Council Agenda Resolution 4- Live Blog (sort of)

8:05 pm-

Tiffanie Fisher gave the first nomination- Kurt Gardiner.  Seconded by Ravi Bhalla.

Next, Dave Mello nominated Frank Raia, Peter Cunningham seconded.

No nominations for Brian Assadourian.

Speech by Ravi, supports Brian but hears the will of the people and will give Kurt a chance (don't quote me).

Dave Mello, speaking for Pupie; "He's been a friend to me, not going to disrespect that... Frank Raia has been a friend to me and I appreciate the friendship and I think he's done a fine job..."

Peter Cunningham: " I seconded Mr. Raia's application for good reasons... my evaluation is based on experience, relationships and success... pulled in more funding relative to the other towns and successfully... relationships are important here...  Kurt's application came in a little bit late... and I had given Mr. Raia my word that I had supported him... not going to let politics influence my decision. This is about what's best for Hoboken."

Jen Giattino: "Most people don't want to put in the time and the effort... and in particular, thank you for Mr. Raia..."

"Call the vote for Kurt Gardiner"

Bhalla- Yes
Cunningham-No
DeFusco-Yes
Doyle-Yes 
Fisher-Yes
Mello-Yes
Ramos-Yes 
Russo- Yes
Giattino-Yes

Congratulations, Kurt!

Comments

  1. Don't you have to finish out your term before applying for the next?

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  2. It's like watching a train wreck.

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  3. Pupie just got flushed

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  4. What just happened?!? Did I see that correctly? Kurt got 8 yes votes, including those from Russo and Ramos? Maybe Russo and Ramos realized it was Kurt's and there was nothing to be gained by being on record voting for Pupie.

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    1. Maybe Russo realizes that with Raia's power lessened his peeps may have a better chance in the next elections.

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    2. Didn't Russo already work out a deal to get Raia the Sewerage post form WNY ?

      I wouldn't put it past Russo to have orchestrated this ancillary political
      drama to stir the Reformers pot.

      Raia had to file anyway to show he was still looking to get the position from Hoboken otherwise it would have just confirmed his deal.

      We should see if Mr. Raia is well enough to accept the nomination from WNY in march.

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  5. Congrats Kurt.

    Nice lecture by Ravi on what he wants to see better out of the NHSA board. If only he gave that lecture to the current serving members and not the guy who will be starting new. If he had such issues with the NHSA he should have brought them up earlier the the members of the NHSA

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    1. Has Bhalla ever attended a nhsa meeting? Wasn't Assadourian part of the folk he was blasting?

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  6. Wow, Mello and Peter were exposed for who they really are. Congrats to Kurt!!!

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    1. City Councilman with minds of their own who are also decent human beings and willing to share that with the public. Congrats to Kurt !

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  7. Someone should explain to Dave that the reason we elected a reform council was so people wouldn't take the trust of voters and taxpayers and appoint their "friends" to boards.

    But Dave just told you what he's about. He also campaigned for his "friend" and fellow Raia vote Peter Cunningham instead of lifting a finger for Dana Wefer in his own ward. Meanwhile Cunningham won easily and Wefer came up short in a 3 person race.

    The other thing Dave just told you is he's running for mayor next year. He's gonna need a sugar daddy. Guess who?

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    1. WOW ! The fangs came out fast but but of course we are basing that on what biased people are interpreting what they think other people are saying rather than what the actually said.

      We get you don't like Dave Mello....now crawl back under your rock.

      OH WAIT ! Councilman Mello voted for Kurt Gardiner.

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    2. He sure did vote for Kurt Gardiner, and I've never seen a thing to indicate that he would want to run for mayor anytime soon. Long-term, there's probably not a council member who wouldn't consider and be open to thinking about a Mayoral run, but short-term, your claim is baseless. Your short of facts but have huge amount of venom, especially when you reference the word "friend" - must be because a sad little blogger like you doesn't have many (or any) real friends. But hey, maybe you have a dog who doesn't realize how much of a bitter piece of garbage you are. That and some old press clippings can always keep you company.

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  8. Much Ado About Nothing.

    How much betters it to weep with joy than joy at weeping !

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  9. So, as expected it turns out all the hissyfit comments on previous posts about how REFORM HAS ALREADY BLOWN IT, EATS IT'S OWN!!! were all premature speculative BULLSHIT spin. Hate to say I told you so.

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    1. What are you talking about? 2 reform council members were exposed.

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    2. As rational human beings who could see beyond labels and petty partisan politics enough to say good things about a another person.
      YEP ! They then were exposed.

      Thank you ladies and gentlemen of the City Council for a thoughtful civil discussion.

      Congratulations Kurt, I know you must be flushed with excitement but don't let it go to your head.

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  10. This was far more dramatic than it should have been. And just because it was 8-1 tonight doesn't mean this wasn't in Raia's hands up until a week ago. The right thing was eventually done but there was clearly some bs plan to give Raia the 2years that remain on Assadourian's seat

    Very disappointing to see all around.

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    Replies
    1. Sorry, but most of that drama was manufactured spin by blog comments with a specific agenda. The facts are as follows: a vote came up, the council nailed it 8-1 for Kurt. End of story.

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    2. Nice spin, schmuck, but something about your transparent agenda just seems kinda...PHONY!

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    3. A 8:51 You lost any credibility by using a word like "schmuck."

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    4. Watch the meeting again and when the council president calls for motion to vote on Gardner before Raia was even nominated check out who interrupts to make sure that vote doesn't happen and then the nomination of raia happens

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    5. I saw it the first time and your grasping at imaginary straws.

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    6. Yep, nothing to see here. Keep moving.....

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    7. Hey A9:16, You finally got something right.

      There never really was anything to see beyond the manufactured hysteria on the internet and Hoboken will happily keep moving forward.

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    8. If not for the hysteria Brian would have been nominated, did you not hear what his buddy said in his 8 minute diatribe?

      Thanks Nancy and Roman for getting Kurt appointed!

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    9. A9:47 Your hysterical. But not in a good way.

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  11. Team Jabberwock seems awfully disappointed that Hoboken just got a very good representative on the NHSA. Too bad, so sad.

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  12. Russo only voted once.

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  13. "The lady doth protest too much, methinks... Ravi..."

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  14. Congratulations, Kurt. Make the peanut gallery proud.

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  15. By the way, when councilpeople say they "heard the will of the people", they are talking about GA and MSV readers/commenters. Thanks again to both sites for giving the people a platform to be heard, we appreciate it.

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    1. and their phones and email accounts were swamped too!

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  16. Thank you EVERYBODY, for making lots of noise: here, on MSV, calling and emailing your reps. I believe it made the difference. Thank you council, for listening.

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  17. Thanks to the City Council and GA readers for your support! I am excited to serve Hoboken on such a critical component of our infrastructure.

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  18. Congratulations Mr. Gardiner

    You are now Hoboken's answer to the great Ed Norton.

    And away we go.

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  19. Mello's well known future mayoral aspirations just pulled a Mason.

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    1. Mello JabberWalked out early again!

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    2. I didn't know that. Did you just make it up ?

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    3. Mello walks out or phones it in more than Mason

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    4. What's the matter, did he see your pathetic little self on the way out (of New Business BTW) and not acknowledge the existence of someone who isn't worth acknowledging. Look at me. I'm a former Councilman. I invented reform. I stabbed every ally I ever had in the back. I used to work in advertising (as a newspaper creative, because I couldn't play nice with others), but now I sit in a real estate office all day blogging and trying to sound like 10 different people. Pay attention to me. My temper is short but don't bring that up, because I'll say you're using a stereotype. Helps me avoid looking in the mirror and seeing myself for the pathetic little piece of insignificant garbage I am. Maybe, instead, I should try to do a good job in the little bit of public service I still conned myself into (hoping I would get health bennies) but won't have for more than another year. Bye, bye Felicia!!!!

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  20. Well this is good news! Good luck to Kurt. Not surprised that Russo and Ramos voted against Raia; I don't think they are Raia fans. Did anyone come out and speak?

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    1. Greg Bond and Cheryl Fallick were amazing public speakers making the case against Raia, FOR KURT and calling out Bhalla for his week of games with Assadourian.

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    2. He said he "heard constituents loud and clear, sometimes too loud"

      I hope that gives him pause. No term switch shenanigans and no helping the old guard corrupt elements in town

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  21. Why would Mello nominate Raia and then vote for Gardiner?

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    1. Maybe he felt Raia had put in enough years of service that he deserved a vote. Not saying that I would have felt that way, but I don't think it's flawed logic either. Mello has supported Gardiner in the past (i.e. for Freeholder), and commented positively on him last night, so I don't find it shocking at all that he would want to publicly support Kurt and send a clear sign with his vote that he thought Kurt is up for the job.

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  22. Mello, WTF? Isn't voting for a "friend" to be placed in a job the very definition of cronyism? And Cunningham? Changes political affiliations and now, more importantly, embraces an old guard operator. Why?

    The best that anyone could say about Raia's record was Giattino's reference to its longevity. Inertia is not exactly high praise. By that standard, Russo and Castellano are big success stories for Hoboken.

    Kudos to Fisher for doing her due diligence and speaking with the NHSA director. Bhalla blathered, and no public meeting is complete without the usual coven commandeering the mic. They were the comic relief and did not disappoint.

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    1. With "friends" like Raia who needs reformers?
      Certainly not Mello. He's for sale more often than a 3 bedroom condo

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    2. EarlyDepartures ... you sound so reminiscent of other screen names. Coming up a little short on originality, no? Maybe its because Mello doesn't acknowledge your angry, off the rails BS anymore. But hey, I'm sure you have served (and likely still serve) this City, and are a good friend to all of your colleagues, not a nasty s-disturber who talks bad about everybody and anybody behind their backs. Really low of you.

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    3. The gratuitous and REPETITIVE attacks on particular members of Reform on my site are not only getting 'old' but coming off as DERANGED. I mean seriously deranged. As in nuts. Enough. Who gives a shit about the "3 bedroom condos" and so forth.

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  23. I'm starting to dislike some of the reform council members. I hope some of them decide they're done and give others a chance to run. I'm not looking for others to run and split the vote. To be clear, I hope that there's some turnover due to council people choosing to let others run in their place.

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    1. Added: I am not going to specify who I want to turnover or start a discussion bashing any of them.

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  24. My sense is Cunningham knew everyone was going to vote for Kurt, so it was safe for him to keep his word of support for Raia that he made to Frank back before Kurt got in the race (when there wasn't anyone even opposing Frank). Peter knew Kurt was a lock, so he saved face and kept his word. Not hard to figure out, unless your ulterior motive is to come here and spin some crazy jabberwocky.

    I'm glad Raia is out and congratulate Kurt, who I supported in an email to my councilperson and in comments here.

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    1. So Cunningham pleases one person of dubious integrity, and pisses off every thinking person in town? That's a winning strategy.

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    2. Anon 9:47 - Peter Cunningham has been the longest serving reform-minded elected official in town (along with the Mayor). Show him a little more respect. He had given Frank his word, and pointed out successes Raia has had in the position. Plus, he likely knew how the overall vote was going down, and voted more symbolically than for actual effect on the outcome. Chill out and show some respect for many years, days, and hours well served by Mr. Cunningham.

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  25. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    1. Ravi voted for Kurt.

      Got a link to the video of the meeting? I'd like to watch it for myself.

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    2. Yes, He did, but that was because we all drove him nuts the past week
      Watch the meeting... you know where the video is.

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    3. Anon@9:49, I ask again: got a link to the video of the meeting? I don't know where it is and would like to judge your accusations for myself.

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    4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    5. Folks, the shit-stirrer at 9:41 AM is attributing Russo's comments to Ravi. Since the shit-stirrer has outed himself as a shit-stirrer- which I fully expect to see more of, as the sharks smell blood in the water (it's not really blood, it's Victory Punch)...

      Hence, said shit-stirrer you're on notice.

      Anon @10:20, hope you are not 'playing ball' with said shit-stirrer. No one should base their support on an Anonymous shit-stirrer.

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    6. GA, I am definitely not playing ball with anyone. You have my word. I am more than annoyed that the "term switch" was attempted and that it was not a "no-brainer" to appoint Kurt. I did not like Bhalla's comments before the vote but I did not hear anything during new business. If the shit-stirrer made that up about what Bhalla said you certainly have my apologies. I definitely need to watch the full meeting. Regardless I am very happy Kurt got on and let's move on from there

      From,
      10:20

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    7. 10:20/11:25- I checked Bhalla's comments, thus wrote you (10:20) off as a shit-stirrer. Apologies for the delete if I was wrong about that.

      Here is what Ravi spoke about in New Business: about Carepoint Health ripping off patients who visit ER. That's all.

      Thank you, the belated 10:20 and 11:25.

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    8. Totally understand. I am not the one who posted at 9:41 and assumed they were telling the truth about the comments.

      Thanks as always for doing all that you do

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  26. Ding Dong the King is Dead.....Kudos to the council for having some back bone and sticking up for what was right!
    Kurt now it is on you to perform and help to finally resolve flooding. The min should be that you should shed some light on this entity and allow the public to finally see what they do, how they spend their money etc....

    A good day for Hoboken.

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  27. It's truly pathetic that some posters here are making idiots of themselves by bashing Council members for doing the right thing. It's pretty obvious that those posters (or poster - could be only one) has a nasty agenda having nothing to do with this HCSA appointment.

    Unlike the nefarious Soares/Camporeale deal (which had very real consequences for our City, particularly for its most vulnerable residents in the HHA), this supposed deal never happened.

    The bottom line is that Kurt got 8 votes and Raia was given his walking papers. No amount of spin from troublemakers looking to split reform will change that.

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    1. Thank you, anon@10:44, agree. In a few (hopefully very few) cases, there do seem to be some (or at least one) reformer(s) who sadly do seem inclined to "eat" themselves. I guess it's all about "purity", or a need for attention anyway.

      Reform slammed it out of the park, everything else is so much noise. Hoboken is on the right path, that's what matters in the real world as opposed to political spin fantasyland.

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    2. Russo voted for a reformer against Assadourian again last night...

      Nobody voted for Hector Clavaria again.... A guy selling HUD vouchers versus and Old Lady ( Camporeale ) who some minions seems taken with.

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    3. It's not about purity because said shit stirrer is the very opposite of pure himself. Need for attention together with spite toward people on a personal enemies list sounds closer to the mark.

      Anybody want to bet on how closely Al Sullivan's column this weekend will follow the shit stirrer's party line? Al's list of sources is pretty small so his sources are pretty easy to ID.

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  28. The spinmeisters here have essentially written Al Sullivan's column for him this week, LOL! Mark my words.

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  29. REMINDER (and you know who you are): I'm not a comment-babysitter, so cut the shit on the off-topic personal attacks. You want to attack people you personally dislike? (1) sign your real name, bet you don't have the balls to (2) get a blog

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  30. OK, Now that it is over and Kurt is in it would be great if we had a reformer on deck and ready to fill the next opening on the Board.

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  31. Now that Kurt has the Hoboken seat I really hope Raia gets the WNY seat Al Sullivan says he was promised. Honor among thieves and all that - Raia should get what he was promised by the guy who promised it since he lived up to his part of the deal. Plus with all his flaws Raia is more likely to advocate for Hoboken than whoever else WNY might appoint.

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  32. Can you imagine if the Hoboken cc were pondering giving Hoboken's NHSA seat to some needy, passed-over politico from another town? This city has its problems but is miles ahead of other places in the county.

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    1. Great point. It kind of gives some perspective to the "if they do [fill in the blank] reform is dead to me" hysteria.

      We can't let the perfect be the enemy of the good, particularly given then none of us is perfect ourselves and some of the most prolific complainers don't even make the grade as good themselves.

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  33. So glad this is over, GA is breaking the internet with all these comments! ;)

    This blog was ground zero for rallying the troops (MSV too), Kurt very well may not have been voted in with it. Thanks again for providing a platform for demonstrating democracy in action!


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    1. oops, meant to write "Kurt very well may not have been voted in WITHOUT it."

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    2. I second that Anon 2:16. Thank you GA and MSV! Good luck Kurt!

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  34. Too bad there are a few small minded, self serving ex-reformers out there actively trying to stir the pot because they are no longer relevant and trying to undermine those who are actually getting things done.
    Reform doesn't need and shouldn't allow itself to be sabotaged from the intside as well as from the Old Guard.
    Reform has grown and flourished in Hoboken but thankfully it is not a monolith and is bigger and better then a few bitter individuals.

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  35. The next NHSA Board opening for Hoboken is this time next year.

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  36. Congratulations Kurt!

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