Zimmer’s allies look to make big changes in meeting Friday
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 likely try 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.”
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.
Fireworks will explode over Hudson River on July 4
HUDSON COUNTY – For those who want to watch, some of the Hudson County waterfront will become a prime viewing spot for the Macy’s fireworks this July 4.
According to a press release, the 35th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks celebrate Independence Day and the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. They will be set off from six barges positioned on the Hudson River, stretching from 20th to 55th streets. The event begins at 9 p.m.
Local residents often line up along the Hudson County waterfront to view the show.
In the past, Jersey City has also had a fireworks show, but has canceled it for the past few years because of budget issues.
See www.macys.com/fireworks or call the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Hotline at (212) 494-4495.
Holiday Hudson Reporter editorial and advertising deadlines
The Hudson Reporter newspapers will be closed on Monday, July 4. Thus, some of the Hudson Reporter newspapers will have special advertising deadlines.
For the Wednesday July 6 edition of the Bayonne Community News, the display ad deadline is 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 30. The classified deadline is noon on Friday, July 1.
For the Thursday, July 7 edition of the Midweek Reporter, the display ad deadline is 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 30 and the classified deadline is noon on Friday, July 1.
The office will be closed on Monday, July 4 for the holiday. It will reopen on Tuesday, July 5. If you have questions about these deadlines or any other issue, please call (201) 798-7800. Also check www.hudsonreporter.com.
PSE&G grants available for customers not eligible for low-income assistance
The Temporary Relief for Utility Expenses (TRUE) program is available for people struggling to pay electric and natural gas bills who would normally not be eligible for the existing low-income program. The maximum amount an applicant may receive is $750 for electric and $750 for gas service.
Information is available in Spanish and English at www.pseg.com/help or www.pseg.com/ayuda or by calling 855-465-8783.
Court Appointed Special Advocates are recruiting volunteers
Hudson County’s Court Appointed Special Advocacy group is currently recruiting interested individuals to advocate for the best interests of neglected and abused children. Volunteers work closely with the court system making sure kids are taken care while in the foster care system, while trying to move them to permanent housing.
An information session will be held Tuesday, July 5 at the Hudson County Administration Building at 595 Newark Ave., Jersey City from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in room 400. For further information call 201-795 9855 or email mgarcia@hudsoncountycasa.org or visit www.hudsoncountycasa.org.