GA was taken aback to see that the highest honor that Hoboken can give a civilian, a key to our City, was on tomorrow's Hoboken City Council agenda. How rare is this?
Since Hoboken's founding as a township in 1849, the key to the City of Hoboken has only been given out twice*- one recipient was Frank Sinatra in 1947, another to a drummer in a New Jersey rock band in 1998. [*source: Wikipedia]
So who is getting this highest civilian honor, a key to the City of Hoboken, from the City of Hoboken?
Former 5th Ward Councilman Peter Cunningham!
Now, it is reasonable to honor Cunningham's years of service with a plaque, or something to hang on a wall. No one could object to that, whether or not you agreed with his work on the Council.
But a key to the City? How many other multi-term councilpersons received the same honor? NONE. And they shouldn't.
Public service is not performed to get a prize, like Hoboken is some kind of Crackerjack Box.
Public service is not performed to get a prize, like Hoboken is some kind of Crackerjack Box.
Whose dumb idea was this?
Sources confirm that this agenda item wasn't the brainchild of City Hall, but Cunningham's former political allies, Council President Jen Giattino and 2nd Ward Tiffanie Fisher. Right.
Giving away keys to the City to political allies on the Hoboken City Council may be the most over-the-top case of political self-dealing in modern Hoboken history.
Honestly, let the City Council give Peter a coupon to The Madison, or a PATH train pass, or a nice framed photo of Donald Trump.
Not a key to the City of Hoboken.
Hey, maybe there is a bright side to the council distribution of keys. I get keys made and security hardware at Hoboken Lock & Supply Co. on Washington Street. A great business! Maybe the City can open a tab there, for pals of Hoboken council members to order their own keys to the City!
Yeah, just walk in and say "[name of council member] sent me!"
Giving away keys to the City to political allies on the Hoboken City Council may be the most over-the-top case of political self-dealing in modern Hoboken history.
Honestly, let the City Council give Peter a coupon to The Madison, or a PATH train pass, or a nice framed photo of Donald Trump.
Not a key to the City of Hoboken.
Hey, maybe there is a bright side to the council distribution of keys. I get keys made and security hardware at Hoboken Lock & Supply Co. on Washington Street. A great business! Maybe the City can open a tab there, for pals of Hoboken council members to order their own keys to the City!
Yeah, just walk in and say "[name of council member] sent me!"
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This is really stupid. He gets a key? Unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteAn honor bestowed on Aaron Rosa* and Peter Cunningham .... sounds about right,
ReplyDelete*Drummer on the album "Erase The Pain"
Sometimes you have to just roll your eyes and smile.
ReplyDeletePeter's supporting role in helping Dawn turn the City around is deserving of recognition, but .....
Not a good look for Hoboken.
ReplyDeleteTwo of the best Hoboken has ever seen on city council in my lifetime were Joe Della Fave and Helen Cunning, who stood up to corrupt, machine politics, the type that some of his colleagues on council brought back with his help.
ReplyDeleteCunningham ain't no Della Fave or Cunning. Far from it.
The mayor should veto this stunt.
I wish Peter his family good luck in his future endeavors.
DeleteFaced with a 7.8 mil budget gap, a zero balance in the SURPLUS Zimmer left for them. Glad to see they are dealing with the important stuff....
ReplyDeleteAs Fifth Ward Councilman Cunningham exits public office the hope of a new 15th Street Light Rail stop is back in the news as is long awaited North West Redevelopment plan.
ReplyDeleteDont worry Tiffany Fisher will work her darndest to kill itor draaaaaaaaaaggggggg it out.
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