Alphabet soup


What's so complicated about a local board appointment?  Here is how it is supposed to work.

and B put in applications to a 5-year appointment, may the best letter of the alphabet win, right?

Wrong! 

Our chefs, instead of following the recipe which made them chefs in the first place, have planned (behind closed doors) to cook the letters, an old Hudson County recipe, into alphabet soup.

The soup, a compromise that tastes like shit and smells like it, is supposed to be eaten by the folks who believed in the chefs, and the transparency of their soup.   In fact, without the belief in the chefs' transparent cooking, they might not be chefs!



What the heck, you say?  Me, too!

I've been eating tasty, transparent soup for years! I've given my personal time and effort to keep eating transparent soup for years to come!

I don't want Hudson County cooking, some call "Let's make a Deal."

We (believers in clear soup) will NOT eat it! But it's not too late....

Our chefs can accomplish great things if they FOLLOW the friggin' RECIPE in the RECIPE BOOK:
 P.L. 1946, c. 138, § 1, eff. April 23, 1946.  40:14A-2 (b) Each member of a sewerage authority shall hold office for the term for which he was appointed and until his successor has been appointed and has qualified. 
GA understands that there may be artful ways to wiggle around the above recipe.

That's what WEASELS do.  

WEASELS do not belong in the kitchen- not in mine nor yours.

Our chefs, whom GA has long supported, believed in and admired, can accomplish great things if they don't get sucked into the soup



Comments

  1. As much as I dislike some of the current and potential candidates for this board, and as much as I may like others, the policy purpose would indicate that none of them are qualified to serve. So therefore, you cast your vote for the most intelligent, honest, ethical people who can get up to speed ASAP. Should be simple.

    When Zimmer cut deals with Raia, and that seems to be the case, did she know what she was in for? It begs the question is that how the Boys and Girls Club was handed over to him and his cronies without a whimper, where it would appear he was able to secure a no-bid construction contract for a building they don't own? Yet.

    If these things are true, she is not the person of moral steel and unquestionable ethics who stared down the implied threats and not so subtle coercions of Guadagno. Each reform candidate seems to have a shelf-life, and maybe two terms is her limit. Is the politically ambitious Bhalla thinking of a run at mayor? (Not gonna happen). Has Raia said he won't mount or back a mayoral campaign in the future in exchange for this seat? Will Bhalla be working overtime to line up votes on Wednesday for Raia? Will Giattino be strong-armed into voting for him too?

    Politics can be like a cesspool. In this case, it literally is one.

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    1. Who says Kurt Gardiner is not qualified to sit on the NHSA?
      Can you put your name to it or are you just playing politics too?

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    2. What makes him (or any of the others) qualified; are YOU?

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    3. As qualified as anyone to get a gig in Hudson County. Are YOU!?
      Did you ask him or are you just playing loudmouth politics?

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    4. A10:55 I have seen no facts that would indicate the Zimmer made a deal with Raia.


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  2. Was there a previous blog item that is no longer posted? Because this does not contain detail corresponding to what was mentioned by Horsey.

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    1. Zimmer said that when Tony Soares was being appointed to the NHSA Board while he was already ZBA chair and the CC appointed him anyway in what looked like a sordid deal that included appointing Marianne Camporeale to the HHA. What does that have to do with anything? There's no double dipping issue here like there was then. The only similarity I can see is that many people thought Soares wanted the health insurance and many people think the same about Raia, though I've heard Soares either never got or eventually lost the insurance so maybe those concerns were off base. Your post does serve to remind us that this isn't the first time there were concerns about reform making a stinky deal with an NHSA appointment.

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    2. Reform must not and can not make any deal to reinstall Pupie on the NHSA. Raia has been there a quarter century and the sunlight needs to shine.

      Nothing is smellier. It's a stink hard to ever remove because it can't.

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    3. The zoning board is a volunteer position. So there's no "double dipping " same as when the Mayor put her chief of Staff on a volunteer board, no pay, no double dip. Multiple times I have heard Giatinno thank Soares on Ch 78 By name, for getting things resolved in her ward, heard Raia's or Assaderians

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    4. @12:42, Someone said that Commissioner Assadourian wanted the healthcare too. He attempted to sign up his entire family.
      They all want the bennies, just like the City Council who adds their families or take stipends for Gold Benefits on top of 25,000 salaries for a part time gig

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  3. How does Brian justify "running" now when he still has years left on his term? I don't get how it's even allowed. He's got his seat, he's got a few years left, stick with it and hope to get reappointed when your time is up. Any other explanation is political BS.

    It saddens me that any of this is happening. I hope all this talk is just political spin and reform council members will do the right thing and send Raia packing. They don't need Frank, his role in vote-buying is disgusting and its influence in waining with the city's demographic changes.

    Reform council members, don't shoot yourselves in the foot.

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    1. Wasn't it DAWN ZIMMER who said "One Person One Board One Position"?

      Or was it her soundbite alter ego Reform Mayor, Dawn Zimmer

      It's interesting how everyone is pointing to Bhalla and Grossbard... Why is that anyway? Hmmm...

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    2. In any scenario each person would only have one position.

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    3. Posted this in wrong place I think. Sorry.

      Zimmer said that when Tony Soares was being appointed to the NHSA Board while he was already ZBA chair and the CC appointed him anyway in what looked like a sordid deal that included appointing Marianne Camporeale to the HHA. What does that have to do with anything? There's no double dipping issue here like there was then. The only similarity I can see is that many people thought Soares wanted the health insurance and many people think the same about Raia, though I've heard Soares either never got or eventually lost the insurance so maybe those concerns were off base. Your post does serve to remind us that this isn't the first time there were concerns about reform making a stinky deal with an NHSA appointment.

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    4. But Soares never tried to get an extension on the same board. Besides Soares resigned from Zoning after

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    5. I think you're missing the point. The Soares/Comporeale deal (with Russo and Castellano as the 4th and 5th votes) stands alone as by far the stinkiest least defensible "deal" reform council members have ever made.

      No matter how this appointment plays out the Soares/Camporeale travesty will continue stand alone in infamy as reform's least reformy moment. I sure hope none of the people who were involved in that deal or supported it are posting their outrage now because that would be pretty hypocritical.

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    6. Does who gets appointed have any personal benefit or disadvantage to Tony Soares ?

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    7. This was not a complex point and the hypocrisy has nothing to do with whether Mr. Soares benefits or not from this particular appointment. It's fine to oppose what one thinks are "deals" with bad people that put bad people on Boards but it's pretty hard to say that with a straight face if you supported or were the beneficiary of the Soares/Camporeale travesty. But feel free to pretend you don't understand while you're pondering how that Marianne Camporeale HHA appointment worked out for Reform.

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    8. Isn't Camporeale dead? And if that was a deal that created a "travesty" ( as opposed to this deal ) why did Zimmer and her entire team reappoint him?
      Wasn't the city council trading appointments to the zoning board last week? Sure looked like some sort of trading was going on....

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    9. This isn't about Soares. We've got a 7-2 council, an appointment to the NHSA board, Pupie, a qualified Reform applicant with NO conflict, and a Reform Commissioner who is in the middle of his term, all 3 competing for the same seat. This should be a no-brainer for a 7-2 council. So let's get off Soares and use your energy to advocate for the guy who is not conflicted or crooked. Kurt Gardiner.

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    10. The Camporeale Appointment to the HHA is only trumped by Zimmers personal sponsorship and votes to appoint Hector Clavaria ( who was soon indicted for trying to sell section 8 vouchers just months into his appointment ) the vote to appoint Eduardo Gonzales to the HHA and Jake Stuiver's long bromance with Carmelo Garcia.
      Vote for Gardiner.

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    11. All of Reform needs to hold itself to a high integrity standard. For me, the most embarrassing moment to be associated with "Reform" was when the school board made a campaign promise to stop a lawsuit against schoolchildren and then pulled a bait-and-switch and just changed the funding source instead.

      We can't afford any more election outcomes like the BOE last year, so the lesson to all is always tell the truth.

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    12. Anon 9:28-- I don't recall any such "promise" and if you are suggesting that inflicting John Madigan on the Hoboken district children was payback for the BoE trying to protect district children from MORE education $$ to be siphoned from their classrooms.

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    13. I'm saying people got turned off by putting politics first.

      The point is, no pocket of Reform is without "deals" they either regret or should regret. Instead of sniping at each other, we should all try to keep our houses clean focus on making good policy.

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  4. What's fascinating about this entire discussion is the complete lack of any discussion of what Hoboken needs from the NHSA, what the Board's role is in that, and what scenario is most likely to help deliver to Hoboken what Hoboken desperately needs. That's the qualification that should really matter yet nobody has even mentioned it in these discussions.

    It seems to me that Hoboken needs major capital improvements to its sewerage system that need to be coordinated with Hoboken's overall strategy to combat flooding.

    Its way beyond my pay grade to know whether or how this appointment plays into that but I certainly hope that's the main consideration. I kind of doubt that Raia is the better choice to get done what needs to get done for Hoboken. I can't for the life of me see why he would be unless he has relationships with people who matter that he actually uses or will use to help, But appointments also shouldn't be treated as if they are reform popularity contests to punish enemies and reward friends.

    In other words, in a true reform world where reform = good government this appointment should be made based on what's best for Hoboken, not based mainly on political labels or who's friends with who or who will be mad or who might be able to deliver votes. I certainly hope we can all agree that's the most important thing all our elected officials should be considering with every board appointment they make.

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    1. Anon, certainly agree with you. I think it's the opinion and belief of those who support and vote Reform that we are 'cleaning house' by appointing/electing Reformers on our boards/government seats. It is the belief that unlike the grifters and crooks of the past, appointing/electing Reformers is "what's best for Hoboken." None of this is personal nor is it a popularity contest. Elections are supposed to have consequences.

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    2. good lord, what's best for Hoboken isn't to ever play fast and loose with the rules, something that I think Brian's entry into the fray is. The old guard surely thought they were doing the "best" thing by stretching their influence beyond their reign. The citizens of Hoboken only voted for this reform crowd for the length of their terms...not beyond and the citizens will have a chance to do it again, or not, at the next election cycle.

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  5. If Assadourian vacates his seat for consideration for a fresh, five year term, that means there are two vacancies and he risks not being appointed to either, which is fine by me because it's clear he's just playing politics.

    What is the allure of these board positions?

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    1. Why would he have to vacate his seat ?

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    2. One scenario on Wednesday night would be Brian Assadourian is appointed to a five year term locking in a reformer beyond the mayoral elections and Kurt Gardiner gets appointed to replace him. Win win.

      Not a fan of Frank Raia's politics but if he does get an appointment with another municipality that could only help Hoboken to have another resident especially one who has a economic stake in the City's growth on the Board.

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    3. I think Brian A. is getting a disproportionate amount of heat that belongs on the City Council and on corporation counsel, who should weighing on the matter of running for a position before one's term is over.

      I spoke at length with Brian, and his reason for seeking the seat are about internal politics on the NHSA board. Whether or not I agree with his reasons, he is motivated by HIS belief it's best for Hoboken. The Council has the appointment powers. Contact your Councilperson if you want your voice heard.

      Please take the rhetoric down a notch, as his kid is reading this. That's coming from me- not him.

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    4. You whiney so called reformers are a bunch of big babies. Pupie makes the deal and he decides when and if it changes. Not you. The deal is done. Watch and cry your little eyes out when you see how he's got your people in the palm of his hand, top to bottom.

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    5. I hope HobokenGuy is correct, that would be a good outcome. I sense commenters here on both sides are politicizing the situation, in some cases without the full story (or perhaps even intentionally misrepresenting issues).

      Fingers crossed for both Brian and Kurt. Bye bye, Frank.

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    6. Brian is allowing himself to be the puppet!

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  6. This latest development is troubling IMO.

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  7. BackRoomDealsAreBackJanuary 18, 2016 at 2:38 PM

    They are giving raia the 2 year so his time is up right before the Mayor's race and Zimmer/Kenny can hold it over Poopies head so he can run a straw dog to siphon old guard votes and she wins with her usual anemic 40 plus %

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    1. That is just a rumor no matter how many times it is reposted on this blog..

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    2. BackDoorDeals, are you predicting Brian will get a new full five year term, Raia will get appointed into Brian's old two-years left and Kurt gets nothing?

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    3. Any deal putting Pupie on the NHSA is bad. End this stupidity and vote for Kurt Gardiner. The rest is just noise and poopie.

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    4. Based on the dates GA posted if Raia were to get the two year his time would be up in February 2018 - that's after the 2017 Mayoral so BackRoomDealsAreBack needs a refresher class in ReadingTheCalendar.

      The seat that will be up prior to the 2017 election is the one held by Tony Soares, who owes his seat to the scummiest
      "deal" ever made by reform Council members since it also put Marianne Camporeale on the HHA.

      Those who forget the past are destined to repeat it.

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    5. elaborate... Camporeale was appointed in 2010

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  8. His teenage kid is reading this? Oh, boo -hoo..... Thats the price of PUBLIC office GA!

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    1. Some would say that SLAPP suits, midnight fliers (starring yours truly) and Nazi trucks are "the price" of having a partisan political opinion blog, and "boo hoo" that it's hurt my kid over the years. Some would say that. There's a name for them: assholes. Now, you have a point. Toning down the rhetoric (like comparisons to Pol Pot) is strictly voluntary, it's up to the conscience of the individual. How's that?

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  9. What a crass insensitive remark.
    I would think any real reformer lot even a civilized human being would never stoop that low but you went there.

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  10. I just wrote my councilperson (Peter Cunningham) and urged him to vote for Kurt. I suggest everyone contact their council people and do the same.

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    1. Good idea. What are the email IDs to the mayor and council? I'll share it with my friends in town.

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    2. LuvHoboken, go here: http://www.hobokennj.org/council/

      Click on councilperson names in the right-hand column, email address for each councilperson is at the bottom of their page.

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  11. This is all very troubling. I think someone has manouvered this set of reformers into defeating themselves.

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  12. Well the joy of 7-2 didn't take long to come undone.

    Pretty obvious what needs to happen here. If the Mayor and reform council members have a clue they will realize that their past supporters like them because they adhered to the principles of good government. Side deals with Frank Raia don't fit that bill and the Mayor and council members can look elsewhere for support if that is the road they want to take

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  13. Apologist @ 3:50 Pm It would be nice to know why Zimmer and Co. are pointing to the one commissioner NOT applying for a spot even though the majority of reformers like Cunningham and Marsh voted for that person the 1st 18 month term, and 1000% of them sung his praises on the re-appointment.
    But now because that person criticizes a shady and sneaky musical chairs shuffling to extend a term for a friend that person is "Scummy" ?
    So is Bhalla, Giattinno, Mello, Cunningham and Marsh really the "Scummiest"? Perhaps you can explain why this pre mature re-appointment for the Mayor's friend is worth all this infighting ? Why attack the one commissioner NOT applying for the spot?

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    1. Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice.

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  14. I do have to wonder why Tony is being sh*t on in this thread. The guy didn't do anything and yet here you people are dragging his name through the mud. To what end? So far as I can tell, he didn't broker this craptastic deal and he seems to be supporting Kurt.

    Stick to sh*tting on those who are causing this issue: Brian applying for the seat before his term is up and the counsel members who support it.

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    1. The new alliance working for us! That's right, Hoboken "reformers" love Frank Raia. Wait until Wednesday!

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    2. Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice.

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    3. I see anon 7:51 & 7:46 typing beetlejuice. I'm guessing he/she is not the same anon from 7:37 questioning why Tony's name is in this thread.

      Since I post with a registered name, I'll ask: Why is Tony even being talked about? I didn't read every comment, but did he do something or are we just throwing shade on Tony?

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    4. Tony isn't being talked about - the disgusting deal that he and others seem to have made to originally put him on the NHSA board (and Marianne Camporeale on the HHA Board) is being talked about since the topic here is all about whether reform makes disgusting deals and might make another one now.

      Those who forget the past are destined to repeat it. The Soares/Camporeale deal was and always will be a stain on reform just as any deal to reappoint Raia will be stain on reform.

      If you're mad as I am about just the idea that a Raia deal could be in the offing then I'm sure the Soares/Camporeale deal got your blood boiling too. It is history but let's learn from it, hold our elected officials accountable and make sure nothing like that happens again. Maybe the fact that nobody paid a political price for the last deal plays into why the CC might be poised to make another.

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  15. Why is Assadorian playing games with the terms of his position? The choice to submit his name and circumvent the policies, ultimately is his. As a reformer would theoretically be placed in this seat for 5 years, this move creates an illusion of poor judgement and impropriety on Assadorian's behalf.
    It will do the same to those elected officials who would support such gamesmanship.
    The theory of holding Raia's seat over his head or any reform person voting for Raia is nothing more than political games and would be woefully tranparent and not in a positive form.
    If Assadorian is able to convince reform minded council persons to vote for him, it will be a no win situation for those who represent reform, no matter how one attempts to make it palatable.
    Reeks of political games and BS.

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    1. To clarify: it was the other way around, no one from Reform had applied to run against Poopie. Brian A.'s intention was to get the 5 years away from Pupie to better situate Hoboken on the NHSA. I believe that his heart was in the right place, for Hoboken. There is no great glory in sewage. Kurt's application came later. As you say, the optics suck and IMO, the statute is clear, and it shouldn't be a difficult choice for the council.

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    2. Brian applied last Friday . AFTER KURT!

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    3. If thats's true, Brian can now withdraw

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    4. Anon 8:51--Yes, I know. All of the apps are in the resolution pack online. The discussions that applicants have privately with council members had been done prior to Kurt applying. Kurt got his application in after Poopie, before Brian.

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    5. Are these openings publicized? I'm just curious why no one applied.

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    6. Why didnt The Zimmer "Reform" administration publicize this opening on Facebook, Twitter and The City Website?
      Orw as it more important to meet with the Girl Scouts and Charter Schools to get them to lobby for "Banning the Bag" and Bike Lanes on Washington Street? Flooding the most critical issue concerning our city and Zimmer kept this opening hush hus... Why? One could connect the dots and conclude they had a deal with Raia! Raia Backed out of the race, the deal was off so as a revenge, they regurgitate Assadourian. Same Politricks.

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    7. I appreciate the conspiracy theories, now back on point: how do you know the City didn't advertise the opening? Further, term expirations are posted on the City website for every municipal board, and the NHSA, for anyone interested in applying for an opening. It ain't rocket science.

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    8. Open Government ordinances and spirit of open government ie: "reform" when it's more than a marketing label by politicians usually means advertising above and beyond

      For god's sake the poster above is right, Zimmer posts about the most sugar coated crap , she couldnt have these openings advertised? PUH-LEEZE!

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  16. I am very curious to hear if people are getting responses from any council people when they reach out. I have received 1. A whopping 1.

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    1. Reform council members wouldn't have to hear from their constituents to know how most feel on this issue, which is why I won't be contacting mine. I want to see if they will vote for what's best for Hoboken, or prove that rumors are true about unholy alliances between the current administration and Raia. After Wednesday's vote, we will all know whom we can trust. I'm not hopeful. Expect a nauseating speech from Bhalla and convoluted rationalizations from several others.

      Now that Assadourian knows Gardiner is in the running, did he withdraw his application? Didn't think so.

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    2. I want to here from Shaft about this.

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  17. i would assume our new 2nd ward representative will be voting for Gardiner...otherwise i will be shocked and so will the rest of the 2nd ward

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  18. What do the commissioners actually do? Can the NHSA, just run itself, without commissioners? What type of value do the commissioners add? What initiatives have they introduced? What results have they gotten? What are the reasons for wanting to be on the authority board?

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  19. As far as the healthcare, there is the ACA

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