Grafix Avenger

Bob Dole Endorsement

2012-05-16T13:05:00.002-04:00

GA and elder statesmen, former U.S. Senator Bob Dole ask Hoboken's City Council to vote 'YES' tonight on use of the E.D. with respect to Block 12... for a Southwest park.

Like Bob says, it takes a little courage.

Ricciardi and Hoboken411 AFTER the FBI 'Visit'

2012-05-16T07:08:00.003-04:00

When GA went back to the post that my FBI friends were hitting yesterday, FBI Arrest Leads to Mason? something jumped out at me. This, as written on 5/24/11 and posted on Hoboken411:

According to one Hoboken411 source, several weeks ago a small group of people who claimed to be an “Audit Team” from the Group Insurance Fund (GIF) that insures the city came to the now-padlocked IT office on the 3rd floor of City Hall. The source says such an audit would include making sure the city servers were operating safely and not causing a fire hazard. The alleged “GIF audit team” actually went well beyond that and secured access to the information on the hard drive.

This “Audit Team” apparently didn’t “Audit” anything else but the hard drives in the IT office, which was seen as suspicious. Some people wonder if this was a GIF team, or private IT consultants brought in by the Mayor and Business Administrator Arch Liston under false pretenses. One source says Hoboken IT department head Patrick Ricciardi (right) was sent “on an errand” away from City Hall while the outside IT team spent hours scouring the city’s servers in his office.

Exactly HOW did Hoboken411 know this?

The ONLY 'source' that could have known that only internal hard drives were scoured other than the Auditors themselves was... Patrick Ricciardi.

Isn't that obvious?

And because of Da Horsey, we now know that Hoboken411's Perry Klaussen was seen entering the locked (keypad access) employee entrance of City Hall, circumventing the Security desk and sign-in sheet, and visiting Ricciardi's office multiple times.

Such visits would be required for receiving 'public documents' on hard disk or jump drives to avoid electronic fingerprints.

Now... on the same 5/24/11 entry, Klaussen posts this:

Contrary to the moronic musings of certain Zimmer-worshiping online minions, the FBI couldn’t care less about who releases public documents to members of the credentialed media. The press has a legal right and responsibility to inform the public about the government’s operations. Anybody who says otherwise isn’t familiar with The Pentagon Papers.

Wow.

So what may be drawn from all this?

An ostensibly nervous Ricciardi told Klaussen the auditors were there for the data on the hard drives, and with no real idea of the purpose of the audit at that time but with a consciousness-of-guilt, Ricciardi, Klaussen and ghostwriter Lane Bajardi cobble together a 'Pentagon Papers' defense, legitimizing the THEFT of so-called 'public documents' as their 'legal right and responsibility to inform the public'.

GA is curious if the great legal mind of Mason operative James Barracato was enlisted for this 'Pentagon Papers' defense. Has the F.B.I. questioned Mason's long-term operative and Klaussen friend yet or has he flown below their radar?

It's amazing to see all this in print. Remember that was 6 months before Ricciardi's arrest.

But looking back now, knowing what we know, the Klaussen-Bajardi screed reads like a kid with his hand caught in a cookie jar telling you that he has a legal right and responsibility to steal the cookies in his hand.

Look Who Dropped By (Again)!

2012-05-15T14:00:00.003-04:00

Too small? OK, I'll blow it up for you.

They've been coming a lot lately and reading about a certain member of Hoboken City Council... Here's the story the F.B.I.'s been reading: The F.B.I. Arrest Leads to Mason?

Will He or Won't He?

2012-05-15T12:16:00.001-04:00

That's the question Da Horsey is asking today. And it's a pretty good one.

Because on Wednesday night, the City Council will vote on an ordinance approving the use of eminent domain on Lot 12 in Hoboken's 4th Ward.

Eminent domain for a casino? A strip mall? A strip joint?

No, for a park.

And the clock is ticking on a $3,000,000 County grant- which GA is told expires this August- and which Timmy Occhipinti had reprogrammed for a Southwest park last July.

First, let me say that GA is not a fan of eminent domain (E.D.) I even I railed against it on this blog.

In fact, BOTH Republican elder statesman Bob Dole and I have taken a principled stand against E.D.

Yes, Bob. It does take Courage.

So, while GA AND Bob Dole are steadfast opponents of E.D., we are both supporters of open space and parks in Hoboken.

That's why Bob Dole and I urge you to get EDucated about E.D., and to watch Timmy carefully on Wednesday night.

Because on Wednesday night you will learn whether his call to have the $3,000,000 County grant reprogrammed for a Southwest park was political grandstanding? (Timmy votes NO)

Or did he really mean it? (Timmy votes YES)

Here's what Timmy told Patch last July:

"The Southwest Park can become a reality and over the past few months the City has made progress towards the creation of the park,” said Occhipinti. “We have a golden opportunity to put unused money towards a much-needed project in the often-neglected Fourth Ward and I’m afraid we are going to lose out.”

Let's see if he backs it up.

Doubling Down

2012-05-15T10:45:00.001-04:00

Somebody sent this to me:

Wow. She doesn't get it.

Playing the victim of a blogger for words that came out of her own mouth.

I would tell Ms. Kearns that bashing GA may play well locally, but I'm not her problem. If she doesn't get that, then she doesn't understand the wider dimensions of a School Board member disrespecting a religious minority in public.

First, the facts.

Public schools are closed 5 days for Christmas, 5 days for Easter, 1 day for Good Friday and 1/2 day for Holy Thursday. These are the holiest days on the Christian calendar.

Public schools are closed 1 day for Yom Kippur and 1 day for Rosh Hashanah. These are the holiest days on the Jewish calendar.

At the May 8th meeting, Kearns (now I am told others in her coalition supported her argument) argued against having both Jewish school holidays on the district calendar, citing if we grant one of the Jewish High Holy days off, then St. Patrick's Day should be observed, too.

These are the facts. There were many witnesses. Yes, I have blogged about it. But GA is a small venue in a mile-sqare city.

Ms. Kearns needs to understand her words have a life of their own, and my help is/was not needed for her words to travel. And they are traveling without my help, without my doing. It's gone beyond me.

Let's call it a brush-fire.

Hostility toward a religious minority will not play well from a School Board member, especially among families with Jewish children in public school. Anywhere.

Such open disrespect for these students' religious observation encourages bullying of these children for their religious differences. Everywhere.

Humility and compassion are what's called for. Not blame.

Letter to the ADL

2012-05-14T07:10:00.002-04:00

For members of Hoboken's Jewish community, it was a depressing week.

We learned that a City Councilwoman tried to manufacture a 'Nazi' scandal in The Hoboken Reporter with false charges and fabricated 'evidence', then an elected School Board official launched a tirade against student observation of our High Holy Days at a public meeting.

Is it something in the water?

From merely obnoxious, indecent behavior if by a citizen, this is absolutely unacceptable conduct from our elected officials, truly disturbing on so many levels.

I've reported these incidents to Etzion Neuer of New Jersey's Anti-Defamation League in the letter below. Here is the ADL's Mission Statement:

"The immediate object of the League is to stop, by appeals to reason and conscience and, if necessary, by appeals to law, the defamation of the Jewish people. Its ultimate purpose is to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike and to put an end forever to unjust and unfair discrimination against and ridicule of any sect or body of citizens."
-ADL Charter October 1913

___________________________

Dear Mr. Neuer,

I would like to report (2) incidents involving elected officials in Hoboken, New Jersey.

One is a cynical exploitation of the Holocaust to silence critics, the other is hateful rhetoric at a public meeting.

(1) City Councilwoman Beth Mason has submitted false and defamatory information to a local newspaper, The Hoboken Reporter, accusing (2) bloggers of using Nazi videos/discourse against her on their respective blog sites.

I am one, and my blog site is Grafix Avenger- the other is Mile Square View. We are frequent critics of Mason, so to discredit our widely-read sites she has peddled vile 'Nazi allegations' in an effort to get the paper to print them. This exploitation of the Holocaust by an elected official- which includes fabricating evidence- is truly beneath contempt.    Mason's political operative, James Barracato, doctored a screenshot from my blog to support the false allegation that Grafix Avenger wrote about a (Nazi) gas chamber. Barracato was caught because his 'screenshot' contained his electronic signature (The Hoboken Reporter had forwarded it to me). It is posted here:

http://grafixavenger.blogspot.com/2012/05/breaking-barracato-leaves-electronic.html

As for Mile Square View, Barracato submitted another 'screenshot' to The Hoboken Reporter purported to show a Nazi parody video posted there. It NEVER was. Another doctored screenshot.

As of this week, the story has not gone to print.

I have informed Rabbi Robert Scheinberg of United Synagogue of Hoboken of Councilwoman Mason's effort to frame us for falsely for posting Nazi discourse and film. As a Jewish woman, I am disgusted that an elected official who is also Jewish is using the Holocaust to smear her critics.

I am advising the ADL of this matter because by using the Holocaust like a carpenter's tool, Councilwoman Beth Mason mocks it's impact on human history and it's tragic consequences for the world. It is most egregious and offensive and this elected official deserves repudiation.

(2) Hoboken Board of Education member Frances Rhodes-Kearns attacked a (Jewish) School Board member for initiating changes in the district calendar to make Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah school holidays. This occurred at a School Board meeting on May 8, 2012. In rebuking the Jewish Board member, Ms. Kearns launched a tirade against 'them' (the Jews?) for 'taking away her Christmas holiday and calling it Winter Break' and proceeded with offensive, disrespectful speech toward our High Holy Days- an offense toward the Jewish community at-large. Kearns questioned why (if schools close for Yom Kippur) she doesn't get off for St. Patrick's Day. Both Jews and Gentiles in attendance were shocked by the School Board Trustee's hateful speech and her clear disdain toward the Jewish community.

Ms. Kearns owes our entire community an apology. In my view such a person does not belong on a Board responsible for our diverse public school population- 25% of my daughter's 4th grade class is Jewish.   Kearns has shown her true colors- contempt for the Jewish children of Hoboken, their families and their Temple.

These incidents are for your information, and if you would like to speak further on any please do not hesitate to call.   It is depressing to see this behavior from our elected officials.

Sincerely,
Nancy Pincus
(201) 484-****

Unholy Matrimony

2012-05-12T07:27:00.003-04:00

What happens to the truly wicked in the Afterlife?

Judiasm holds different views, from a period of purification in Gehinnom ('Hell') to eternal damnation, even destruction. But our G-d is forgiving and abundant in kindness. One of His attributes of mercy is: G-d forgives intentional sins if the sinner repents.

This past week GA confronted true evil.

A wicked plot by a (converted) Jewish politician, Beth Mason, and her employee, James Barracato, to create a scandal in our newspaper using the Holocaust and the despicable Nazi regime to smear her targets- Da Horsey and myself.

That's right.

The Holocaust is simply a tool in the Mason tool chest. What did she do?

Mason and her employee, Barracato, tried to persuade our local media, The Hoboken Reporter, that we have been using Nazi videos/discourse using fabricated 'evidence'.

Shocking.

First, Mason and Barracato claimed Da Horsey (MSV) posted a 'Nazi video' on his site, and presented a doctored screen-shot to the Reporter. A lie.

Next, the two told the Reporter that I'd written about a (Nazi) gas chamber and presented the newspaper with another doctored screen-shot of the alleged 'gas chamber' post; the post was in fact about a Ms. Mason hosting a soiree for Hoboken University Medical Center's leadership.

Here is the (doctored) Barracato screen-shot (left panel) side-by-side with the actual web page (right panel)

left panel: Barracato's doctored screenshot submitted to the Hoboken Reporter, right panel: GA's actual page

Why have Mason and Barracato exploited the epic tragedy of the Holocaust this way, to USE it as a weapon to destroy her opponents?

For her political advantage, obviously.

To eliminate her internet critics by discrediting them before she runs for NJ Assembly.

Will The Hoboken Reporter cooperate with her evil agenda? (like GA, the HR's Publisher is Jewish).

Well, I have to tell you being target this way, and by a Jewish-convert no less, so revolted me, I turned to Rabbi Scheinberg of the United Synagogue of Hoboken to unburden my mind. Our exchange is private. But unburdening myself to the Rabbi made me feel better. Thank you, Rabbi.

So, our G-d is loving and forgiving. Me, not so much.

All I can say is that what those two tried to do- frame Horsey and I in the media for a Jewish politician exploiting the Holocaust- is truly wicked.

Therefore, I am counting on G-d to send those 2 to the Eternal Damnation Wing of Gehinnom. Please. And I'd like an order of fire and brimstone with a side of pitchfork.

Will He?

Surely not if they repent.

But those two are wedded by mutual self-interest in a state of unholy matrimony. So GA doesn't see that happening any time soon.

Fire up the grill!

Timmy's Letter to The Hoboken Reporter

2012-05-11T07:20:00.003-04:00

BREAKING: Barracato Leaves Electronic Fingerprints on Doctored 'Evidence' to Hoboken Reporter

2012-05-10T07:45:00.002-04:00

left panel: Barracato's doctored 'screenshot', right panel: Barracato left his electronic signature on the altered screenshot.

Wow, talk about inept.

GA has CAUGHT Beth Mason's political operative James Barracato red-handed submitting a photoshopped 'screen shot' of a GA post to The Hoboken Reporter. Barracato has been peddling the narrative that GA and Da Horsey are using 'Nazi' imagery/iconography/video etc. in our online discourse, painting his employer, Mike Russo and others on The Dark Side as 'victims'.

What a lying schmuck. This is defamatory should the HR go to print with this.

And now GA has caught Barracato submitting a doctored Photoshop of a GA story to spin it as a 'Nazi' reference.

Don't believe it? Here are the facts:

On May 2, 2012, Mason operative (and web master) Barracato took a screen cap of GA's April 30, 2012 post called Nurse Kevorkian to Meet and Greet the HUMC

Barracato removed the title, text and graphics from the screenshot- 'cleaned' the page- and represented it to the Hoboken Reporter as a 'screenshot' from Grafix Avenger.

Barracato submitted the falsified, alleged GA 'screenshot' to The Hoboken Reporter for their story about alleged use of Nazi imagery/iconography, etc. by bloggers against political opponents.

Barracato told the Hoboken Reporter that I'd blogged about a (Nazi) gas chamber. The screen shot was his 'evidence'.

But what did GA's post have to do with Nazis or gas chambers?

Nothing.

Which is why Barracato falsified the screenshot of my page before he submitted it to The Hoboken Reporter.

And I KNOW he sent it to the HR, and I KNOW he called it a 'screenshot' because it was forwarded to me like this:

"I made someone send me the screen shot of your site about the gas chamber..."

Of course, the IDENTITY of it's author was withheld by my source.

No problem. Because the 'screenshot''s author forgot to erase his electronic signature:

Can you believe he left his signature on it?

It says "James Barracato".

Schmuck! With the date and time he cooked it up.

Interesting that Barracato conjured this on 5/2/12-- the same day GA posted: BREAKING: Mason Peddles Hit Piece to the Hoboken Reporter.

Coincidence?

I had put up my post in the morning (6:35 am) and Barracato had created this 'evidence' that night (10:23 pm). Here is exactly what he sent:

So, the very day Barracato's nasty scheme was exposed on GA, the operative came up with this vicious plan to FRAME this blog. He HAD to. Because his feverish search of this blog found NOTHING to support his "Nazi discourse' narrative.

So what did he do?

He found a post about the HUMC, it contained the words 'gas chamber' and WITH THE DOCTORED 'SCREENSHOT' pitched this as 'Nazi discourse'.

Read the post for yourself.

Below is a side-by-side so you can see the 'cooked' one next to the actual one:

Left side: Barracato's fraud that he submitted to The Hoboken Reporter, representing it as a "screen shot" of a post about a gas chamber.

Right side: GA's actual page of the HUMC story with graphics of Nurse 'Kevorkian' Mason is on the right side below.

left panel: Barracato's doctored screenshot submitted to the Hoboken Reporter, right panel: GA's actual page

Wow. What a schmuck. That is a wicked thing to do. And puts The Hoboken Reporter in legal peril.

How much tainted material have they already received from this source for their coming article? From the questions the HR sent to both Horsey and I, it looks like quite a bit.

Did the Hoboken Reporter fall for THIS fraud?

How many reporters did Barracato disseminate his Photoshop which mis-characterized and defamed this blog and myself?

Did Barracato give this to Stephen LaMarca?

Thank goodness for the person who verified it's accuracy with me.

Now The Hoboken Reporter KNOWS that this source has falsified this 'evidence' to create a hateful narrative for his boss, Beth Mason (a Hoboken Reporter advertiser). Now they know Barracato gave them doctored documents, putting them at risk for a defamation claim.

What are they going to do next?

Will The Hoboken Reporter continue to use a source who has lied to them, who has been proven to fabricate and falsify materials for their stories?

What other fraudulent documents or falsified information has this source given them on their story about bloggers?

GA and Da Horsey will be scouring their piece for any false or defamatory claims.

With the publication on this blog,the public will see that The Hoboken Reporter has been given doctored documents by the underling of Beth Mason to destroy us and clear a path before her run for State Assembly.

Nice try.

Stephen, if you want to get in touch, I will tell you how duplicitous Barracato is (I have stories which you can check) and we may start our relationship over on a better footing. Trusting this source will only get you burned. Again and again.

Once more, the post pitched as 'Nazi discourse' in fact skewered Beth Mason as 'Nurse Kevorkian' hosting a 'Meet and Greet' for Hoboken University Medical Center (intended) victims. Remember, Mason spent a year furiously trying to kill the hospital sale. Then after it sold, Mason donned a NURSE costume and marched in a parade! (GA heard this enraged real HUMC nurses whom she'd tormented for months)

So, there you go. Electronic fingerprints left by Beth Mason's flunkie, James Barracato, on a vicious, dirty, nasty, wicked Nazi smear campaign. Done for The Hoboken Reporter.

And here he is... a guy who tried to frame GA, to make something from nothing.

Trust him again?

Notes from the BoE- UPDATED

2012-05-09T12:24:00.002-04:00

Once again, our Superhero scrupulously avoids a controversial vote!

GA attended last night's BoE meeting and stayed still the lights went out around 1 AM- 5 hours past my bedtime.

Now I 'get' the metal folding chairs which like medieval torture devices (Iron Maiden, rack, thumbscrews) were impossible to doze in. Did I tell you the room was 8,000 degrees? Who could sleep a wink.

Not to mention the screeching of an agitated Maureen Sullivan, who woke up a few dead people in Hoboken Cemetery.

Yup, GA took a bathroom break at the wrong time, missing Mount Mo's eruption, only seeing folks flee from the room to whisper about it outside in hushed tones. Hysterical (literally)- near tears, she railed on about how horrible her public school experience was which begs the question (again): why is Sullivan on the BoE?   Thankfully, Mo's shelf life is expiring and GA expects next November she'll be on to new public institutions to trash and new peers to stab in the back.

As for her tirade, I suggest you go to the videotape.

By yourself.

I did catch BoE Peter Biancamano in the hall, too. And since he promised to get me Rachel Maddow's autograph (he works at MSNBC) I am going to tell you how charming and delightful a guy he is and how his mutz rules. (Peter, you've got 5 business days. It should say, "Love you, GA!")

So do you want to know the highlight and the lowlight of the BoE meeting? (According to me)

GA's Highlight: Assistant Superintendent Dr. Hernandez started the meeting by recognizing the retirement of several district employees. One by one, he called out the name of retirees and described their service to the Hoboken school district. Very nice! The final name called: Mo DeGennaro. And Hernandez completed his speech with "we wish Mo DeGennaro a long and fulfilling retirement".   Um, he died 5 weeks ago. Well, I'm guessing Mo had a good laugh at that one from his perch in the Afterlife. (*** Read UPDATE below... )

GA's Lowlight: Late in the meeting, BoE member Francis Kearns attacked the Board's decision to have days off the district calendar for the Jewish High Holy days Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashonah. Kearns was very unhappy with the recognition of the holiest Jewish holidays, saying that if one 'group' gets their holiday's off, then why she shouldn't she get a day off for St. Patrick's Day? So Yom Kippur = Saint Patrick's Day. Did anyone tell Rose Kearns that the school calendar breaks for (Christian) Christmas and Easter for 10 days? And she's got a problem with Jews asking for 2 days? So that was an anti-Semitic slap against the Jewish Board member who'd sponsored the initiative. Cheap shot. Disrespectful. And when Kearns was called out on it, she did not apologize but instead doubled down. OK, Kearns, if/when you run for re-election, GA will make sure every Jewish person in Hoboken knows what you're about. Shalom.

What else? A lot of stuff in between. Won't discuss the Charter matter- I'm a parent first, blogger second (or third). Needless to say, every parent in the room was there out of love for their children and that's what we all have in common.

Joe Branco did tell me to mention that Councilman Dave Mello had named the proposed Charter School. Why did you want me to say that, Joe? OK, I said it.

Joe is an interesting guy. GA's trying to figure out if he' gone over to The Dark Side (DS). He was seated next to DS operative Nick Calicchio most of the evening. (It appears Joe's being wooed pretty hotly and heavily by DS ops on the blogs on his HHA loss). But Joe was quite friendly to GA so don't know if he's gone all 100% DS. Maybe 50-50?

Joe, head to The Light!

As for Nick Calicchio, he spoke last and got in a semantic battle with Superintendent Toback over whether Santa Claus being asked to leave Calabro from inside the building meant Santa was 'kicked out' or 'rescheduled'. You say po-TAY-to, I say po-TAH-to.

Speaking of the fabulous Superintendent Toback, he is tall. I went over to introduce myself after the meeting; he towered over me (I'm 5'-4") and is built like a linebacker. (Advice to Calicchio: defer to him on the Santa thing.)

So all-in-all this BoE session went from a polite, civilized affair to a surreal debate over religious holidays and Santa Claus... par for the course for Crazyboken.

Now, for the Unsolved Mystery of the night...

Where in the WORLD was Carmelo Garcia?

(Updated, 3:00 pm)
MO'S ALIVE!!!

GA's made a big MO-stake.

Apologies to the family of the LIVING MO- Morris DeGennaro, who is nicknamed 'Mo' like the late Maurice DeGennaro.

The Mo DeGennaro honored at the BoE last night was the former Athletic Director there... he's got a pulse, and everything!

And may the other Mo DeGennaro continue to rest in peace.

Earwitness Rumor: Ruben's Out!

2012-05-08T11:18:00.000-04:00

Folks, GA's been sitting on this one because it's been such a busy week- for me.

But in fact with the imminent savaging coming from The Hoboken Reporter- and GA hears that the response on the blogs has only hardened their resolve to pound us as 'divisive' and 'causing a rift' in the Hoboken's political cosmos- this Earwitness Rumor provides a context for this sudden interest in the (Reform) blogosphere.

Before GA tells you the Earwitness Rumor, shall we all have a laugh at the notion that POT (the HR) is calling the KETTLE (blogs) "divisive" after the Dave Mello-massacre on this week's cover?

We'll circle back to that.

OK, so... this one's been floating about. Whispers here and there.

But until GA heard from two impeccable sources, both political 'insiders' I didn't post this Earwitness Rumor.

Here's the first, got this one from a local source last week:

FYI the Timmy for Mayor thing is real - The plan is Russo becomes freeholder, Mason becomes assembly woman and Timmy runs for Mayor. I don't think they've figured out what to do with Ruben.

Hear that, Ruben? Then this one floated in from a source is outside of Hoboken.

Ruben has blown his support at the county level – he was given every opportunity to show that he could contribute and raise money. But he hasn’t. He has no real base outside of the 4th Ward in Hoboken and has pissed off Sires. He is expendable.

Wow, the game of musical chairs comes to mind. And when the music stops- Timmy, Mason and Russo are seated and... Ruben's out!

Buh-bye, Ruben.

GA also heard from EYE-witnesses at the Malibu Diner who saw Mason, Pupie Raia, James Barracato -the Mason flack who gives dictation to The Hoboken Reporter-and a 4th unidentified man at a sit-down last week. And the private rear dining room was opened for their use.

So, the escalation of the War-on-Blogs, ostensibly pitched to the Hoboken Reporter by Mason operative Barracato-with her complaints about the 'divisiveness' and cries of victimization would seem to have everything to do with her ambition to run for NJ State Assembly.

Neutralizing her critics, step 1.

Thank goodness, The Hoboken Reporter is on board!

Well, just so you know Hoboken Reporter... GA supports Mason's run for State Assembly (sorry, Ruben). In fact, I am in charge of her campaign (self-appointed)- see below:

MSV's Bombshell: Hoboken411 & Ricciardi

2012-05-07T07:12:00.000-04:00

Big props to Da Horsey of MSV on today's bombshell exclusive.

What Da Horsey uncovered seems to be the missing piece of the puzzle: how did Hoboken411 get it's 'leaked documents' for alleged ghostwriter (and Beth Mason political strategist) Lane Bajardi to fashion into online 'exclusives'?

For example: how did Klaussen get the specific, detailed terms of the City's $2,000,000 settlement proposal which it published with an anti-Zimmer administration diatribe then picked up by Beth Mason, who handily quoted her 'news source'?

How did these confidential City documents wind up on the pages of Hoboken411?

Folks, Da Horsey found the proverbial missing puzzle piece.

MSV discovered Perry Klaussen made multiple visits to Patrick Ricciardi's office via the employee entrance on the basement level avoiding the guest sign-in sheet.

Why didn't these 2 technology whizzes just chat by email, instant-messaging, telephone, or texts?

Why did Klaussen sneak into the building via the Employee entrance?

Klaussen and Ricciardi know the answer. And GA imagines that neither have told this story to the FBI.

Why would they?

Why would Ricciardi give up a friend to the Feds when there are no electronic fingerprints on this (alleged) data smuggling operation?

Why would Klaussen volunteer this information when his covert employee-entrance visits were to avoid detection and therfore accountability? GA's no lawyer, but sneaking in the back way to the office of the mastermind of City Hall's wire fraud conspiracy- Patrick Ricciardi- suggests that 'materials' were being handed over.

Was Klaussen acting as a courier?

Not only for documents to be used for Bajardi's ghostwritten Hoboken411 copy, but for smuggling large amounts of data out of City Hall to a wealthy benefactress and her not-paid-for-friendship operatives?

Does this explain the Mason jihad for the emails of selected administration employees?

MSV's story raises so many questions.

GA wonders whether the FBI has missed this one- with no electronic fingerprints; downloading data on a flash drive or hard disk would be invisible and untraceable.

All the FBI needs to do is ASK. And Klaussen may not wish to 'protect' bigger fish when asked.

One thing was clear from the Ricciardi complaint: the Feds read the blogs.

8. Evidence of this schism in the City is apparent through the postings of articles and comments on City-related issues to different weblogs, or "blogs."

And how would they know that? *wink*

Mello Gets the Hatchet

2012-05-06T08:41:00.003-04:00

To prove GA's point that The Hoboken Reporter is in the tank for Beth Mason and the anti-Zimmer political machine, that it's new reporter takes dictation from Mason operative James Barracato, one only has to look BACK to their 2007 coverage of Councilman Michael Russo's appointment to the HHA.

And compare it to how they treated Councilman Dave Mello this week.

I don't blame the writer, Stephen LaMarca. This was an Editorial decision.

GA (and Horsey) had a good relationship with Ray Smith.

This new guy, Editor Gene Richings, doesn't like the Reform blogs- clear from the questions Horsey and I received last week- and now he takes a hatchet to a Zimmer-ally on the City Council, Dave Mello, on the cover this week.

If you don't believe GA, see for yourself.

Here's how the HR covered Councilman Russo's appointment to the HHA back in 2007. The headline:

Two pols wrestle over spot on housing board Councilman Russo named to politically advantageous slot

Here's how the HR covered Councilman Mello's in 2012- with this headline:

David Mello appointed to the HHA
Occhipinti calls the appointment a “backroom deal”

Here are the captions about the respective HHA appointment interspersed throughout the articles:

2007-
His goals
One-strike eviction policy
Housing in three wards
Another mayoral candidate
Lenz vs. Russo

2012-
‘You’re very far from the transparent government you profess to be.’ – Councilwoman Theresa Castellano (actual large font)
Best man for the job?

Are you starting to catch on?

This is how the 2007 piece covered the process by which Councilman Russo was chosen.

There was a disagreement by some during the course of Monday's meeting over who should receive the appointment.
Certain members of the public called for Zimmer to be appointed, since that seat often (but not always) goes to the 4th Ward councilperson.

Mind you, the City Council has appointed one of their own to represent the city on the HHA for at least the last 20 years. The process this week was no different than it was 5 years ago.

EXCEPT for the Hoboken Reporter's coverage.

This is how the 2012 piece covered it- the article focused entirely on the process- casting it in a sinister light, and on the hurt feelings of a candidate who was not chosen:

The City Council majority, plus Councilwoman Beth Mason, voted to appoint Councilman David Mello to the Hoboken Housing Authority during its meeting Wednesday, following a debate over the validity of the appointment process. Mello will serve until May 2017.
HHA candidate Joseph Branco, a member of the Hoboken Rotary Club and owner of the nightclub Room 84, said during the public portion that he felt “slighted” that Mello’s name was put on the appointment resolution before his.

“I feel that as a homeowner, business owner, and reformer, [that] I’ve been slighted,” said Branco. “The [four] people that applied for this position should be considered. That’s not what happened. Are we deliberately misleading the public? Was my application ever actually reviewed?”

Resident Patricia Waiters and the minority members of the council, Occhipinti and Castellano echoed Branco’s sentiments.

There you go. Try to find where (2012) The Hoboken Reporter gave ANY context for the tradition of a City Council member having a seat on the HHA.

You won't.

ALL the ink in this piece goes to making the appointment of Mello look like City Council majority cronyism, like a "backroom deal".

Instead of noting that THIS HHA seat, a 5-year appointment, last went to:

City Councilwoman Nellie Moyeno

City Councilman Ruben Ramos

City Councilman Chris Campos

City Councilman Michael Russo

And now it's going to Councilman Dave Mello.

Why didn't the Hoboken reporter provide ANY historical context for the selection of a City Council member, but instead chose to highlight the CC selection as a "backroom deal"?

GA has the answer.

Because the HR has allowed itself to replace Hoboken411 as Mason political media machine, taking dictation from Mason operative James Barracato and not speaking to sources on the OTHER side.

Like Ray Smith used to do.

Hoboken Reporter's source for political coverage: Mason operative,James Barracato

And the Hoboken Reporter has the NERVE to challenge the blogs as "divisive" or inflaming the political divide?

You've taken a SIDE on that political divide. You've BECOME THE STORY.

If you want credibility then go back to reporting not taking dictation from political operatives.

Barracato attacks bloggers on nj.com under numerous screen names INCLUDING smartnup and horsesbehind- and here, under his own name. He used to run HudsonShark.com- a Hudson County political attack blog. Hudson Reporter- ask GA about that. I've got screenshots galore.

Hoboken Votes!

2012-05-04T17:12:00.003-04:00

Are you registered to vote? Your significant other?

Have you moved to Hoboken recently but haven't registered yet?

Do you know someone who isn't registered?

Hoboken Votes, the new BI-PARTISAN citywide voter registration drive will have a table at the Hoboken Arts & Music Festival this Sunday.

The Festival looks like this:

And the weather will look like this:

Wow, what a gorgeous day to be outside, strolling along Washington Street between Observer Highway and Seventh Streets... looking at the artists' and vendors' wares, listening to great music, stuffing your face with zeppoles, mozzarepa, or ANY of the delicious street fare and...

Hoboken Votes will have a table to register you to vote, and where you can find forms and information!

So, Donkeys and Elephants. Libs and Conservatives, Libertarians, Green Party people, Undecideds... come on down!

Whether you like this guy:

Or this guy (GA's pick):

DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE to register! Please. GA anticipates chaos in a presidential election year, so best you register early- like NOW.

Here are some important voter registration deadlines:

Voter Registration Form: received at least 21 days before the election

Absentee Ballot Application: received 7 days before the election (by mail); by 3PM on the day before the election (in person)

Voted Absentee Ballot: received by 8pm on election day

If you CAN'T make it to the Hoboken Votes table on Sunday, click here for online voter registration or here for a NJ voter registration application download.

Want to Vote by Mail (VBM) or know someone who would benefit from the convenience?

Click here for a VBM application and HERE for information on Voting By Mail- it is SO easy!

How about it, people? GA loves to vote. How about it you?

See you on Sunday!

FREE Comic Books!

2012-05-04T03:37:00.003-04:00

GA's favorite cartoonist is (the not-dead) R. Crumb

Come and Get Your Free Comic Books

Hoboken’s Traders of Babylon Participates in Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 5th

Hoboken’s only comic book store Traders of Babylon will join thousands of comic book shops around the world in celebrating the comic book art form on Saturday, May 5^th. Since its beginning in 2002, Free Comic Book Day has become a fan phenomenon, eagerly anticipated each year as resource for discovering graphic treasures and terrific reading.

Who doesn't love Fritz the Cat?

By participating in Free Comic Book Day, Traders of Babylon is spreading the word that comics are perfect for today’s times. “The wide array of comic books being published today ensures that readers of all ages — kids, teens, and adults – can find something to stir their imaginations,” says Stephen Kilnisan, the shop’s owner. “Even if you have never picked up a comic book, stop by on Saturday because you never know what you will end up finding.”

On Free Comic Book Day, kids of all ages can choose 20 different titles from a selection of 100 for their comic collections. No purchase is required.

(GA Note: Fritz the Cat is NOT for children)

GA's a Freak Brothers fan- love the comics from that era. (by Gilbert Shelton)

Traders of Babylon specializes in both mainstream and independent, alternative-genre comic books and graphic novels, both modern and back-issues. Owner Stephen Kilnisan is an advocate for small presses with alternative distribution and prominently displays an independent comic book section in his store’s downtown Hoboken location. In addition, the shop also sells original artwork and various comic book memorabilia in a super-sized space of more than 4,000 square feet.

GA has this book. Tom Tomorrow's a genius.

Free Comic Book Day kicks off at 10:00 am and runs until 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 5th.

Traders of Babylon is located in Hoboken’s iconic Neumann Leathers Building at 66 Willow Ave., Suite A. Call 201-659-0802 for more information.

GA Note: Thank you Traders of Babylon. Check it out on Saturday, folks. Get your free comics but keep the kiddies away from Fritz!

BREAKING: Mason- Hoboken Reporter Smear Plot EXPOSED

2012-05-03T07:40:00.005-04:00

This is the 'Nazi' video (top) the Hoboken Reporter accused Da Horsey of creating. It is one of a series of 'Nazi' parodies skewering political figures on ALL SIDES of the divide on 411Hoboken's YouTube Channel. So why did the HR go after Horsey? GA will tell you.

Folks, GA received an unprecedented response to yesterday's 'Anatomy of a Political Hit'.

In it, I'd posted my full, unedited email exchange with Stephen LaMarca of The Hoboken Reporter after receiving questions for a piece being written on Hoboken's political blogs.

The problem?

The questions were skewed, their premises straight out of Camp Mason with LaMarca "allowing me to defend myself" against unnamed accusers.

"Someone must have been telling lies about Josef K., he knew he had done nothing wrong but, one morning, he was arrested."
- Franz Kafka, The Trial

GA smelled a nasty hit job brewing.

Another clue of the coming smear: manic 'new' commenters popping up on the HR web site doth-protesting way, way too much about this blog- a Camp Mason M.O.

And that's why I posted my exchange with LaMarca. To release my unedited, unfiltered, unspun response before the Hoboken Reporter started swinging the hatchet for Beth Mason.

As it turned out, GA was not the only target.

Here's where the wheels come off for Mason and The Hoboken Reporter: LaMarca had contacted Da Horsey with other questions as well... concerning a "Nazi propaganda film":

"I had a few questions for you regarding you(r) portrayal of Beth Mason/Michael Russo in the Nazi videos. Please call me or e-mail me when you get a chance."

Wait a minute... LaMarca was attributing a Nazi video containing Mason/Russo to... Horsey?

The video LaMarca referred to was posted by someone called 411Hoboken. and is plainly listed on 411Hoboken's YouTube Channel. His 'Nazi' parody subjects include: Zimmer-allies Councilman Michael Lenz, Kids First Clifford Godfrey, Rose Markle, Theresa Minutillo and Zimmer opponents Beth Mason and Mike Russo.

So, how the hell did LaMarca get the idea that Horsey had created it?

GA went to a source I will call Casserole.

All I can tell you about this source is embedded on the other side, and if I tell you why he/she is talking to me that will expose him/her. So he she must remain mysterious, like the ingredients of a casserole (don't tell me you know what the hell you're eating) hence, the name. All you need to know is this Casserole is impeccable, definitely not half-baked.

With knowledge of what went down between The HR and 1200 Washington Street. The story can be told in his/her texts.

GA asked Casserole how much involvement Beth Mason had in planting this attack piece with The Reporter.

Neck Deep.

'James' is James Barracato, paid political operative. I asked Casserole if they had met personally with reporter Stephen LaMarca.

Interesting. So Mason and her political operative get face-time with LaMarca, but the accused get to "defend" themselves via email or a phone call.

Another thing about a face-to-face meeting: materials can be delivered.

Like a dvd of the 'Nazi video' which would explain why the Hoboken Reporter didn't pick up on the fact that the video was on the 411Hoboken YouTube Channel and not done by Horsey.

No, Mason and Barracato fed LaMarca the (easily debunkable) lie that Horsey had created the 'Nazi' video.

How does GA know?

Get it?

Mason and Barracato get face-time with The Hoboken Reporter where they feed them the OUTRAGEOUS LIE that Horsey created some 'Nazi' parody.

Those who have to 'defend' themselves DON'T.

GA was told that these two peddled a narrative that 'Zimmer-bloggers' were producing 'Nazi'-themed attacks on Mason, Russo and other political opponents... and the Hoboken reporter BOUGHT it, hook line and sinker.

No face-time for the accused. This did not have to play out on the internet.

GA telephoned the HR Editor, Gene Richings, yesterday at 1:12 pm and followed up with this email at 1:50 pm:

Hello Gene,

My apologies for the long, droning message on your voicemail.

I was contacted yesterday by Stephen LaMarca on your paper for a piece he's doing about the blogs. A good subject- then I read the questions. The questions were premised on what (I believe)Stephen was fed by unnamed anti-Zimmer political operatives who have been attacking my pro-reform blog for well over 2 years. Stephen then told me I had an opportunity to "defend myself".

The issue of Mason portrayed in a "Nazi film" was raised. The group who did that film, 411Hoboken, has done the SAME "Nazi film" parodies of Zimmer's ALLIES- the Kids First School Board, and Michael Lenz, (former) City Councilman. Whomever pitched the notion that such tripe was coming from 'Zimmer bloggers' has spun you and is trying to get you to write a hit piece.

See for yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q7nokCNruY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbK7TDP8L04

By the way, this group does not appear to have ANY political affiliation- they make fun of EVERYONE. Here is their YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/411Hoboken?ob=0&feature=results_main Just so you know, I don't find this funny. I am a Jewish woman, with many relatives killed in Warsaw and Lodz Poland.

Mr. Richings, it is clear from my contact with the Hoboken Reporter that you are writing a hit piece, and I know the motivations of the people who are feeding you skewed fact. I am discussing this with my lawyer and I urge you to be responsible with what you print about me and to do your due diligence.

I have blogged a piece in anticipation of the trashing that seems to be imminent, and called you as a courtesy to give you a heads-up.

http://grafixavenger.blogspot.com/2012/05/breaking-mason-plants-hit-piece-in.html

GA has gotten no response.

Yes, folks it's true.

A sitting City Councilwoman, Beth Mason and her paid political operative James Barracato tried to SMEAR Da Horsey and destroy his reputation and credibility.

GA was used as CONTEXT to back up their narrative based on a single incident that is nearly 3 years old.

Why did the Hoboken Reporter fall in line with this easily debunk-able political hit job?
Why did they adopt unquestioningly the story of a POLITICAN (Mason) and her paid political operative (Barracato)?

Hoboken Reporter: how about answering THAT question for the PUBLIC?

In my text exchange , GA suggested that Mason was trying to make herself look like a VICTIM again (remember how she compared herself to real victim Gabby Giffords).

Casserole's reply:

You mean "orchestrates".

And that's what Mason did. Orchestrate this hit job on Da Horsey.

GA's got MORE on why Mason is looking to take down the blogs... that is coming, people.

Thank you, Casserole.

BREAKING: Mason Peddles Hit Piece to Hoboken Reporter- UPDATED

2012-05-02T06:35:00.001-04:00

Why Hoboken has blogs and why our dirty politicians hate them. NJDC is a Washington PAC. Beth Mason an NJDC donor. Larry Stempler- her fundraiser- is on their Board of Directors. The Hoboken Reporter missed this part of the story 2 years ago. Instead they printed the Mason spin. It's all on GA.

Dear Readers,

Today I am taking you behind-the-scenes to give you complete access to the Anatomy of a Political Hit Job- collusion between a corrupt politician (Beth Mason) and a complicit local media (The Hoboken Reporter).

And the corpse is telling the story. That's me!

You know, GA doesn't lay down to bullies- it's not my first time at this rodeo.

So I am publishing the entire email exchange I had yesterday with reporter Stephen LaMarca, so YOU can see the entire unvarnished, unedited exchange before The Reporter turns it to tainted sausage.

And you, the reader, can see how the Hoboken Reporter has unquestioningly taken Mason's smear as gospel while they allow me to "defend myself".

That's right.

Read the HR's questions carefully, how they are worded. The Hoboken Reporter has used material from Beth Mason and/or her operatives and based their questions on what she fed them. You will read what Hoboken Reporter LaMarca actually says, "I’m allowing you to defend yourself..."

From WHOM Mr. LaMarca? How come I have to go on the record and THEY don't? Who are my accusers? You take the word of corrupt politicians against the blogs which expose them?

When is it my turn to feed you MY questions to the City Council? And then you can allow those who launch 'complaints' against the only people who 'cover' them in this town- the blogs- to defend themselves. God forbid your paper EVER write about Mason's shell companies or the criminal complaints alleging voter fraud against Tim Occhipinti's 2010 campaign handed up to the NJ Attorney General or how Mike Russo and his cousin Terry Castellano 'cleared up' 4 million missing quarters from one meeting to the next in 2007.

These are all incidents I have blogged about. Wanna do your due diligence, take a look. I'll send you the links.

GA and MSV write about these things because The Hoboken Reporter and other local media DON'T.

God Bless MSV. Luv ya, Horsey.

So, GA can read the writing on the wall. The writing says: "Attack piece planted by the Mason Team to appear at a Hoboken Reporter near you".

So, when you read The Hoboken Reporter's 'sausage' this weekend remember who fed them the ingredients.

Enjoy!

____________________________________________

Nancy, 

I’ve received some comments from members on the council regarding Hoboken’s blogosphere and wanted to reach out to bloggers and ask for your side of the story. 

Please call me or email me to comment when you are available. 

1.       Do you think your blog is protected by freedom of press or speech? What about the posts that certain members of the council have taken offense to, such as a portrayal of Beth Mason as a character in a Nazi propaganda film? 

2.       Do you consider yourself a journalist, despite having the freedoms associated with being a blogger? 

3.       Do you think it’s a conflict of interest that you are on the Zoning Board yet run this blog? Do you think there is a chance you are putting the city at (legal) risk? 

Thanks, 

Stephen     Stephen LaMarca 

Staff Writer  Hudson Reporter Assoc., LP

 ____________________________________________

Stephen,

Hi, how are you? It's nice to hear from a member of the press interested my humble satirical musings and original graphics which, to my surprise, have appeared to generate such controversy.

However, I am taken aback by the manner in which you have approached me.

Specifically, the questions in your email to which you are asking me to respond can be characterized as of the same vein as "when did you stop beating your wife?" ie; unanswerable in the manner in which they are asked.

For example I NEVER portrayed Beth Mason as a character in a Nazi film. Simple research on your part would have proven the underlying false presumption of your question. Frankly I expect more from a credentialed journalist who is interested in having a dialogue, which you seem to indicate is the purpose of your inquiry, instead of approaching the discussion with a clear bias and agenda. Which the form of your questions indicates that is the case.

Additionally, inherent in engaging in a discussion with you regarding the relevance of Hoboken blogs, is the perceived lack of independence and historical inability of the Hoboken Reporter to address some of the more glaring examples of corruption in Hoboken. ie; the 4 million missing quarters, the faint coverage or analysis of the of the vote-by-mail phenomena in the 4th Ward are two easy ones that come to mind. I am sure Roman Brice can provide you with long list of uncovered stories.

The blogs in Hoboken have risen to whatever prominence they may hold because of the failure of traditional news outlets like nj.com or your paper to address Hoboken's decades-old organizational corruption. Why no discussion about the bizarre lack of income requirements at Marine View Towers or Church Towers?

There are way more important stories that affect people directly than a discussing a 2 year-old political hatchet job launched by Beth Mason. It didn't work THEN, I am not sure why you think this is newsworthy NOW.

I have been advised that blogging speech which has no relevance to my zoning board duties poses no threat nor liability to the city. Certainly no more liability than Mike Russo caught on FBI surveillance video selling the city out to an FBI informant posing as a developer seeking zoning variances.

I am off-put by the form of your questions, because they indicate clearly to me that you are intent on carrying the flag of the political hatchet job banner of Beth Mason. This is not the first time Beth and her cohorts have tried to use third parties to publish articles or letters that are highly critical of me in hopes to embarrass and intimidate me into silence.

Believe me, if I'm not intimidated by two detectives being sent to my house interrogating me in an entirely inappropriate and unprofessional manner in front of my young child, whatever inaccuracies or misrepresentations or insinuations that appear to be the jist of your prospective article is child's play.

Perhaps you should spend some time going back like I recently did connecting the timeframe and actions of Lane Bajardi with Peter Cammarano''s sell-out of zoning variances and Bajardi's tirade that Peter should have exclusive right to appoint Zoning Board members.

http://grafixavenger.blogspot.com/2012/03/six-days-from-cammarano.html

I have been told there are many politicians who are closet fans and avid readers of my satirical posts that skewer on a regular basis the hypocrisy of the members of the entrenched corruption ring that has turned city hall into a criminal enterprise

The fact that council members who voted to shut the hospital and force a massive financial meltdown on the city of Hoboken are alleging that I maybe exposing the city to liability simply because they don't like what I blog is, on its face, ludicrous.

I would have never started my blog if, in a city of 50,000 people, there was at least ONE news outlet or organization that was not afraid to offend the established political regime and it's advertising base- and was interested in exposing decades-old rampant corruption.

It has been clear since I started blogging that Beth Mason and her political operatives Lane Bajardi and Hoboken411 have been obsessed with me and trying to silence me. Obviously this is just another retread of a stale, tired story from 2010 which you are helping to perpetuate.

It begs the question, why?

If you are truly interested in a dialogue and not perpetuating a 2 year-old hatchet job at the behest of: Beth Mason, your Editorial Board, you advertisers, the Council Minority that have gone on record as seeking to remove me and have consistently voted against the financial interests of the city while engaging a city-wide vote-buying spree FUNDED BY the ample checkbook of BETH MASON, I d be happy to meet you for a cup of coffee and a chat.

Stephen, you must know that I've been here before, many times. I am a big, wide target that opponents of the mayor- like Ms. Mason, trot out periodically for shooting practice. It is your choice whether or not you want to be used.

Best regards,

Nancy,

____________________________________________

I’ve emailed several different blogs, not just yours. Including Hoboken411. 

My questions are compiled based on complaints I’ve gotten. It’s been recently charged that you’re (continually) putting the city at legal risk. I’m not saying that you’re putting the city at legal risk. I’m allowing you to defend yourself in lieu of the comments I’ve received and respond accordingly. If you don’t think you’re putting the city at legal risk then you can feel free to say so, or decline commenting. 

As for the Mason portrayal, (I should have said FROM, not in; I’ve done my research – it’s an image of Beth Mason on an altered poster of Triumph des Willens, it was covered in Nov. 2010 by us), it’s an example of a blog post that has caused controversy. 

The reason this story is relevant because it’s been said that many blogs in the city continue to cause a rift in the city, and sometimes go too far. It can be applied to both sides of the divide present in Hoboken. That’s the angle. It’s not about harping on controversial blog posts from a year and a half ago.  Included in the angle, of course, is comparing bloggers to journalists, and asking bloggers what their opinion of accountability is. It’s an interesting story, particularly in light of the Crystal Cox ruling last November. 

 If you’d like to comment let me know, otherwise I’ll use what you have already written to me. Thanks for the quick response. 

 -Stephen 

____________________________________________

Stephen,
That was a fair and honest response.
Your questions were skewed because the people who gave you 'complaints' have a political agenda. Respectfully, the validity of their complaints should have been examined before the questions were asked.

Unfortunately, you are being fed nonsense by Mason or her political operative(s) James Barracato/ Lane Bajardi. I will answer your questions in your original email. But first...

I have been conferring with my own resources, and the point you have cited about the Crystal Cox case is absolutely not applicable to blog commentary on political figures, or on political discourse. Whomever gave you that 'tip' is ill-informed. If you proceed with your piece on that basis expect to be roundly and justifiably criticized for your lack of understanding the ruling.

You wrote:

”It’s an interesting story, particularly in light of the Crystal Cox ruling last November. “

That is a rather "interesting" statement to be made to support the hit job that your editor has ordered you to write. The Circuit Court ruling has nothing to do with political free speech and the aggrieved party in that case was a private person for purposes of liability. The court made a clear distinction between public versus private speech and litigants.

Further, the comments made were in the nature of business criticism in the private sector, not a discussion or political discourse regarding corruption and policy issues. I have attached a copy of the full decision and suggest that you read it.

Respectfully, from your comment, you do not appreciate what the Court said and did not say in the decision.

The references to a blogger as not being a member of the news media were unnecessary to the final decisions rendered by the Court and have very limited, if any application to any discussion that would appear on my blog about local politics.

I am not a lawyer, but during the course of my blogging, I have developed resources which I trust and have helped me navigate the rough seas of the Hoboken political blog wars. Sources which I refer to often. So I can say with confidence that my blog posts are not exposing the City to liability, as much as the non-lawyers on the City Council would want you to believe. I am not the cause of any liability to the City. If you want a legal opinion on the issue, I can only tell you to go talk to the attorneys for the HR and see what they have to say. I suggest that you have that conversation before you put pen to paper, as from your comments, and be mindful of the accuracy in drawing lines between the Cox decision and Hoboken's political blogosphere.

And, please be advised: the intellectual property on my site has been taken and published without my consent, including by your paper for which I have not received compensation. The material on my site is developed independently by me, it is not solicited or managed by anybody other than myself.

Any assertion that I am being directed by others or as a part of any part of an organized blogging campaign or receive any form of compensation for my work is false and defamatory.

Now, the answers to your first email:

1- Your first question is based upon a false premise. I have never depicted "BM as a character in a Nazi film" And furthermore, no Council member has ever called me personally to complain about a blog post. I do political satire.
From The COLUMBIA ENCYCLOPEDIA:
From ancient times satirists have shared a common aim: to expose foolishness in all its guises — vanity, hypocrisy, pedantry, idolatry, bigotry, sentimentality — and to effect reform through such exposure. The many diverse forms their statements have taken reflect the origin of the word satire, which is derived from the Latin satura, meaning "dish of mixed fruits," hence a medley.
2- Not at all. I am a blogger.

3- There is NO conflict or liability issue for a ZBA member to blog on any topic EXCEPT Zoning applications before the Board, Zoning applicants or ANY matter related to the variance requests or other zoning matters heard before the Board. If there IS a conflict, any Board member may recuse himself/herself. Please call Dennis Galvin the City's ZBA Attorney to answer any questions you may have: Dennis Galvin, ZBA Counsel: ((732) 364-****
And I have NEVER done so. Nor will I.

OK, I hope I have been helpful.
Thank you,
Nancy

(Updated, 5:35 pm)

New leads have come in to GA and the pieces are falling into place... Stay tuned.

Timmy Writes to GA

2012-05-01T11:55:00.000-04:00

Numb-Nuts Timnology

2012-04-30T17:40:00.005-04:00

vs. Emnet Technology.

Which would YOU choose for flood remediation in Hoboken?

GA will introduce both, then you decide.

Numb-Nuts Timnology

Timmy was at the Biergarten with Ruben Ramos when his ward flooded last August. Thank goodness Dave Mello was on the scene to help 4th ward residents!

What is Numb-Nuts Timnology?

Numb-Nuts Timnology is the flood remediation proposal endorsed by Councilman Tim Occhipinti.

It consists of watching the Weather Channel or asking a 4th Ward mom for "free information".

From the 2009 "Tim Occhipinti Statement on Flooding":

Pumps alone will not fix the problem. That’s true, but what I don’t support – which Councilman Lenz and the administration did - was to spend $160,000 of taxpayer money to put “sensors” in the ground to monitor flood levels. We don’t need sensors to tell us: high tide + heavy rains = FLOODING. You can get this information for free from weather.com or from any mom in the 4th Ward. Had this technology been worth the paper it’s printed on then the North Hudson Sewage Authority would be funding it and endorsing it but they are not.*

(* Wrong, Timm-o. The NHSA jumped right on board with the City on implementing Emnet.)

This technology, which the mayor and Councilman Lenz still stubbornly support, has been discredited by a number of studies, including one from Steven’s Institute, which found that it would “be of no value.” We are under sea level and this technology simply won’t work to alleviate the problem**.

(**Wrong Timm-o. Emnet is a monitoring technology that is integrated with our existing infrastructure and new pumps to convey information in real time, optimizing performance, relaying information to 'smart valves' and expediting the dispatch of crews where needed)

The company called EmNet, which got a no bid contract to “provide proprietary provisions and professional services to initiate and maintain a real time flood monitoring system,” got paid $160,000 (no bid), $50,000 of which was for travel and living expenses since the company is located - in INDIANA.

Holy sh*t! Indiana? Where the hell is that?

Forward to 2012.

Like the wind rustling through a hollow cave Occhipinti's belief in Numb-Nuts Timnology- flood remediation via the Weather Channel or asking someone's mommy, remains the same.

From Tim's letter in this weeks' Hoboken Reporter:

In his letter, Mr. Stuiver confuses Mayor Zimmer’s no-bid contract to Emnet, for flood sensor technology which cost the city over $160K of taxpayer money, including travel expenses for the Indiana-based company, to tell us exactly what we already knew – that a significant rain event combined with high tide will create flooding in our ward. I am 100 percent against this taxpayer waste.

160K is about 0.14% of the City's $100M budget. Or... Ricky Mason's weekly take-home pay.

OK, so that was flooding relief Occhipinti's Numb-Nuts Timnology way.

Timmy hid out in Boston when Hurricane Irene hit. Timmy was at a bachelor party as his ward flooded and HHA residents lined up for fresh water.

Emnet Technology

What is Emnet Technology?

From The Atlantic Cities:

EmNet’s Combined Sewer Overflow Network relies on wireless sensors installed on the underside of manhole covers to monitor water levels at various points across a city. The sensors broadcast data via simple radio waves to a central monitoring facility, and can send messages telling smart valves to open or shut during times of peak water flow. When EmNet was formed in May 2004, scientists estimated that combined sewer overflows result in the release of 850 billion gallons untreated wastewater each year, leading to contaminated drinking water and human and animal sickness.

(South Bend, Indiana) estimates that the $6 million the city spent on the system has knocked as much as $120 million off the half billion dollars it plans to spend to bring its aging water infrastructure up to state and federal standards. These savings will show up in local water bills.

Hmmm...

CHOICE (A): Lower water bills in perpituity for a one-time 160K investment (Emnet)
CHOICE (B): Watching the Weather Channel and higher water bills (Numb-Nuts Timnology).

I don't know!

Which would YOU choose?

Partying with Ruben Ramos while his ward floods- last August.

Nurse 'Kevorkian' To Meet and Greet Victims

2012-04-30T12:07:00.003-04:00

Intended victims.

Because unlike Dr.Kevorkian's patients, these victims enjoyed a FULL recovery.

We know, Nurse Kevorkian. You DID try. Very, very hard. What a shame it got away.

Don't feel badly, Nurse. There are plenty of other things you can kill- like that garage bond refinance that wiped out $4 million from our surplus. And anything else requiring a super-majority vote on the City Council.

Whoopie!

So get your gas-chamber souped up and ready to rumble.

Aw, cheer up, Nurse. Maybe you couldn't kill our hospital sale, but at least you accused the buyer (HoldCo) of murdering patients!

Your "news source", Hoboken411 asked the question:

"Is the HUMC primed to kill more patients?"

Well, Nurse Kevorkian? Are they?

I guess anyone who doesn't want to get murdered should go elsewhere for medical services, right?

It would be a shame to go to the HUMC for an x-ray and end up with an amputated head or think you're getting a mammography but get a heart transplant instead. I even heard a story (from Nurse Kevorkian's news source) that a man went to the HUMC emergency room for an infected toe and came out a woman! That's right, they lopped off his...

Is it true that happens all the time, Nurse Kevorkian? The HUMC is turning guys into girls, and girls into guys? Before or after they kill them? I read it on your news source.

In fact, your news source still tells us all sorts of awful things about the HUMC and it's owner, HoldCo.

Look! See all of that MONEY they're giving to lobbyists! I'll bet NOBODY else does that.

Hey, is Ruben Ramos a lobbyist? He must be...

Assemblyman Ruben Ramos, (D-33), of Hoboken, has donated to charity $5,200 in campaign contributions after a news story revealed the donations came from relatives of a member of the group purchasing the Hoboken University Medical Center.

So HoldCo paid Ruben, too?

I wonder who Nurse Kevorkian pays to get her news source to make up news for her. Like the story about the HUMC getting swallowed by a GIANT Zimmer head.

Aaaaargh! It's HUGE! Bigger than Godzilla! Run for your lives, patient-killers of the HUMC!

I have an idea. How about we send those lobbyists to the HUMC for treatment... they'll never make it out alive according to Nurse Kevorkian's news source.

Well, what a nice surprise that Nurse Kevorkian is hosting a MEET and GREET for the lobbyist-giving, patient-murdering MANIACS of the HUMC!

That's right, a GA reader was handed this today:

Are you having trouble reconciling Nurse Kevorkian's campaign to kill the hospital sale...

...with holding a soiree for it's new leadership?

Don't.

Tim's Tantrum (in the Hoboken Reporter)

2012-04-29T08:07:00.000-04:00

How do you know who's won a war-of-words?

It's the guy who's laughing.

And when GA spoke with Jake Stuiver yesterday, he was positively gleeful. Want to know why?

He'd found himself in a war-of-words with 4th Ward dim-wit Tim Occhipinti on the pages of The Hoboken Reporter!

Yes, Tim has responded to Jake's sharply critical letter of April 8th. But instead of returning fire with (equally) keen verbal artillery, Timmy's chucked spears of boiled asparagus.

Thoonk. Squish.

Which explains Jake's mirth.

Though GA would argue that debating Tim is like clubbing a blindfolded baby seal, he's opened up all sorts of fronts with his childish rebuttal. Yes folks, this letter will keep bloggers busy for days. Even by Tim's own petulant standards he's reached new pink, frilly petticoats of sissy-hood.

WAAAAAAAH! Jake is a meanie!

Oh yes, people. Stuiver's letter to the Reporter sent Timmy into full-blown, fists-and-feet pounding spasms in his bassinet.

How do we know this? Occhipinti showed up at last week's HHA meeting and intercepted Stuiver (a Commissioner) on his way out. True. Here's what thin-skinned Tim said:

"Do you have something to say to my face?"

Imagine that!

An elected official confronting a constituent over a LETTER published in a free and democratic press! (well, sort of democratic...)

Clearly Tim's feelings got hurt. Boo-freakin'-HOO. Sniffity-sniffle.

Tim's feelings are delicate. Remember he's the sissy who called the cops over a blog-post. Then read it aloud at the City Council like it was the Magna Carta.

So when Tim got up in Stuiver's grill and tried to provoke him into an argument, Jake turned to see Matt Calicchio filming the entire thing. A set-up. Timmy had tried to bait Stuiver, so he'd lose his composure on film. Next stop: Hoboken411. That's when Tim ratted out political strategist Tom Bertolli as the mastermind of the set-up.

Timmy tells Jake it was Tom Bertolli's idea. Isn't Bertolli a handsome devil?

Well, Stuiver left. Another Timmy-stunt gone bad.

Can you imagine? What kind of BEHAVIOR is that from an elected official? All because he didn't like a constituent's letter.

Personally, I think Jake was beating around the bush when he said:

Dear Editor:

I am writing in response to the glowingly self-congratulatory letter last week from Fourth Ward Councilman Timothy Occhipinti. Mr. Occhipinti is always quick to itemize very real, laudable accomplishments, very few if any are his for which to claim credit. I wish to offer a different perspective on Mr. Occhipinti’s “service” to the ward.

For the past 16 months, our ward has endured what can only by the most generously loose definition pass for representation by someone who has proven to be a developer shill and corruption apologist.

The interests of our neighborhood’s people have languished under Mr. Occhipinti’s tenure as our councilman in virtually every way, whether through his attempted sabotage of the hospital that serves and employs so many Fourth Ward residents, ridiculing the new flood-pump technology that has so palpably alleviated a long-standing problem for our neighborhood, or his transparent and sophomoric attempts to co-opt credit for the accomplishments of Mayor Zimmer, Director Pellegrini and the rest of her administration.

Soft, no?

Jake, next time try these words: Armageddon, pestilence, miasma, cholera, plague, pox, abscess, stinking corpse, noxious, corrosive, putrescent, vermin, pus, scourge, curse, infect, contaminate, virulent, locusts, evil, cur, wicked, fungus, damned, abomination.

For starters.

Well, whatever you said sure pushed some Dumb-inatrix buttons because now Tim's pelted you with a bucket of boiled vegetables. We'll get to that.

But for a moment think about what a bad idea it is for a City Councilman to engage a 'lesser' public figure in a tit-for-tat. That's an unwritten rule of politics: don't engage someone at a lower 'rank' than yourself in a public argument. Simply put: Tim looks like a jerk-off sniping back at a constituent.

It's the lack of decorum, petulance and immaturity we've come to expect from Dim Occhipinti.

The Bullet Hoboken Dodged

2012-04-28T10:09:00.002-04:00

Thank you, Mayor Zimmer for keeping this drek OUT of Hoboken.

GA lost some IQ points watching this preview- proceed at your own risk.

Tim Congratulates Self and You're Invited

2012-04-27T07:51:00.001-04:00

Thanks to the reader who sent me this invitation- to Timmy Occhipinti's lavish 4th Ward bash, with live entertainment and snacks for over 8,000 constituents.

GA was wondering WHO was paying, since Timmy's plea for a $4,000 taxpayer-funded raise was denied at the City Council, and he seems reluctant to part with his own money.

Well, folks. NOW we know who's paying! Click to read.

Who's Watering Tim?

2012-04-26T12:35:00.001-04:00

That was GA's first thought when I saw this:

Specifically this part:

There will be face painting, balloon animals, and snacks for attendees.

GA's a veteran of many birthday parties. I know what that would cost for 12 kids for 2 hours. A few hundred bucks.

Oh yeah. Just ask this guy:

Mr. Chuck E. Cheese

That rat chewed a hole in GA's wallet twice.

So, if that's what a party runs for a bunch of kids, imagine the price tag on face painting, balloon animals and snacks for the 8,152 residents of the 4th Ward?

Holy cow.

But... but... didn't Timmy just ask for a $4,000 raise? He claimed the money was needed for "communications".

So, if Tim is so hard-up for cash he's asking taxpayers to fund his 4th Ward mailers, if he's that reticent to dip into his own pockets to market himself in his own ward, if he doesn't have enough of a warchest to pay for his OWN communications but has to tap our wallets then:

WHO is paying for Timmy's party?

Because he ain't. So somebody is. Don't you want to know who they are?

Are they the same guys who painted Timmy's overpass in the 4th ward of Jersey City?

WHO is watering Tim?

Presumably the party is being sponsored by people trying to buttress his political career, to keep in in office or move on to bigger things. A political donation. Will the public see who picking up the tab?

Clearly this is a Timmy-promotion, touting his Hercualean efforts to make 4th Ward green dreams come true. But, there are Two sides to every story.

Here is Tim's:

"I’m very proud of this accomplishment and would like to celebrate with you and your family. I have been advocating for the upgrading of these parks since the fall of 2010,” he said in a release.

Here's the other side- what someone said with inside knowledge of the development and planning of the 4th Ward parks told GA:

"Occhipinti has had no constructive role behind the scenes. He's done nothing with respect to lobbying the administration for them on behalf of his constituents nor working with them on the development of either of these parks."

So whom do you believe?

Back to the original question.

Pool-itics- UPDATED

2012-04-25T13:34:00.004-04:00

Folks, that's quite a show playing on Cablevision's Channel 77; GA urges you to watch it if you can.

What you will see is a baptism of the uninitiated in the unholy waters of Hoboken politics- which for this discussion I'll call pool-itics.

What do I mean?

Two prominent, apolitical parent-activists were 'played' by a seasoned politician and an aspiring one. The dads were unwittingly duped into a performance at the April 17th School Board meeting in which they have embarrassed themselves, the fine organizations they represent, and provided a 'campaign issue' for the political duo.

GA does not blame the parents here. But they are not entirely off the hook, as you will see.

Now, if anyone is reading GA for the first time, here is what I am: a mom of a Wallace school 4th-grader, die-hard supporter of public education and activist for good government. All the stuff I blog about.

And I too am on a jihad for a Hoboken community pool- see here and here and here and here and here and here. In fact, here is one suggestion I made with respect to converting a giant sinkhole on Sinatra Drive into our long-awaited community pool:

What do you think?

The City didn't care for my plan and the hole's been since been filled.

Well, you know what they say: one man's road is another's magnificent swimming hole with a panoramic view of Manhattan plus a water slide.

So you see that this issue is near and dear to my heart.

Just like those two dads who came to the BoE on April 17th with that third one and waded unknowingly into the ugly waters of Hoboken pool-itics.

Here's the story.

Part 1- The Duped Dads

Hoboken businessman Joe Branco is currently running for Hoboken Housing Authority (HHA) Commissioner- an appointment to be determined by a vote of the City Council at their next meeting. As an HHA Commissioner, Branco will essentially be Board Member Carmelo Garcia's 'boss' because, Carmelo is also the Executive Director of the HHA.

And guess what?

Branco and Garcia are best friends.

Carmelo Garcia and Joe Branco helping HHA residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

Nice, right?

Joe's done good things with his buddy Carmelo for our community- but what occurred on April 17 wasn't one of them.

On April 17, Branco came to the School Board meeting with the aforementioned dads- I'll call them Dad No.1 and Dad No. 2.

Dad No. 1 runs an online dad's group, which Branco belongs to.

Dad No. 2 represented himself as the husband of the founder of a new Hoboken mommy-site.

So why did these 2 Dads come to the BoE meeting spittin' mad?

Back in January, Dad No. 1 had contacted Marty Shannon, HHS Athletic Director to arrange a date for a group of kids to use the HHS swimming pool. Here is the online Use-of-Facilities application that Dad No.1 was provided with in January:

See that? The applicant is required to read and comply with all terms specified by the BoE's Use of Facilities Guidelines. Which state:

Clear enough? Insurance is required for "all outside users". Further, Shannon instructed Dad No.1 that insurance for any outside group was required.

What SHOULD have happened next?

Dad No. 1 obtains his insurance and submits the form to Shannon. The matter then goes to the BoE Finance Committee because this matter is under the purview of the Business Administrator. The Finance Committee then puts the request on the School Board agenda. Lastly, the pool request could have been discussed and voted on at a January or February School Board meeting.

But that didn't happen.

Then what DID?

Dad No. 1 advertised the event on Dad No. 2's mommy-blog- without BoE review or approval. Dad No.1 never obtained insurance to use the pool nor was the Use-of-Facilities application returned. Thus, the BoE was never notified about the effort to book the HHS pool. Consequently, the matter was never introduced in the Finance Committee to put the Dads' on the Agenda for approval.

NONE of the Board members even knew about the Dads' efforts to swim in the HHS-- except Carmelo Garcia. Apparently through off-line discussions. One assumes with his friend, Branco.
Pool-itics. And so the Dads get duped. Because either they were given inaccurate information- that their insurance would be covered by the Brandt PTO- or appropriate advice was withheld- that they needed to obtain insurance.

Dad No. 1 claimed that he was 'told' he would be covered under the 'Brandt PTO's insurance'.

WHO the hell told him this?

The Brandt PTO HAS NO INSURANCE. Carmelo must know that. Carmelo who has been on the BoE for 12 years and has to know that ANY GROUP that uses the HHS pool requires insurance. And that PTO's don't carry insurance for the HHS pool.

Instead of being helpful, he chose pool-itics.

GA has no doubt that these Dads were used for a political stunt to make ONE Board member look like a hero, with his "WIN-WIN" proposal to CHANGE THE FACILITIES INSURANCE REQUIREMENT on the fly AT the April 17th meeting.

And it worked.

Because in the words of Dad No.1:

"It seems there's just one Board member, Carmelo Garcia that puts Kids First."

Yup, he said that. Pool-itics, baby.

Yes, Dads 1 and 2 you were DUPED.

GA is sorry, because I am a parent- like you, would do anything for my child- like you, and want my kid to be able to swim in a nice pool- like you. But here's what you need to own up to:

Dad No. 1: a minimum of due diligence would have cleared up any question about whose responsibility it was to obtain insurance in January. Superintendent Toback's telephone number is 2 clicks within reach. No excuses. Repeatedly accusing the Board of mean-spirited behavior and not providing you with answers for "11 weeks"? C'mon. GA would have found out the answer in 11 minutes. Read my blog.

Dad No. 2: you spoke incredibly disrespectfully to the Board. You threatened to replace a good and decent member of the School Board after introducing yourself as representing your wife's (apolitical) mommy-site. Bad idea- I hear your wife is lovely woman who's working hard on what appears to be a terrific resource for Hoboken families. To say a childless Board member or any other childless person out there can't understand what not having use of a pool means has hurt many people. That was truly inappropriate.

Part 2- Pool-itics

GA was told by a reliable source: 

Joe Branco has said if he is not appointed to the HHA, he's taking Kids First down.

Well, well. If that's the case, the first salvo has been fired. Branco brought two prominent Dads to bash the (Kids First) School Board and create a scenario under which his best friend ON the School Board is a HERO with a 'win-win' solution.

Mind you, Carmelo's win-win solution would have resulted in our insurance company dropping us like a rock.

But you know, that doesn't matter.

And that's Hoboken Pool-itics101.

(Updated, 4:30 pm)

Hmmm... more information coming in about whether Dad #1 was in fact duped or is a political partisan who was on board with the STUNT.

Stay tuned.