Ramos, Russo move to abolish Hoboken's Office of Constituent Services

While most City of Hoboken officials are working 'round-the-clock as a TEAM to help their constituents make it through this unprecedented healthcare and economic disaster, a few plot and plan how to extract political retribution against the mayor.  It's hard to believe. Who could imagine that petty political retribution would be executed in the middle of a pandemic?

That is the spirit and intent of a truly craven ordinance sponsored by Councilmen Ruben Ramos and Michael Russo on Wednesday night's City Council agenda.  Unbelievably, their ordinance would abolish Hoboken's Office of Constituent Services (OCS), which serves directly under Mayor Bhalla.   This ordinance is also supported by Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, an anti-administration ally of Russo and Ramos.

The politics are transparent.  In 2019, one of OCS' two employees, Migdalia Pagan Milano, ran on the mayor's ticket against the Ramos ticket; her opponent was First Ward Councilman  Michael Defusco.  Time for political payback: Defusco and the rest of his slate now get to 'fire' their political rival. Make no mistake, OCS is a tiny office that does out-sized good for it's size; last year alone they helped over 2,500 Hoboken residents in all six wards. 

Why is the Office of Constituent Services so critical now in the midst of this pandemic? 

Because OCS handles complaints and inquiries on all aspects of City services and operations, and coordinates with the various City departments to expedite solutions and answers. They coordinate counseling and referrals for social services, tenant assistance and education, housing and employment inquiries, taxi and livery complaints, quality of life issues, violations of City codes and general inquiries of City services available.  All vital services, particularly now. 

In his May 1st COVID-19 update, the mayor acknowledged the Office of Constituent Services as a "critical, frontline resource to residents during our COVID-19 response." 

Bhalla continued:

"Caroline Caulfield and Migdalia Pagan-Milano have shifted their duties in serving residents on routine issues, to being the first points of contact for so many seeking assistance. They have helped dozens of residents successfully navigate the state’s office of unemployment insurance, with many landlord/tenant issues, and most recently coordinated the many volunteers to deliver thousands of meals each week for our seniors. Caroline and Midgalia are among the many unsung heroes who work around the clock for Hoboken residents."

It is unthinkable that Councilpersons would abolish an office whose mission is to help constituents and NOW during the worst, sustained crisis in modern Hoboken history.  

Yes, Councilmen Ruben Ramos and Mike Russo are working against the best interest of Hoboken residents, making it harder for City Hall to help us in the middle of a pandemic, making it harder for all of us to receive help.  IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC.  This is indefensible. 

Hoboken Council Meeting 05-... by GrafixAvenger on Scribd