State judge says members of WNY school board should be removed
An administrative law judge ruled Tuesday that two members of the West New York school board should be removed, after Mayor Felix Roque challenged their appointments. A third member has been told to step down by a state Supreme Court advisory committee.
The first two members had been appointed by former Mayor Sal Vega after Vega was defeated by Roque at the polls in May, but just before Vega left office.
The members are Janet Passante, who had served as Vega’s chief of staff, and Alexander Locatelli.
The judge said they should be removed because of a state law saying that towns with a mayor/commission government should not make appointments between the first and third Tuesday of an election year.
Meanwhile, a week ago, the Advisory Committee on Outside Activities of Judiciary Employees under the Supreme Court of New Jersey released a letter ordering Cosmo Cirillo, president of the West New York Board of Education and secretary of the West New York Alcohol Beverage Control, to resign from those positions. They said that the positions conflict with his job as a clerk in the municipal court.
At a board meeting on Wednesday night, all three members declined to step down.
Roque has challenged several moves that Vega made during his administration.
For related stories and updates, see hudsonreporter.com.
Union City announces two more summer block parties
The city of Union City will be holding a block party on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on 49th Street between Palisade and Hudson avenues in Union City. There will be DJ music, show for kids, and free hot dogs and soda. Admission is free and chairs are provided.
The following Tuesday (Aug. 30), during the same hours, The city will hold a block party at the Courtyard of Columbian Courts, Fourth Street and Bergenline Avenue in Union City. Music, refreshments, and kids’ activities will be free there as well.
WNY to collect outstanding building fines
As noted in our cover story in the West New York Reporter last week, new West New York Mayor Felix Roque has found several problems in Town Hall upon taking office three months ago. Last week, he announced another potential issue.
According to a press release, “After learning that the WNY Building Department has allowed fines to go uncollected, Mayor Roque has announced an investigation of the handling of files by the department. It was recently disclosed a town employee had accumulated over $500,000 in fines for a housing violation from 2009.”. stated Mayor Roque. “One of the frequent complaints I hear from the residents is the lack of follow up and communication from the Building Department staff.”
The release said, “Various residents have lodged complaints about how they have been treated by the Building Department staff. There are allegations that some staff members have used racial slurs and have been uncooperative when processing applications. Mayor Roque has requested that a review of all open violations and permit applications be conducted. The investigation will be done by the Town’s auditor and Dave Corrigan, Esq.”
Free supplies, screenings for the needy in local towns
Dvine Konektion will host an event Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. called Community Outreach Day. It takes place 5516 Jefferson St. in West New York. Participants must be residents of West New York, Guttenberg, North Bergen, Union City or Weehawken.
The day will include distribution of groceries, baby items such as diapers and wipes, school supplies, new and gently used clothing, free diabetes, cholesterol, blood, and glaucoma screenings, and more.
Photo ID and proof of address is required. For more information, please call (201) 617-4484 or go to www.dvinek.org