Dear Editor:
This letter is to correct a factual error and clarify an article that appeared in The Hoboken Reporter today regarding the Hoboken Parking Authority (HPA).
Mr. Jennemann incorrectly states that Alan Cohen, a recently appointed Commissioner, was named to serve as vice-chair. Mr. Cohen is a Commissioner on the HPA and serves as a Chairman or member of several committees. However, he was never appointed vice-chair.
In addition, Mr. Jennemann states that “…strife began when Turso announced to the public his choices to be on the HPA’s Committees.” I was also present at that meeting. Mr. Turso announced his appointments, Mr. Pellicano made a “sour grapes comment” which Mr. Turso corrected. To my knowledge there was no “strife” caused by the Chairman’s announcements.
Reporting on what Mr. Jennemann terms an “insult” he did not report what occurred just prior to that comment. It was brought up that a Commissioner had two passes to park a car without charge at the municipal garages; however, each Commissioner is allowed only one pass. When Mr. Pellicano admitted he had two passes (he saved Ms. Serrano the embarrassment of having to name him), he was asked to return one. Unfortunately, Mr. Jennemann overlooked that very important fact that resulted in the following remarks he attributes to Mr. Cohen. Also, Mr. Jennemann does not indicate that Mr. Pellicano stated that it was “nitpicking” to bring up the fact he had two passes.
I would urge Mr. Jennemann to bring a recorder with him to the next HPA meeting so he may be certain to report the full story.
Michael Petrikat