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May 4, 2013

Hoboken City Councilman Ravi Bhalla – Voter Regristration Drive at tomorrow’s Hoboken Arts and Music festival

Filed under: Hoboken,Politics — Tags: , , , , — TheBoken @ 12:55 PM

Hoboken City Councilman Ravi Bhalla is going to be at tomorrow’s street festival and will be heading up a voter registration drive. Registering to vote is an important part of the democratic process. Even if you think you may not vote in the next election, it is best to register to at least have that option. Due to the transient nature of Hoboken, there are always opportunities to get people to register in Hoboken and have the ability to vote in local elections. Below is Ravi’s note:

Ravi Large Cropped

Dear Neighbors,

Great weather has finally arrived and I hope you all are enjoying time outdoors!

I am writing to remind everyone about the spring Hoboken Arts & Musical Festival this Sunday, May 5th, from 11 am to 6 pm.  The weather forecast is looking good and this should be a spectacular city event as usual.We are once again, though Hoboken Votes!, an initiative launched last year by residents, sponsoring a Voter Registration Table to assist and encourage new residents to register to vote, and to assist anyone who has moved within Hoboken to update their registration.

Can you spare a little time on Sunday to volunteer at our Voter Registration Table?

If so, please email me at councilmanbhalla@gmail.com or call me at 201-647-6090 to sign up!

Last year, Hoboken Votes! successfully registered over 750 Hoboken residents, and we hope to continue the progress to make sure every eligible resident in Hoboken is registered and enthusiastic about participating in the electoral process.

Finally, as I am sure you know, a lot of important things have been happening in Hoboken civic, governmental and political affairs over the last several months.  I hope to provide you with a substantive update, from my perspective, early next week.

But for now, enjoy the weekend and I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

Sincerely,

Ravi S. Bhalla

Councilman-at-Large

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November 27, 2012

Hoboken Local Election Results – Finalized by Hudson County – Kids First Sweeps BOE, Election Reforms Pass, and Rent Control Narrowly Upheld

Filed under: Education,Hoboken,Politics — Tags: , , , , , — TheBoken @ 5:40 PM

The local Hoboken election results from Tuesday November 6th have finally been certified due to delays from Hurricane Sandy’s aftermath.

Here are the certified totals from the Hudson County Clerk’s Office (drum roll please):

Jean Marie Mitchell, Ruth McAllister and Thomas Kluepfel of Kids First, the Hoboken BOE slate that was endorsed by Mayor Zimmer won all three Board of Education Seats at stake. Jean Marie Mitchell had only been ahead 6 votes before the provisional and electronic votes were counted as was able to further widen her lead. After the initial machine tally the third seat was the only seat that was still in question. Now the results are finalized and a clean sweep for Kids First and their political allies including Mayor Dawn Zimmer.

Rent control advocates win by a mere 52 votes! (Question #2). This just goes to show every vote can count in Hoboken. The public questions to move municipal elections to November wins easily (3 to 1) and runoffs are eliminated though by a lesser but still significant margin (Questions #3 and #1 respectively).

With these changes the Mayoral election will now be election day in November 2013. The City Council Ward members will also have their terms extended until November of 2015 as well instead of the previous May term. Mayor Zimmer had lobbied for Kids First, a yes vote on election reform questions 1 and 3, and for rejecting Public Question 2 which would have enabled vacancy decontrol. Although the last question was decided by a very close, Mayor Dawn Zimmer has no doubt secured a clean sweep and major victory against her political opponents. In the wake of her tireless efforts in recovering from Hurricane Sandy, is there any real opposition to her getting re-elected next November? Time will tell.

For reference here is the link to the Hudson County Election Results: http://www.hudsoncountyclerk.org/cgi-bin/election.pl

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November 17, 2012

Vice President Joe Biden to Visit Hoboken Tomorrow November 18th

Filed under: Hoboken,Hurricane Sandy,Politics — Tags: , , , — TheBoken @ 7:25 PM

Joe Biden White House Portrait

According to Fox News NY  Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. will visit Seaside Heights and Hoboken on November 18, 2012, to view storm damage and thank first responders.

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October 19, 2012

Open Public Forum on Rent Control Question #2 – Our Lady Of Grace School – Wednesday October 24, 2012

Filed under: Hoboken,Politics — Tags: , , , , , — TheBoken @ 11:20 AM

Here are the first of two forums from the Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition with respect to local issues coming up in November’s election. There is more at stake then just the presidential election in Hoboken. This forum below has a discussion open to the public on the heated issue of rent control.

Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition’s
Open Public Forum on Rent Control Question #2

Our Lady Of Grace School Willow and 5th in Hoboken
Wednesday, October 24, 2012 – 7 to 9 p.m.

When: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 – 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: At Our Lady of Grace School, Willow at 5th 
Event Description: Discussion of impacts of Local Resolution #2  on The Hoboken Rent Control Ordinance . Voters will be asked to vote on November 6 Ballot – Yes or No?

Participants:

  • Mile Square Tax Payers Association: Ron Simoncini and Charles Gormally, Esq.
  • Hoboken Fair Housing Association and NJ Tenant Association: Dan Tumpson and Matt Shapiro.

Below is the question as printed on the November 6, 2012 for Hoboken residents. There was was controversy over the wording of this question. This is a simplification but a yes vote ends rent control as we know it, otherwise known as vacancy decontrol for the most part according to supporters of rent control and a no vote would keep the current ordinance on rent control as it is.

 

 

 

 

 

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May 3, 2012

Council President Bhalla Announces Launch of “Hoboken Votes” to Increase Voter Registration and Participation

Filed under: Hoboken,Politics — Tags: , , , , — TheBoken @ 11:30 AM

TheBoken.com supports increased voter participation regardless of political affiliation. It is important for citizens to voice their concerns through the political process to move Hoboken forward with the choices that best reflect their viewpoints. Our system may be far from perfect but consider the alternative of living in a society where you can’t choose your political leaders.

Below is a non-partisan initiative from Hoboken City Council Ravi Bhalla to increase voter registration by at least 1,000 before the 2012 Presidential election.

Council President Bhalla Announces Launch of “Hoboken Votes”

Community Based Civic Initiative Aimed at Increasing Voter Registration and Participation

A group of concerned residents announced today the formation of Hoboken Votes, a community-based initiative aimed at increasing voter registration and voter participation across the City of Hoboken.

“The primary purpose of Hoboken Votes is to ensure that as many Hoboken residents as possible are registered to vote so their voices may be heard in the upcoming Presidential Election and in future election for years to come,” said Ravi S. Bhalla, one of the members of the committee in formation of Hoboken Votes. “As a benchmark, we have set a goal of registering 1,000 new voters between now and the Presidential election,” Bhalla said.

“This is a non-partisan voter registration campaign aimed at encouraging residents to make their voices heard at the federal, state, county and local levels,” said Philip Cohen. “Whether you are an independent, Republican, or Democrat, we encourage all residents to make sure they are registered to vote and familiar with the voting process.”

Hoboken Votes will have its first kickoff event this Sunday at the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., where it will have a table to register voters and answer questions about the voting process.

For more information, to register to vote, or to volunteer for this effort, please contact Mr. Bhalla at councilmanbhalla@gmail.com

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March 19, 2012

Secretary LaHood, New Jersey Senators Highlighted Benefits of Senate Surface Transportation Bill for NJ in Hoboken Today

Filed under: Hoboken,Lackawanna,Politics — Tags: , , , — TheBoken @ 4:25 PM

This is from today’s transportation conference in Hoboken’s train terminal on the Surface Transportation Bill that just passed the US Senate by a wide margin….

The Office of Senator Frank Lautenberg announces:

SECRETARY LAHOOD, NEW JERSEY SENATORS, REP. SIRES HIGHLIGHT BENEFITS OF

SENATE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BILL FOR NEW JERSEY

Call on House to Join Senate in Passing a Bipartisan Transportation Bill

Hoboken, NJ—Today, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood stood with U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ), and U.S. Rep Albio Sires (D-NJ-13), urging the House of Representatives to follow the Senate’s lead and move quickly to pass a bipartisan transportation jobs bill.  Last week, an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the Senate passed the “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act,” a surface transportation bill which will create or maintain 2.8 million jobs nationwide.  Speaking at the Hoboken Train Station, the federal officials were joined by New Jersey transportation advocates to stress the importance of the legislation, which would provide New Jersey with $500 million for transit projects and $1 billion per year in highways funds.

The Senate transportation bill, which was approved last Wednesday by an overwhelming 74-22 margin, would relieve road congestion, expand transit and rail systems, and direct billions to American workers rebuilding the nation’s aging infrastructure.  The legislation is particularly important for New Jersey, where it would support 54,200 jobs in a state economy powered by regional transportation systems.  New Jersey commuters would get immediate relief through restoration of the commuter tax benefit, which allows mass transit riders to set aside an untaxed $240 monthly to pay for commuting costs.

“I’m thrilled that the Senate has passed a bipartisan transportation bill that will put millions of Americans back to work repairing our aging transportation infrastructure,” said Secretary LaHood. “If the House follows their lead, we can relieve congestion on our roads, expand our transit and rails systems, and provide Americans with safe, affordable ways to reach their destinations when gas prices are high.”

“House Republicans should back away from the extreme Tea Party ideology and pass the Senate transportation bill that will rebuild our nation’s crumbling transportation systems and put millions of American to work,” said Sen. Lautenberg, Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation.  “In New Jersey, we need this bill to help reduce traffic congestion, benefit transit commuters, and boost our economy.  Funding for America’s transportation system expires at the end of the month.  It’s time for the House GOP to complete this bill so we can keep people on the job rebuilding America’s infrastructure.”

“This bill represents years of bipartisan work to invest in our infrastructure, create good jobs for New Jerseyans and give us the transportation network we need for our workers to get to their jobs, for our families to meet their needs, and for our businesses to thrive,” said Senator Menendez.  “The toughest work is done.  The Senate’s acted to create jobs and keep commuters moving.  Now it’s time for House Republicans to get on board and do their part for New Jersey.”

“I am pleased that the Senate passed this bill, which will provide important funding for our country’s transportation needs,” said Rep. Sires.  “I hope my colleagues in the House will create jobs and keep commuters moving. Now it’s time for House Republicans to get on board and do their part for New Jersey.”

Original Post:

Hoboken being the transportation hub that it is, is a fitting place to hold a press event on a major transportation bill….

Secretary LaHood, New Jersey Senators to Highlight Benefits of Senate Surface Transportation Bill for New Jersey

 Call on House to Join Senate in Passing a Bipartisan Transportation Bill

Hoboken Erie Lackawanna Train Temrinal and Ferry

Today, March 19 at 1:30 p.m., Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will join U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ-13) at the Hoboken Train Station to highlight the jobs that will be created in New Jersey by the “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act” MAP-21, the surface transportation bill that the Senate passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.  They will also call on the House of Representatives to follow the Senate’s lead and move quickly on a bipartisan transportation bill that will put Americans to work rebuilding our crumbling roads, bridges, railways, and transit systems.

Transportation, safety and environmental advocates will join the elected officials to support House passage of the Senate-passed transportation bill. The bill, which has received overwhelming bipartisan support, is estimated to create or maintain 2.8 million jobs and makes desperately needed investments in transportation infrastructure.

WHO:

  • Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood
  • U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg
  • U.S. Senator Robert Menendez
  • U.S. Rep Albio Sires
  • State and local public officials, transportation advocates, labor leaders and environmental advocates.

WHAT: Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will join New Jersey’s Senators and elected officials in calling on the House of Representatives to pass the Senate Surface Transportation Bill.

WHEN: Monday, March 19, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Hoboken Train Station at  1 Hudson Place Hoboken, NJ 07030

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November 7, 2011

Election Day is Tomorrow- Get out and Vote Hoboken November 8th!

Filed under: City Of Hoboken News,Hoboken,Politics — Tags: , , , , — TheBoken @ 4:15 PM

On Tuesday, November 8th, Hoboken will have the following choices to make for election day: NJ State Senator, NJ Assembly, County Executive, Register and Freeholder. We’re not normally a political site, but we’re putting up this opinion piece in an effort to help get out the vote.

There will also be two public questions:

1) To Allow Sports Wagering at Atlantic City and Racetracks. Note, this the measure is not binding.

Interpretive statement: This constitutional amendment would authorize the Legislature to pass laws allowing sports wagering at Atlantic City casinos and at racetracks. Wagers could be placed on professional, certain college, or amateur sport or athletic events. However, wagers could not be placed on college games that take place in New Jersey or in which a New Jersey college team participates regardless of where the game takes place. A wager could be placed at a casino or racetrack either in-person or from any other location through an account wagering system that uses telephone, Internet or other means.

More Details: http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/New_Jersey_Sports_Betting_Amendment,_Public_Question_1_(2011)

2) To Repeal Ordinance Z-88 on Rent Control Changes made recently by the Hoboken City Council. This ordinance did not repeal rent control, but rather it made some administrative changes.

A yes vote repeals the ordinance and is supported by tenant organizations led up by Dan Thumpson and Cheryll Fallick who are both long time advocates of rent control.

A no vote is to keep the administrative changes intact and is supported by the Mile Square Tax Association led by Ron Simoncini who is a landlord advocate .

Here’s what Mayor Zimmer said recently about the ballot question:

The new rent control Ordinance being challenged by referendum maintains the core protections of our existing rent control system and was passed unanimously by the City Council with my support.  It is not perfect, but represents a genuine attempt to resolve serious issues with the existing law.  Those issues led a court to rule that elements of the existing law were applied in a manner which was “arbitrary and capricious.” The new Ordinance seeks to create a fairer rent control system for both renters and owners, while helping to protect the City from significant potential litigation exposure.    The legislation does not increase in any way the legal rent that may be charged on any apartment.

More Details: WNYC, Vote Yes Position Letter , Vote No Position Letter

The Freeholder Race Involves the

Editor of TheBoken Kurt Gardiner

An important race to us here is a race that involves The Boken’s very own editor Kurt Gardiner running as an Independent for The Office of County Freeholder to represent all of Hoboken and parts of Jersey City Heights. A freeholder is the county equivalent of the Hoboken City Council position.

We at The Boken take great pride in staying out of the political fray in Hoboken and this election and Kurt’s bid to become freeholder will not change this position/goal. The people involved in running The Boken do so with much love for Hoboken and a strong desire to see it prosper.

As editor of The Boken, Kurt works hard to help local businesses get the word out with my many updates on this site and our Facebook and Twitter feeds. Kurt has been involved in Hoboken’s political scene since 2003 when I moved here from Astoria Queens.

Kurt’s ballot position is 6C (for change and cuts). 1/3 of residents’ property taxes goes to the county and Kurt is running on a platform of more services and lower taxes. This is an achievable goal since Hoboken has been getting the short of the stick for years from Hudson County. His campaign website is: www.gardinerforfreeholder.com if you wish to see details on his platform.

In all fairness his opponent Anthony “Stick” Romano is an affable guy. He is the incumbent. (Crazy fact: To date has spent over $82,000 whereas Kurt has spent only $1,300 so far). His website is www.romanoforfreeholder.com and he has support from the County Political Machine.

As a favor to Kurt, please review both candidates in this Freeholder election and make your choice based on the issues. As of November 9th, Kurt will be back in full editor mode serving Hoboken with many updates on www.TheBoken.com.

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October 29, 2011

Fund for a Better Waterfront Open House November 5th and 6th 12-6pm

Filed under: Hoboken,Politics — Tags: , — TheBoken @ 2:00 PM

The organization Fund for a Better Waterfront  is inviting Hoboken residents to view their plans for Hoboken’s Waterfront. This citizen’s group has been an advocate for improving Hoboken’s waterfront for decades. For this open house the 12’ by 4’ model of the Hoboken waterfront will be on display. They  will be happy to show you their latest plans and discuss the opportunity to complete critical components of Hoboken’s waterfront park. Read below for more information:

Event: Fund for a Better Waterfront Open House

When: Saturday and Sunday November 5 & 6 Noon to 6 p.m.

Where:  FBW Office Neumann Leather Building –

Address: 5th Floor 300 Observer Hwy Hoboken, NJ

Fund for a Better Waterfront

Artwork by Santiago Cohen

The future of Hoboken’s waterfront and waterfront park will be on display. See the FBW model and our latest waterfront plans. Give them your ideas and help them finish the job.

To learn more, visit their new website: betterwaterfront.org. The planning principles and waterfront plans that have been central to their mission are detailed on these web pages. After visiting them, be sure to take advantage of the Hoboken Artists Studio Tour. Many talented artists are their neighbors in the Neumann Leather Building.

FBW believes that successful waterfronts begin with good urban planning,intelligent design and an understanding that the water’s edge belongs to the public.

Fund for a Better Waterfront plan

Fund for a Better Waterfront 

Address: P.O. Box 1965  Hoboken, NJ 07030

Phone:  201.217.0500

Email: fbw@betterwaterfront.org

Website: betterwaterfront.org

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October 21, 2011

Debate to Discuss Rent Control Question on November 8 Ballot in Hoboken October 28th at 7:30pm

Filed under: Hoboken,Politics — Tags: , , , — TheBoken @ 3:30 PM

The Hoboken Quality of  Life Coalition is hosting a debate on the ever controversial topic of rent control next Friday October 28th at the Our Lady of Grace Annex at Willow and 5th Street. The event will start at 7:30pm and be moderated by the Hoboken Reporter’s Ray Smith. Below is the release with more information….

Debate to Discuss Rent Control Question on November 8 Ballot

Submit Your Questions Prior to Debate – Hoboken, NJ

The Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition to sponsor a debate on the issues concerning rent control legislation that will appear as a question on the November 8, 2011 ballot. The debate between Hoboken Fair Housing and Mile Square Taxpayers Association will take place on Friday, October 28, 2011 starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Our Lady of Grace School Hall on Willow Avenue at 5th Street.

Hoboken Rent Control Debate 10-28-2011

The two organizations will be represented respectively by Cheryl Fallick and Dan Tumpson for Hoboken Fair Housing, and Ron Simoncini and Joe Murray for Mile Square Taxpayers Association. Ms. Fallick and Mr. Tumpson are both long term supporters of Rent Control laws, going back as far as 1981. Their latest public outreach obtained the signatures of 3,158 Hoboken voters on a petition protesting the recent amendments to the Rent Control law which ultimately led to the issue being placed on the November ballot. Mile Square Taxpayers will be represented by its Executive Director Ron Simoncini and Joe Murray, a resident of Hoboken since 1982 and an owner of rent controlled property.

The event will be moderated by Ray Smith who covers the city for The Hoboken Reporter. He has reported on the rent control issue since October 2010. 

The general public is encouraged to submit questions in advance of the event by e-mailing info@qlchoboken.org. A panel of Quality of Life board members will select the questions. Unlike previous Quality of Life events of this type, no questions will be taken from the audience the evening of the debate. Admission is free; all are invited to attend.

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September 9, 2011

Senator Menendez and Mayor Zimmer Press Conference on NJ Task Force 1

Filed under: City Of Hoboken News,Politics,September 11 — Tags: , , , , — TheBoken @ 6:55 PM

Senator Robert Menendez and Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer stated in a press conference today that the New Jersey Task Force One (NJTF1) should finally get FEMA certification. The press conference organized by the Senator was held down near Pier A Park in Hoboken this afternoon with members of the task force present including Hoboken’s new Public Safety Director, Police Chief Falco and Fire Chief Blohm.

030

Mayor Dawn Zimmer started the press conference by stressing the importance of preparedness and she stated “We must prepare for the worst to protect out community”

The Mayor then handed the microphone over to Senator Menendez who called for state-of-the-art communications and FEMA certification for NJTF1 to prepare for future disasters like September 11th 2001. He added that the Task Force is already in place and would help FEMA better respond to future disaster in the area should it occur.

Below is a video of highlights from both Mayor Zimmer’s and Senator Menendez’s speeches as well as some photos of the press conference…

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