Many of the subjects covered in the eight weekly newspapers run by the Hudson Reporter Associates this year were said to be the result of the economy. Falling rents, homelessness, and crime all had to be looked at in the context of the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, unemployment, and the end of a long building boom that had resulted in new residential and office construction.
There was positive news, too. Lower rents and falling interest rates meant better deals and homebuying for new residents. Tragedies and crises forced local government to look for new ways to address problems like homelessness or crime.
This year also saw heated political battles countywide. There was new affordable housing in Union City and West New York, forward steps in the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system in Jersey City and Hoboken and in the Allied Junction train station in Secaucus. Large companies moved staff to Jersey City and Hoboken.
There were, of course, also government corruption scandals in North Bergen and in the county, with each arrest or plea announced by the U.S. Attorney’s office amidst stern admonitions against future crimes of the sort. In North Bergen, four officials were accused of having accepted money or services from an air conditioning and heating contractor who did work for the township.
Countywide, County Executive Robert Janiszewski, who had disappeared suddenly in August of 2001 and had been said to be in federal witness protection, was finally charged with extortion this past fall. He was accused of having accepted bribes from a local psychiatrist who had gotten contracts with the county. Freeholder Nidia Davila-Colon was charged with having been a conduit for some of the bribes.
This annual year-end issue of the Hudson Reporter is meant to look back at the past 12 months of news. There are articles within these pages about the year in politics, development, art, transportation, and sports, as well as a recap of the biggest story in each town.
These can be a primer for someone who might have been too busy to follow all of the twists and turns last year. Next week’s newspaper will look ahead to the next 12 months.
A newspaper can serve the public best when its readers are communicating with and responding to it. Anyone with comments, suggestions, ideas or questions is always encouraged to call us, e-mail us, or write us at the addresses listed in the staff box.
About this edition
This "year end" edition of the Hudson Reporter newspaper replaces your regular weekly editions in Guttenberg, Hoboken, Jersey City, North Bergen, Secaucus, Union City, Weehawken, and West New York. Next weekend’s edition will be a special "preview" edition for the new year. Your regular newspapers will return after that, on Sunday, Jan. 8. Happy new year!
Advertising deadline
The advertising deadline for next weekend’s edition of the Reporter is Monday, Dec. 30 at 5 p.m. The office will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2003.