HOBOKEN – It won’t take long for Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s allies to address the major issues her council foes voted down over the past eight months.
The council’s annual reorganization meeting is scheduled for this July 1 at 12 p.m.
Councilwoman-elect Jennifer Giattino will replace 6th Ward Councilman Nino Giacchi at the meeting, shifting the majority away from Council President Beth Mason and her allies and back to Zimmer. Zimmer will now have five allies on the nine-member council.
In addition to selecting a new council president and vice president, the council will look to make sweeping changes in the city.
Zimmer’s allies will hope to terminate Mason’s call for an investigation into emails of two of Zimmer’s aides, begin the process of altering campaign contribution limits in Hoboken, and establish Corner Car spots by ordinance.
Councilman Ravinder Bhalla and Councilman Peter Cunningham, both Zimmer allies, have sponsored ordinances that would aim to stop “wheeling” in Hoboken elections. Wheeling is the practice of funneling money through Political Action Committees (PACs) to circumvent contribution limits.
Bhalla and Cunningham also have an ordinance on the agenda that would authorize the establishment of special police officers, known as “Class II officers.” The Class II officers were proposed by Zimmer in late April, but were voted down by her council foes. Police officers have also opposed the move. Class II officers would be paid approximately $15 per hour, and are seen by Zimmer’s allies as a way to provide extra security for residents for less money.
An ordinance to move municipal elections in Hoboken from May to November is also on the agenda, sponsored by Bhalla and Cunningham, as well as an ordinance that would lift the residency requirements for city employees.
Also on the agenda is a resolution to award a contract for the construction of 1600 Park.
For much more on the reorganization meeting, keep watching HudsonReporter.com.
Sources say Bhalla may become the next council president. Who do you think should be given the gavel? Comment below. – Ray Smith