testifying as witnesses on behalf of Lane Bajardi. They definitely got invitations!

Are you picking up that smell yet? Oh how I love the smell of Bajardi misrepresentations in a SLAPP-suit.

Here's a taste:

The complete Grafix Avenger SLAPP-suit feature and the importance to both Hoboken and SLAPP-suit victims everywhere is here: http://grafixavenger.blogspot.com/2016/01/one-year-ago.html

How far is too far when a SLAPP-suit goes completely awry and your misrepresentations are caught over and over and over by the trial judge?

Things didn't fare any better when a hearing is held on the proposition Lane Bajardi is an expert on journalistic ethics.

Testimony by the failed plaintiff Lane Bajardi gets somewhat comical as the signature deflections to questions are not well received by the trial judge. Ethics and Mr. Bajardi don't exactly mix well as is soon self-evident not only in this snapshot moment but in the legal decision issued by the court: over $276,000 in sanctioned legal bills of defendants must be paid by SLAPPers Lane Bajardi and Kimberly Cardinal Bajardi.

The Bajardis' attorney, Jonathan Z. Cohen requests a hearing on Lane Bajardi's self-important conclusion he's an expert on journalistic ethics and the comedy ensues.

Lane Bajardi Expert on Journalistic Ethics?

Graphic courtesy of Grafix Avenger

Hoboken411 fears lawsuit over parking director hit job in 2011

People have been asking with the new year if MSV plans to continue running the popular series Friday Night Lights?

After more reader inquiries, it's become apparent the series is missed and the Hoboken public can't get enough seeing from the inside how a zany political lunatic fringe operated in Mile Square politics trying to advance the absolute worst political elements in town.

With that, Da Horsey wishes to formally apologize to the Hoboken public for the delay between FNL episodes.

Below is a timely reminder the ten years of good government support from Kurt Gardiner did not make him a favorite with everyone.

The following is another unedited original email between Hoboken411's Perry Klaussen and Lane Bajardi, aka Redhaven.

The antipathy this time is for a Hoboken Journal reader poll inquiring if former Director of Parking and Transportation Ian Sacs should sue Hoboken411 for its hit job surrounding the false arrest of Director Sacs after he reported an assault in the City Hall lobby.

Hoboken411's crazy shorts Klaussen proposes to Lane Bajardi a reader poll asking if he should sue the City of Hoboken. "Redhaven" apparently did not entertain the wacky notion and deliver a ghostwritten "story" for publication.

These people spend quite a bit of time planning to sue everybody. But they lacked the funds and an underwriter to do so.

That would change when the mother lode of SLAPP-suits would rear its head in 2012.

Lane Bajardi (l) and his sock puppet Perry Klaussen
back in their Hoboken411 heyday.

Pupster on the brink of sewerage extinction

Frank "Pupie" Raia, the decades long commissioner and current chair of the North Hudson Sewerage Authority is facing extinction on the HudCo board.

Multiple sources indicate all paths are closed for Raia's return.

Other NHSA municipalities: possible avenues for re-entry to a sewerage authority seat such as West New York and Weehawken are reportedly closed off. MSV wrote last fall in its popular Grist for the Mill series about a deal with Councilman Michael Russo seeing Raia drop out of the third ward council race.

The Pupster however is rumored to have been cutting deals every which way, then and now to stay on the NHSA but the end of Pupster days is in a countdown to the finish.

As a result, the wealthy developer will face the prospect of not receiving taxpayer paid health insurance benefits.

Trenton, the New Jersey state capital may need an alert to remove Raia from the taxpayer entitlement he's accustomed to over decades.

Officially, Frank Raia's NHSA commissioner term expires January 31st. Word is at the last NHSA meeting a bizzare spin was stated that "Raia is retiring" as if the board seat is a permanent employee position.

Kurt Gardiner beat the system, overcoming long odds of politically entrenched City Hall power riding a grassroots come from behind surge leading to an eventual landslide City Council appointment.

More on all this later with the end of an era in Hoboken and how a Giant wannabe tax cutter defeated a Vote by Mail king.

The exclusive feature will appear on MSV later today.


Giant whack-a-mole graphic courtesy of Grafix Avenger

HCV: Old Guard looks to recruit reform oriented council members

With the climate change delivering record snowfall hitting in our area, John Heinis of the Hudson County View published a feature on the come from behind appointment of Kurt Gardiner to the North Hudson Sewerage Authority.

In the aftermath of Gardiner's appointment, the commissioner-elect stated three reform oriented council members indicated they intended to vote for Frank "Pupie" Raia: Dave Mello, Peter Cunningham and Ravi Bhalla. If joined by affirmative votes from Michael Russo and Ruben Ramos, three decades on the NHSA for Raia would be assured with a five vote council majority.

Here's an excerpt from the HCV feature:

After weeks of speculation that a deal had been cut between Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer and prominent developer/political power broker Frank Raia, the city council brought Raia’s 27-year-run on the North Hudson Sewerage Authority to a screeching halt. 

Photo courtesy of John Heinis, the Hudson County View

In one of the more intriguing political stories of 2016 (it’s been pretty slow), Raia was up for yet another appointment to the North Hudson Sewerage Authority.

For the rest of the Hudson County View exclusive feature see:

http://hudsoncountyview.com/despite-concerns-hobokens-zimmer-majority-council-holds-strong-on-nhsa-vote/

DISCOUNTED GARAGE PARKING EXTENDED; PARKING PROHIBITED ON SNOW ROUTES

City of Hoboken announces:

DISCOUNTED GARAGE PARKING EXTENDED; PARKING PROHIBITED ON SNOW ROUTES

Discounted garage parking for $5/day in municipal garages will be extended through Monday, January 25 at 8:00pm for residents who are already parked in the garage..

“Thank you to our entire team for working 24/7 to keep our city safe,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “Employees from Environmental Services, Office of Emergency Management, Police Department, Fire Department, Parking Utility, Hudson County, and the volunteers from the Community Emergency Response Team did an amazing job throughout the storm. Thank you to Stevens Institute of Technology for advising us on the risks of coastal flooding from a storm surge. Today and in the days ahead, we will be focusing snow removal efforts on clearing snow emergency routes to ensure the safety of our community. I urge residents to clear their sidewalks and corners and to help neighbors who are unable to clear their sidewalks. I also ask residents to keep fire hydrants clear for the safety of our community.”

Snow Removal Effort Begins

Earlier today, crews focused snow removal efforts to create access to the PATH station and will be prioritizing snow removal efforts in the days ahead on snow emergency routes. Alternate side parking enforcement will be suspended on Monday, January 25 since crews will be working to remove snow from emergency routes.

Property Owners Must Clear Sidewalks/Ramps

Property owners/occupants are reminded that they have six hours after the completion of a storm to remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property, along with adjoining wheelchair ramps or curb cuts. Snow and ice must be cleared from gutters a width of 2 feet into the street. Please keep storm drains clear to ensure drainage when snow melts. Residents are encouraged to assist elderly or disabled neighbors and to clear snow from fire hydrants.

Public Schools Closed

All Hoboken public schools will be closed on Monday, January 25.

Parking Prohibited on Snow Routes

Parking is prohibited on snow emergency routes until further notice, and vehicles parked on snow routes will be subject to towing. An announcement will be made when parking is permitted on snow routes

Snow Emergency Routes & No Parking Permitted:
· Washington Street – Both Sides
· Willow Avenue (West Side) – Observer Hwy to 11th St
· 3rd Street (North Side) – Jackson St to River St
· 4th Street (South Side) – River St to Jackson St
· 5th Street (South Side) – Clinton St to Hudson St
· 9th Street (North Side) – Clinton St to Hudson St
· 13th Street (North Side) – Hudson St to Madison St (Snow route + Temporary No Parking Signs posted from Hudson Street to Washington Street and Willow Avenue to Madison Street)
· Observer Highway (Both Sides) (Temporary No Parking signs posted)

City: Travel ban in Hoboken (Yes, that means you.)

City of Hoboken announces:

TRAVEL BAN REMAINS IN EFFECT IN HOBOKEN

A state of emergency and travel ban remains in effect in Hoboken until further notice. The Hoboken Police Department will be very proactive in enforcing the travel ban and removing non-emergency vehicles from the roadway. As plows continue to operate throughout the night, pedestrians are urged not to walk in the street for their own safety and so snow removal crews can properly clear our streets and emergency personnel can continue to respond effectively.

PATH train service is operating between Grove Street and 33^rd Street via Hoboken in both directions and Grove Street and the World Trade Center in both directions. All Port Authority bridges and tunnels are closed until further notice. NJ Transit bus, rail, and light rail remain suspended and will resume as conditions permit and mandatory federal inspections are done.

UPDATE: Effective 7:00 am, the travel ban in Hoboken is lifted.

Hoboken State of Emergency

Saturday January 23, 2016 9:20 AM City of Hoboken www.hobokennj.org

Alert: State of Emergency and Travel Ban in Effect Dear Horsey & MSV readers, The Hoboken Office of Emergency Management has declared a State of Emergency. Driving is prohibited except for public safety and essential services (government, utilities, medical personnel). Residents may call the Command Center at 201-239-6644 to report unplowed streets, unshoveled sidewalks, or other non-emergency issues. Please do not call the Police Department with non-emergency issues. For all emergencies, please call 911. Vehicles parked on snow routes are subject to towing. Drivers should remain off of snow routes until further notice. Crews are working throughout the storm with 9 municipal trucks and 9 County trucks salting and plowing roads, and 2 power brooms clearing parks and public property. Snow removal is expected to begin along emergency routes following the end of the storm. Snow Emergency Routes & No Parking Permitted: · Washington Street – Both Sides · Willow Avenue (West Side) – Observer Hwy to 11th St · 3rd Street (North Side) – Jackson St to River St · 4th Street (South Side) – River St to Jackson St · 5th Street (South Side) – Clinton St to Hudson St · 9th Street (North Side) – Clinton St to Hudson St · 13th Street (North Side) – Hudson St to Madison St (Snow route + Temporary No Parking Signs posted from Hudson Street to Washington Street and Willow Avenue to Madison Street) · Observer Highway (Both Sides) (Temporary No Parking signs posted) Property owners/occupants are reminded that they have six hours after the completion of a storm to remove snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property, along with adjoining wheelchair ramps or curb cuts. Snow and ice must be cleared from gutters a width of 2 feet into the street. It is illegal to shovel snow back into the street or on a fire hydrant. Residents in multi-unit buildings with management companies should ensure that they are aware of City regulations in order to avoid fines. Residents are encouraged to assist elderly or disabled neighbors and to clear snow from fire hydrants. Additional details on city code regarding snow removal for property owners can be found at www.hobokennj.org/snow. To report an unshoveled sidewalk, visit www.hoboken311.com or use the Hoboken 311 mobile application for iOS and Android.

Sign of the Times: Hoboken to get snowed

Word is we may see significant snow this weekend.

Have fun but be careful out there. Check in on your neighbors and seniors especially.

HCV: "Surprising vote" appointing Kurt Gardiner to the NHSA

The following report comes courtesy of John Heinis of the Hudson County View:




HCV writes:

The Hoboken City Council surprisingly overwhelmingly approved the appointment of Kurt Gardiner to the North Hudson Sewerage Authority, replacing 27-year incumbent Frank Raia - the current chair of the board.

As Hudson County View previously reported, the council was slated to vote on a five-year appointment to the North Hudson Sewerage Authority from February 1, 2016 through February 1, 2021.

Raia, a NHSA board member since it’s inception in 1988, seemed like the academic choice since his term expired at the beginning of next month.

However, Gardiner, a former freeholder candidate, threw a monkey wrench into the machine by submitting an application for the NHSA seat less than two weeks ago.

For the full story see the Hudson County View:

http://hudsoncountyview.com/hoboken-council-appoints-kurt-gardiner-beating-out-frank-raia-to-nhsa/

Sign of the Times: Shift of the Mile Square Axis

Upstart NHSA candidate Kurt Gardiner watches Frank "Pupie" Raia lumber out of the City Council chambers after the vote on his appointment last night. The vote ended almost a quarter century of Raia's time as a commissioner on the Sewerage Authority and paves the way for new leadership and yes, maybe reform. Raia lacked the votes for either the five year term or a backup Pupie plan for two years. The Pupie plan crumbled in the face of staunch council opposition.

More on this breaking story coming.

Kurt Gardiner beats the odds and Frank "Pupie" Raia on NHSA appointment

In an upset victory for Hoboken's grass roots, the five year term for the North Hudson Sewerage Authority appointment went to decades long reformer and independent candidate Kurt Gardiner in an 8-1 City Council vote last night.

Gardiner's somewhat late entry made him an odds on longshot versus the quarter century force situated on the NHSA in Frank "Pupie" Raia.

With an entry only a week ago last week Monday, Gardiner managed to overcome the power, money and influence Raia had accumulated swamping the final council vote 8-1.

Second ward councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher nominated Gardiner and first ward councilman Michael DeFusco led an early roll call eventual landslide vote in favor of Gardiner which would become an unstoppable freight train. Both council members took their respective seats after election victories last November.

Grafix Avenger did a semi-live blog of the council's appointment vote and the fur continues to fly there.

More to come.

After a quarter century on the North Hudson Sewerage Authority, Frank "Pupie" Raia (forefront) absorbs the shocking result of the City Council's landslide vote 8-1 appointing long time Reformer and good government advocate Kurt Gardiner.

Alea Iacta Est @ 7:00

Resolution 4: an appointment to the North Hudson Sewerage Authority - for all the poopie.


Alea Iacta Est is the Latin phrase for "the die is cast."

The full resolution pac is here:
http://www.hobokennj.org/docs/council/respack16/1.20.16.respac.pdf

The plan to save Pupie

Council meeting tonight will reveal effort to salvage two years for Frank "Pupie" Raia on the NHSA

"Maybe ever'body in the whole damn world is scared of each other" Steinbeck wrote in the Grapes of Wrath.

If that's the deal connected to the North Hudson Sewerage Authority, many in the Mile Square public aren't buying and the traffic here yesterday spiked showing a growing not lessening interest.

What's been derisively described as the 2-5 plan: two years for Frank "Pupie" Raia on the back end and five more years for the current commissioner Brian Assadurian on the front end is all the rage and will be on the table tonight.

No one connected to City Hall is owning up to it but pulling a switcheroo on an expiring five year board seat with no one in the public actually invited to apply speaks volumes on transparency and good government or the lack thereof.

The musical chairs insider game is but one aspect that has observers troubled. What happens with setting a precedent of revolving board members on the same board with years remaining on their terms shuffled to the front of the line? Who's to say when the line crosses from ethical to illegal and public outrage? 

Yesterday, Grafix Avenger wrote, "I trust there's been no Let's Make a Deal" but long time Hoboken politicos ridicule the notion when anything comes to Raia. They've seen this movie many times before and believe whenever Raia is involved there's always a deal and it's subject to renegotiation at any time.

That's the mechanics of the past and present but for reform oriented voters the mere thought spurs antipathy of such an incestuous entanglement, political expediency be damned. 

Commenter Keyston Minions summed up much of the on the ground sentiment of many Reform supporters writing:

As for the NHSA itself, the day to day head Dr. Richard Wolff, the Executive Director is said to be fine with any outcome voted in Hoboken by the City Council.

In the quarter century of the Sewerage Authority's existence, there's not much sunlight on the finer details of its operations and expenditures. Raia as it turns out has been sitting at the wheel of the SS Sewerage for the entire existence of the agency. The board's legal counsel is said to be a partner in Hoboken with Raia on multiple real estate holdings including the upcoming Northwest development zone and is a 25% owner on another development project with former partner URSA Tarragon seen before the Hoboken Planning Board last fall.

Can the potentials for this conflicted tangled web get any more expansive?

How can any Hoboken City Council member overlook the mushrooming entanglements and vote to approve additional and growing potential conflicts with Raia on the NHSA for 30 years?

One industry professional reached out to MSV and questioned what's under the covers at the NHSA? Noting it's unclear how the breakdown of a $12 million water pump system costs, they marveled at the behind the scenes efforts to keep a quarter century status quo in place.

The only thing certain is if Kurt Gardiner didn't throw his application into the ring, the 2-5 plan or some semblance of status quo shuffling was the end game and the song remains the same.

Regardless, the die is cast.

A plan to save Pupie is expected to emerge tonight in the Hoboken City Council. The so-called 2-5 plan involves a curious switcheroo shuffling current NHSA commissioner seats but will the council go along?
Tonight the die is cast.

Pupie dice graphic courtesy Grafix Avenger

Is Pupie unraveling on the Sewerage Authority?

The toilet may be ready to flush and it's the Pupster who is on the bubble.

Initially with Frank Raia the strong favorite facing no opposition to reappointment on the North Hudson Sewerage Authority, there's now multiple sources close to the City Council suggesting more than a hint of trouble for another five year term.

One source close to the City Council retreated from an earlier weekend position saying from the reform viewpoint, giving Frank "Pupie" Raia nothing is "a little bit dangerous" with both a mayoral and three at-large council seats up for election next year.

Then earlier today, the same source stated the effort to obtain votes to get Raia back on the Sewerage Authority were not there. "Despite best efforts, there's no political capital (votes)" to get him in Wednesday night.

They did a full pivot highlighting a new potential "win-win" for Reform seeking commissioner Brian Assodurian slotted into Raia's expiring five year seat and upstart Kurt Gardiner - who jumped in with two feet before letting any political official know his application was in - seeing a two year seat to back fill that term.

The only problem with this brave new world? Other sources close to the reform council team could not confirm what the other source is saying.

Another reliable source intimate to the council appointment offered without asking or hesitation on a so-called reform "win-win" flatly saying of the new scheme, "I don't know it to be true."

MSV was unable to confirm that Frank Raia was DOA for both the five year term and a two year term which would follow if NHSA commissioner Brian Assodurian is voted in on Wednesday night to a full five year term. (His current term expires in two years.)

So Hoboken is on standby as the drama continues to play out and Wednesday's night resolution no. 4 awaits a name to be filled in to the NHSA five year term.

Meaning Kurt Gardiner continues to be the upstart underdog with Frank Raia twisting in the wind and both facing a possible mano-a-mano recommissioned battle in two weeks as the original "compromise plan" falls off the earth.

A five year reappointment appears less likely for the Pupster on the NHSA but
multiple sources close to the City Council appear unable to confirm he may be completely flushed.
If the current commissioner on the NHSA is shifted and approved for a five year term Wednesday night, a two year term will be up in the air likely for at least two weeks in February.
Pupie vs. Gardiner death match 2016? 

Talking Ed Note: Stay tuned, this very rocky ride ain't over! MSV will be back with updates on this exclusive story. All we'll add is poor Sully at the Hudson Reporter has not a clue of what's going on and never bothered to speak to Kurt Gardiner. Will someone buy the poor guy a clue?

What's clear to this murky point is a Pupie reappointment is being hindered by a Hoboken grass roots backlash which has been filtering up to the mayor and Hoboken City Council members.

The final verdict however is still very much in doubt. 

Hoboken - stay vigilant, act accordingly!

Kurt Gardiner aims to supplant Frank Raia on the North Hudson Sewerage Authority

Sitting in "Pupie Park" a small area by Shoprite, Kurt Gardiner stated his case to John Heinis of the Hudson County View who filed this report.


Hudson County View spoke with Hoboken’s Kurt Gardiner about why he wants to be appointed to the North Hudson Sewerage Authority early this afternoon outside of the city’s Shop Rite. 

Many expected prominent developer Frank Raia, a member of the NHSA board for over two decades, to get re-appointed to his seat at Wednesday’s city council meeting, but Gardiner has made things a little trickier by submitting a NHSA application last week.

Gardiner, a former freeholder candidate, said he wants to sit on the board to help address Hoboken’s flooding problem, as well as to ensure more transparency on the board.

He also believes that Raia potentially has conflicts with the NHSA due to business dealings he has with Frank Leanza, legal counsel for the board.

Gardiner concluded by stating this has nothing to do with plotting a future run for office or any other type of ulterior motives.

For the complete story see: http://hudsoncountyview.com/as-hoboken-council-vote-looms-gardiner-still-pushing-for-nhsa-appointment/

Related: An anonymous vs. anonymous war has broken out on Grafix Avenger's comment section. Arguments about City Hall reinstalling the very conflicted Frank "Pupie" Raia and his lengthy controversies (do we need to go back into the Vote-by-Mail shenanigans) and the "pragmatism" of doing a deal with the devil.

The mud is flying and it's the Reform mantle at stake. People are throwing bombs and someone will be proven correct after Wednesday night's City Council meeting.

Not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character

                               

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

Here we are decades later and many miss this key point of who we are as Americans. Martin Luther King distinguished between the character of the individual not fostering division based on race, gender or any "diversity" quota for political advantage.

Young father hit by drunk driver in critical condition

A dear friend recounted the bad news. Her son, a young father was aiding a driver on the road in a tow operation when a drunk driver came on the scene hitting and putting him in critical condition.

He has a full year of rehabilitation ahead and his young family is left in tatters.

Anything you can do to aid in offsetting the costs of this tragic situation is certainly most appreciated.

The young man's family would certainly appreciate any and all support:

https://goo.gl/DQ6xkU

And then there were three....

On Friday morning, a familiar name announced his desire for reconsideration for the full five year seat expiring this month on the North Hudson Sewerage Authority.

Reconsideration, as he's already an existing commissioner in a five year term on the same board.

The applicant, Brian Assadourian has served on the board for two years. His term isn't set to expire until February 2018.

The application which raises eligibility, ethical and legal issues beyond the big tent of good government adherents created a firestorm in the comments section on Grafix Avenger where anonymous speakers let fly.

At least one commenter believes several council members may be lining up to hand Frank "Pupie" Raia another of his many five year terms on the board.

Two of the council members mentioned by the commenter at 9:02 pm last night voted for Frank Raia's last term in 2011: Michael Russo and Dave Mello.

Brian Assadourian was not immediately available for comment,


Talking Ed Note: Houston, we have a problem. Actually, we have another problem. This is the type of maneuver one would expect from HudCo. Hoboken in recent years has attempted to move away from those clutches.

More importantly, that type of behavior is frowned upon. Or was.

Grist for the Mill: The Consigliere Edition

A litmus test of sorts with a mirror held to the Reform Movement in Hoboken is reflecting odd shadows depending on the angle of its holder.

Behind the scenes probing questions on problematic relationships are escalating as the pending vote for a seat on the North Hudson Sewerage Authority between decades long commissioner and Old Guard stalwart Frank Raia and his reform counterpart Kurt Gardiner approaches.

Yesterday, Grafix Avenger brought to light a long time questionable, some say incestuous relationship between Raia and the NHSA's legal counsel Frank Leanza.

The whispers Leanza is Raia's personal attorney, past and present with Raia authorizing and directing the NHSA board seeing the attorney paid hundreds of thousands of dollars are verified in news articles going back to 1990.

The intimate business relationship continued as Raia viewed the obvious conflict as nothing more but HudCo business as usual.

Frank Leanza, a mirror reflection of a decades long involvement
on the North Hudson Sewerage Authority with Frank "Pupie" Raia.
His personal relationship with Raia raises questions not dissimilar
to the controversy with Carmelo Garcia and Charles Daglian earlier
on the Hoboken Housing Authority.

As the legal relationship intertwined, Pupster managed to remain on the board with no serious public inquiry reinstalling him to repeated terms over 25 years.

Eyebrows have been further raised as Raia who entered then dropped out of the third ward council race last fall under what he described as doctor's orders is now miraculously recovered. He's been seen driving around town and dropping off at least one council member who wouldn't want a photo of the event memorialized.

At the last City Council meeting the word diversity flowed from more than a couple of council members' lips. Now they'll have to reconcile those recent proclamations with someone who feels not only entitled to a local board position keeping prized health insurance benefits but the Hoboken Soprano mentality that it's a lifetime entitlement.

Is a Hoboken board seat something you hold on to like a mob boss until death? This is some real goombah shit.

Only this Italian horse could tell you that but the peeling onion on the Raia relationship with the Sewerage Authority's counsel looks strikingly similar to another on the Hoboken Housing Authority between Carmelo Garcia and Charles Daglian.

Reform then, led by HHA Chair Dana Wefer snuffed out the bottomless problematic pit of that relationship eventually seeing her board members eject both even under the threat of Garcia's lawsuit lust. Much has been uncovered but not revealed to the public as federal law enforcement agencies swooped in on the carcass with their departure.

What's the difference between Reform then and Reform now? That's the question a lot of people are asking leading into the City Council meeting next Wednesday.

Donald Trump may not be the only developer thumping his chest bragging about "The Art of the Deal." But the Donald doesn't need hundreds of the poor exploited using Vote by Mail "campaign workers" to get his toys.


Grist for the Mill is MSV's rumor column. Got a tasty carrot for Da Horsey? Send it to smartyjones@me.com. All email is kept confidential until mutual agreement and is protected by Da Horsey's proven Reporter Privilege upheld under the NJ Shield Law in Hudson Superior Court.

Sign of the Times: Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro takes her seat in NJ capital

Newly sworn in Assemblywoman Annette Chapparo soaks in the moment with her guy, Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante and the former NJ Senate President Bernard Kenny seen here in Trenton earlier this week.

Taking on the monied interests stirring up pupie

Long time Reformer Kurt Gardiner takes on Frank "Pupie" Raia in bid to overturn "lifetime" North Hudson Sewerage seat occupant

Hoboken still needs a giant Hudson County tax cut and a good government update to a decades long occupied sewerage seat. Next week the City Council gets to make a choice.

Yesterday, Grafix Avenger gifted Hoboken with one of her satrirical gems seen above.

Gifting is a popular theme in Hoboken.

Some people gift the Hoboken Housing Authority with approximately $40 a vote at election time with the self-serving argument 'people have a right to work.'

Others fight for a decade to elevate a movement (and others) to deliver Hoboken out of a pit of corruption.

Some people use the school board as a jobs bank for friends and family.
Others fight for school reform and putting the money into the classroom.

Some people use politics wherever possible to advance their development interests.
Others invest their equity in a Reform movement to solely benefit their city.

Some use City Hall back door deals keeping the taxapyers on the hook for health insurance bennies.
Others offer to sacrifice more time and energy to serve the people costing the taxpayers no frills whatsoever.

Next Wednesday, the Hoboken City Council may vote on a resolution to appoint a five year term for a representative on the North Hudson Sewerage Authority.

Who do you think City Hall should appoint? There is a choice and it's between two people: Frank "Pupie" Raia and Kurt Gardiner.

Talking Ed Note: Last count, there's over 52,000 residents living in Hoboken. The town has grown significantly turning the corner on substantial problems as others arise and require tough decisions. It's part of the complex push pull of the Mile Square City.

But how many among those 52,000 residents has a birthday party every year shutting down a major artery of transportation on Sinatra Drive as a paean to themselves?

One.

Pupie.

Shouldn't that be enough?

Related: Grafix Avenger has uncovered some problematic dealings on the North Hudson Sewerage Authority involving... well, poopie.

http://grafixavenger.blogspot.com/2016/01/once-upon-time-on-nhsa.html

Good government advocate Kurt Gardiner announces application for Sewerage Authority seat

Long Time Hoboken Reformer Kurt Gardiner applies for the

North Hudson Sewerage Authority Seat Expiring February 2016

From the desk of NHSA candidate Kurt Gardiner:

Dear Hoboken City Council members and Hoboken residents:

I have submitted my application for the North Hudson Sewerage Authority as a Commissioner for a vacancy on the board that comes up next month. For over 10 years I have been active in Hoboken political and civic affairs. I have served as a member on People For a Open Government in support of pay to play reform, Hoboken Revolt a tax watchdog group, ran a good government pro reform website called the Hoboken Journal actively until 2011 on local  issues and participated in numerous public meetings including Sewerage Board, City Council, School Board, Hospital Authority and many others over the years. I also ran for Freeholder in 2011 to give voters a choice and highlight the County taxation issues that find Hoboken getting the short end of the stick.

As a dedicated reformer and good government advocate for many years I have a skill set that I know can contribute to the sewerage board's continued progress. With an extensive background in project management, budgeted for multimillion dollar projects, I am familiar with procurement processes given my Enterprise Resource Planning experience, and a passion for policy as it pertains to infrastructure improvement such as traffic management  and flood abatement to name a few. For those reasons I am a strong candidate to serve on the board. I believe that this vacancy should go to a supporter of good government and to someone who is willing to communicate effectively with the public and current administration and I posses the desire and capabilities to do so. It is time Hoboken capitalized on the political capital that the good government movement has earned fairly at the ballot box and bring some fresh ideas to the board to address sewage issues comprehensibly, cooperatively and openly.

For those reasons I am asking support from the City Council for this upcoming appointment to the North Hudson Sewerage Authority as Commissioner. If any member of the City Council, public, or press has any questions you can reach me at Kurt.gardiner@gmail.com.

Frank "Pupie" Raia (r) is the decades long occupant of a Hoboken commissioner seat on the North Hudson Sewerage Authority. He withdrew from the third ward City Council race last November allowing Councilman Michael Russo to run uncontested due to what he called health issues. Raia's health is said to have miraculously returned in time for him to seek more years on the NHSA where he alone receives taxpayer paid health benefits.
  
Is a Hoboken board seat a lifetime entitlement backed by good government "diversity?"

Related: Frank Raia spoke in a 2010 MSV exclusive interview on allegations naming him in a massive vote buying scheme connected to the Hoboken Housing Authority.

In November 2013, MSV exclusively reported on an alleged vote payment operation a day after the election outside a Raia office on Jefferson street.

Grafix Avenger weighs in with instant analysis on the critical upcoming vote on the Hoboken City Council possibly next week and addresses more elephants in the room and why the legislative body should come out strong and vote for Kurt Gardiner:

http://grafixavenger.blogspot.com/2016/01/giant-opportunity-kurt-gardiner-for-nhsa.html