HOBOKEN – Hoboken City Hall put out a press release today noting that it has been a year since former Mayor Peter Cammarano resigned his office and now-Mayor Dawn Zimmer took over. (At the time, Zimmer had just been made City Council president a month earlier, then had a sudden ascendancy when Cammarano resigned.)
And what has happened since then? City Hall touts achievements in its release. Feel free to comment below.
One year ago this week, on July 31, 2009, Dawn Zimmer became Acting Mayor of Hoboken. Due to the events leading up to that day, many residents had lost faith in their government. The City was under state fiscal supervision managed by a Fiscal Monitor and had suffered a backbreaking property tax increase the year before.
“Through the hard work of our City employees, led by our directors, the City Council, and concerned residents who have offered their time and talent to improving our community, Hoboken has come a long way in just one year,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “I’m proud to represent such a resilient community that is so focused on positive change.”
Mayor Zimmer made it a priority to restore integrity and fiscal discipline to government while enhancing quality of life for residents. Despite only being free from oversight of the state fiscal monitor for less than three months, Hoboken has already made significant progress under Mayor Zimmer’s leadership.
“In just one year, we’ve made incredible progress for Hoboken on so many fronts,” added Mayor Zimmer. “We’ve established a strong foundation for continued progress, and I’m looking forward to working with the City Council and the community to make our City even greater.”
The list of achievements cited in the release is long, but among the most salient (and sometimes controversial) were:
-“Conducted an open interview process, solicited resumes, and hired the most qualified professionals to serve as department directors.”
-“Passed a budget free of one shot revenues and gimmicks which reflects the true cost of government and paid off many of our legacy costs due to past mistakes.”
-“Saving more than $150,000 annually by replacing light fixtures throughout City facilities with energy efficient lighting as a result of energy audit and grant.”
-“Joined Governor Christie’s call for a cap on property taxes and local government “toolkit” needed to control costs.”
-“Conducted due diligence and paid off $4.2 million in legacy costs for an unapproved early retirement plan implemented by a prior Administration.”
-“Made progress towards privatizing Hoboken University Medical Center and removing taxpayers from the $52 million bond guarantee.”
-“Collaborated with local community organizations to secure funding for a $100,000+ pedestrian and bicycle master plan study.”
-“Created several new revenue streams through the Parking Utility including Corner Cars and new ‘monthly limited’ and ‘vacation park’ garage parking rates.”
-“Saved $146,000 per year via scaled back salaries and benefits of municipal court appointments.”
-“Brought in college interns to help with automated garage to keep operational costs low and provide students with unique exposure to advanced technology.”
-“Successfully lobbied to have the most important Southwest wet weather pump station built first, and ground was broken on this pump which is expected to significantly alleviate Hoboken’s flooding problems.”
-“Joined City Council colleagues to oppose legislation in the New Jersey State Senate to permit New Jersey Transit to unilaterally change the character of our City by building 50 to 70 story towers over the rail yards without our consent.”
For the entire release, see the City Hall website.