Mayor Dave Roberts wants to blame the press for everything. When Kathy Stack reportedly left an angry note for him saying she resigned, people knew about it. Sources in City Hall claim she was upset by the way Business Administrator Laurie Cotter was treated in City Hall’s effort to edge her out the door. Apparently, Stack later had a change of heart and withdrew her hasty resignation. But to Roberts and even Stack, it was like it never happened – just a figment of the press’s vivid imagination.
Roberts is far from the first Hoboken politician to blame the press for his failings or concoct media conspiracy theories after things are exposed, but a supposedly reform-minded mayor should rise above such small-mindedness.
Meanwhile, the three-month golden parachute reportedly issued to Cotter may hint strongly at how willingly she actually left. Most municipal employees that work a year or less get 10 days severance. But a more disturbing question is: who might want (or will be encouraged) to leave next?
Don’t count the Republicans out
Although Democrats have all but crowned Tom DeGise as Hudson County executive after his June 4 primary victory over Bernard Hartnett, Democrats may find they still have a battle on their hands come November. Many of those who had supported Hartnett in June may not yet be ready to let Democrat wounds heal, and some may even cross party lines to make their dissatisfaction felt.
Ira Jersey, Republican candidate for county executive, has helped specific Democratic candidates in the past for non-partisan elections in Jersey City. He could be expected to call on some of these for support. This gearing up of the Republican Party was further emphasized last week by former Jersey City Mayor and failed Republican gubernatorial candidate Bret Schundler. Although Schundler’s dinner was billed as a “thanks for the support” affair, some sources suggest he may be throwing money and his talents behind an effort to make the November election competitive.
It might also be of interest to look at who showed up for the Schundler affair – which started out at a Mexican restaurant on Warren Street and made its way over to the watering hole at the Hyatt Hotel. Whereas you might expect Tom Gallagher – Schundler’s chief of staff – Melissa Holloway was a bit of a surprise.
Although in private conversations among prominent Republicans just after the June 4 primary, Schundler had claimed he should never have stopped being mayor of Jersey City, his public statements last week more than hinted of his seeking to run for governor again.
The loyal opposition?
Republican County Chairman Jose Arango said there will be a full slate of contested elections from U.S. senator to freeholder this year. He said the state Republican Committee has named a county coordinator to lead the election. Areilly Laszo of Weehawken will try and generate some votes for Republican senate nominee Douglas Forester in Hudson County.
This move means that state and national Republican election funds will flow into Hudson, giving local candidates a boost.
While Forester will lead the ticket, there are other battles all the way down to lowly freeholder challengers that will benefit.
Arango knows the political reality of running Republican candidates in a majority Democratic county, but he says he hopes to gain a few seats. He says the woes Democrats have faced during the run of scandals this year have to do with lack of checks and balances.
“You have to make this county look like the rest of the United States,” he said. “In the United States we have a two-party system. When one party controls everything, there will be problems. You won’t have anybody to keep watch. We’re looking to become the loyal opposition.”
McGreevey comes to town
Gov. Jim McGreevey made an unannounced visit to Jersey City to join in the week long Mt. Carmel Feast. Steve Lipski worked the grill. Freeholder Bill O’Dea worked the crowd. Mayoral wannabe Mike Manzo worked the governor, asking McGreevey to endorse O’Dea for county executive. McGreevey claimed he wasn’t aware O’Dea was running. O’Dea may run in the regular election in 2003.
No endorsement. Manzo’s name has been floated as possibly heading the Jersey City Economic Development Authority.
Gov. McGreevey apparently found a use for even Hudson County’s outcast, former Union City Mayor Rudy Garcia, to help bolster his plans for the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Two officials confirmed that earlier this year Garcia, as a messenger for State Senator Raymond Lesniak, met with former union leader John Agathos in Secaucus to help broker a deal that would guarantee union support for various moves the governor intended. Agathos, until federal officials deposed him earlier this year, apparently still controlled Hotel and Restaurant Local 106, the predominant union in the Meadowlands. Garcia visited Agathos’ home in Secaucus and apparently managed to get union cooperation in various moves concerning the sports arena to Newark for the appointment of “a union friendly” commissioner to the Sports Authority.
HCIA to see big changes
More than one source said the changes in the Hudson County Improvement Authority will transpire as was expected at the July meeting. In August, rumors strongly suggest that Attorney Robert Barry and Executive Director Tom Calvanico will be replaced.
A mix-up before the July meeting caused those actions to be postponed. Apparently, the message that a vote would be taken had not reached all eight of the HCIA commissioners in time. Someone – possibly John Schinnick – had failed to call them.
The posting of Schinnick’s job as the county’s official photographer may also provide a hint as to his future under a new Democratic county executive.
As Mark Twain once put it, the demise of Deputy County Clerk Joan Arango has been grossly exaggerated. The woman known in bureaucratic circles as “Miss Competent” won’t lose her job soon, even if political winds shift. Both sides of the Democratic schism apparently respect her abilities too much. A move of this kind would also step on the hefty toes of Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner.