Legal proceedings for Cammarano, Schaffer still on hold
Ex-Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano and his associate, Hoboken political player Michael Schaffer, were arrested last July in a statewide corruption scandal, but have not yet entered pleas or been arraigned.
The FBI alleged that Cammarano accepted campaign funds in exchange for saying he would help a developer (who was actually a government informant) with future development projects. Schaeffer allegedly helped arrange the deals.
The two men are included in the same criminal complaint, which means they would most likely stand trial together, if a trial is necessary, according to Corinne Mullen, Schaffer’s attorney.
At this point, federal prosecutors and counsel for both men have agreed three times to 30-day continuances and may seek additional continuances going forward, according to Mullen. The current continuance order expired last week, according to Mullen.
Joseph Hayden, Cammarano’s attorney, said he doesn’t believe there will be any movement on the case any time soon.
In order for the men to be indicted, a grand jury must weigh the charges in secret proceedings, so no one can comment on whether that process is ongoing.
John Gregory, spokesman for the FBI’s New Jersey operations, said he could not comment on the status of the case.
While Cammarano resigned as mayor on July 31, Schaffer continues to sit on the North Hudson Sewerage Authority Board, according to NHSA Director Fred Pocci. Pocci said Schaffer also has been attending the meetings.
Free swine flu vaccine clinic
The city and Hoboken University Medical Center are offering free H1N1 swine flu vaccines on Monday, Jan. 11 from 2 to 9 p.m. at Assumption Hall, HUMC, Third Street, between Clinton Street and Willow Avenue.
Supplies are limited and administered on a first come, first serve basis; children 9 years old and under can receive a second immunization 21 to 28 days after their initial dose.
Officials ask that sick people not attend the clinic.
Vaccines for 6 to 35-month-old children are preservative-free. Vaccines for 3 years and older contain trace amounts of thimerosal, a preservative, according to the city.
Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Vaccines will not be administered to minors without parental consent. Children 9 years old and under will require a second immunization in 21 to 28 days pursuant to CDC guidelines. The city anticipates holding of another clinic for this age group.
Street closures and no parking will be in effect on Third Street between Clinton Street and Willow Avenue from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and no parking on the east side of Clinton Street between Third and Fourth streets, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Superintendent candidate interviews
School Board President Rose Markle announced last week that the board has narrowed their superintendent search down from 12 applicants, to six interviewees, and now to three finalists.
The board will interview the three finalists on Wednesday, Dec. 13 in closed session, and will narrow those three to two candidates whom they will introduce to the public before making their final decision.
The last two contenders to lead the school district will be presented at a public forum, Markle said, before the board makes their vote, hopefully by their first meeting in February.
Former Superintendent Jack Raslowsky left last summer to become president of Xavier High School in Manhattan. Interim Superintendent Peter Carter is only permitted to remain in his position for one year, according to the school board.
Police meet-and-greet
Hoboken Police Chief Anthony Falco is hosting another in a series of meet-and-greets in different areas of the city.
For residents of Fifth Street to Ninth Street, Clinton Street to Jefferson Street, Falco, Mayor Dawn Zimmer, and several officers from the Community Policing Bureau will meet at Willie Mc Bride’s, 616 Grand St., on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m.
The meeting agenda includes Light Rail problems, residential burglaries, bike safety, vandalism, auto burglaries, school and juvenile problems, among others.
Jubilee Center fundraiser
The Board of Trustees of the Jubilee Center, an after-school enrichment program for children in Hoboken’s public housing community, are hosting their annual Beloved Community Celebration. This year, the honoree is U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez.
The celebration is at Amanda’s Restaurant, 908 Washington St., on Friday, Jan. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. The cost is $250 per person.
For more information, e-mail development@jubileecenterhoboken.org, call (201) 792-0340, or visit www.jubileecenterhoboken.org.