http://hobokenrepublicans.com Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:18:00 +0000 http://snappages.com en http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/08/19/city-threatens-eminent-domain http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/08/19/city-threatens-eminent-domain Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:18:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/08/19/city-threatens-eminent-domain
“In the next 60 days, the city has to decide [...]]]>
“In the next 60 days, the city has to decide what course to take with Hoboken Unleashed and the property owners,” city attorney Michael Kates said.

According to the Hudson Reporter, "Kates said in court that the city has the power of eminent domain and this location is convenient for the city."

Mayor Dawn Zimmer should immediately renounce the use of eminent domain in this case, and instruct Mr. Kates to follow suit.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/08/13/menendez-vs-retirement-security http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/08/13/menendez-vs-retirement-security Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:00:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/08/13/menendez-vs-retirement-security Would you trust this man with your retirement funds?

Senator Robert Menendez was in town yesterday, to mark the 75th anniversary of Social Security. While it's true that many Americans have come to depend upon this entitlement, it's equally true that Social Security is simply Would you trust this man with your retirement funds?

Senator Robert Menendez was in town yesterday, to mark the 75th anniversary of Social Security. While it's true that many Americans have come to depend upon this entitlement, it's equally true that Social Security is simply running out of money. As of this year, the program is now running a deficit. Its "trust fund" (comprised of nothing more than federal IOU's) is expected to run dry in 2037. Clearly, the system is in dire need of reform.

Senator Menendez, however, opposes the very reforms that are needed. At yesterday's media event, he expressed his opposition to the creation of private accounts for younger earners. "Privatizing means taking something that is a guarantee and making it a risk in the market," he said. "We want to see a guaranteed Social Security, not a risky bet on Wall Street."

With the federal government spending money like there's no tomorrow, Social Security hardly feels "guaranteed" for those of us whose retirement years are still decades away. We'd rather have real ownership in private retirement accounts. And we'd happily accept the risks of the market over the promises of a career politician.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/08/11/taxpayers-as-atms http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/08/11/taxpayers-as-atms Wed, 11 Aug 2010 06:51:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/08/11/taxpayers-as-atms Hudson Dem boss wants "his" money, and he wants it now...

At 48 years old, Mark Smith has applied to start collecting $9,000 a month, for life, from the state's pension system. That's in addition to [...]]]> Hudson Dem boss wants "his" money, and he wants it now...

At 48 years old, Mark Smith has applied to start collecting $9,000 a month, for life, from the state's pension system. That's in addition to his current salary of $78,000 as Mayor of Bayonne.

Smith, a former police officer, also chairs the HCDO (aka "the county machine"). Like the party he leads, Smith appears to view taxpayers as his personal ATM.

In related news, the state pension system faces a shortfall of roughly $46 billion.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/08/08/open-space-tax-cuts-a-statewide-trend http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/08/08/open-space-tax-cuts-a-statewide-trend Sun, 08 Aug 2010 14:49:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/08/08/open-space-tax-cuts-a-statewide-trend here and here). [...]]]> here and here). Unfortunately, the mayor and council have thus far opted to keep this tax in place, in full. In the face of persistently high municipal taxes, we hope they'll reconsider. They can now follow the lead of Morris County, Sussex County, and Middlesex County, all of which have seen fit to lower their open space taxes. On a municipal level, Watchung decided last month to suspend collection of its open space tax.

Another reason our city's leaders should revisit the open space tax: it's viewed as one of their own "sacred cows." As a councilwoman, Dawn Zimmer championed this tax. Her steadfast ally, Peter Cunningham, voted for it. We've reached a point, however, where cuts have to be made. It was recently announced that 18 of our city's finest will be laid off. For this, Mayor Zimmer has naturally come under severe criticism—much of it unfair. We've known for quite a while that our police force is in need of downsizing and restructuring. Indeed, we've previously criticized the mayor for not moving fast enough.

Mayor Zimmer is now (rightly) demanding that others make sacrifices in order to pare down municipal spending. The mayor and her allies should demonstrate their willingness to make sacrifices as well. They should now move to ax the open space tax—especially since everyone knows they really don't want to.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/08/04/candidate-wanted http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/08/04/candidate-wanted Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:52:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/08/04/candidate-wanted
Following Mayor Cammarano's resignation last summer, Zimmer served as both Acting Mayor and 4th Ward Councilwoman. After winning last fall's [...]]]>
Following Mayor Cammarano's resignation last summer, Zimmer served as both Acting Mayor and 4th Ward Councilwoman. After winning last fall's special mayoral election, she appointed county employee Michael Lenz to fill her newly vacated seat on the council. Now Lenz will have to defend the seat to which he was appointed.

We are of the view that Councilman Lenz does not merit the approval of 4th ward voters. Early this year, he famously declared that Mayor Zimmer and her council allies weren't elected to cut taxes. More recently, he championed the appointment of Tony Soares to a second board seat—running counter to the reform principle of "one person, one position." Even Mayor Zimmer has since distanced herself from the councilman's action.

So far, only Timothy Occhipinti has announced his candidacy to oppose Lenz in the 4th. Though a nice man, it is clear that Occhipinti doesn't share our fiscally conservative values. To cite one example, Occhipinti penned a letter to the editor, opposing Christie's proposed tax cap and "tool kit" for the state's mayors. (To her credit, Mayor Zimmer has endorsed these reforms—despite her prior endorsement of Corzine's reelection.)

It is our hope that a reform-minded fiscal conservative will step up to the plate. The voters of the 4th ward deserve "a choice, not an echo." Please contact us if you're interested in running, or if you know of someone who'd make a fine candidate.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/07/25/the-yrs-win http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/07/25/the-yrs-win Sun, 25 Jul 2010 11:17:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/07/25/the-yrs-win
A decent crowd turned out, in spite of the day's punishing heat. All ticket proceeds were donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. We are told that more than $500 was raised to support our nation's wounded heroes. (If you'd like to make a donation online, you can do so here.)

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/07/23/eat-one-for-the-gipper http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/07/23/eat-one-for-the-gipper Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:03:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/07/23/eat-one-for-the-gipper St. Ann's Festival has arrived. This year's festival will feature musical entertainment every night—and of course, their famous zeppoles.

With Frank Sinatra at his side, Ronald Reagan visited the festival as he was [...]]]> St. Ann's Festival has arrived. This year's festival will feature musical entertainment every night—and of course, their famous zeppoles.

With Frank Sinatra at his side, Ronald Reagan visited the festival as he was campaigning for re-election in 1984. The president explained how they decided to work the stop into his frenetic schedule:

"A few weeks ago I got a letter from a Mr. Santo A. Milici, and even the letterhead was appetizing. It said, 'St. Ann's Festival, A Feast for the Senses.' Nancy saw it, and she said, 'Honey, I think you ought to go to Hoboken.'

"We kept reading, and the letter told about what a great American city Hoboken is—of course, Frank Sinatra had already told me about that—and how you're the most dynamic town in the tri-state area. We read about the outdoor continental cafe and the midway with rides and games and special entertainment. And my staff saw it, and they said, 'Let's go to Hoboken.'

"But I'll tell you what did it. I'll tell you about your secret weapon. I heard about your zeppoles. And so, here I am in Hoboken."

So as you stroll through the festival this weekend, have a zeppole for the Gipper.

Reagan did make a few serious points during his otherwise light-hearted remarks. For instance, he asked:

"Why do some who claim to represent the party of compassion feel no compassion whatsoever for the most helpless among us—the unborn? How can they parade down the street wearing compassion as if it were a cloak made of neon and they have no compassion for the most helpless of God's creatures?"

Does that sound "too conservative" for Democratic Hudson County? Reagan won Hudson County, decisively.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/07/22/support-the-troops http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/07/22/support-the-troops Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:25:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/07/22/support-the-troops
- Saturday, July 24, 1 PM - 4 PM
- Louis A. Ferullo Memorial Field
- 372 Park Avenue, Weehawken

Admission is $5 at the gate. All proceeds will go to the Wounded [...]]]>
- Saturday, July 24, 1 PM - 4 PM
- Louis A. Ferullo Memorial Field
- 372 Park Avenue, Weehawken

Admission is $5 at the gate. All proceeds will go to the Wounded Warrior Project. In the event that you can't make it, please consider making a small donation online.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/07/09/privatization-task-force http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/07/09/privatization-task-force Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:15:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/07/09/privatization-task-force Executive Order #17, which created a statewide Privatization Task Force. The commission, chaired by former U.S. Representative Dick Zimmer, sought to apply the "Yellow Pages Test" to all services rendered by the state. That is, if there's [...]]]> Executive Order #17, which created a statewide Privatization Task Force. The commission, chaired by former U.S. Representative Dick Zimmer, sought to apply the "Yellow Pages Test" to all services rendered by the state. That is, if there's a service listed in the phone directory, the government probably shouldn't be directly providing that service. Instead, the government should contract out the delivery of that service in a transparent, competitive manner. This principle, made famous by former Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith (now Deputy Mayor of New York City), has saved taxpayers millions of dollars when implemented in a competent fashion.

Today, the findings of our state's Privatization Task Force are in. As it turns out, various privatization initiatives could save taxpayers at least $210 million annually. In reality, taxpayers would save even more if the commission's recommendations are fully implemented. As the Reason Foundation's Leonard Gilroy (who served as a task force advisor) has explained, their report does not attempt to quantify the value of all recommendations, nor does it estimate revenue yielded from unused state land if sold.

The release of this report constitutes a real victory for the state's taxpayers. It reveals, in concrete terms, how much we're currently overpaying for a plethora of services. As Gilroy notes, the commission's proposals are not self-implementing. They do, however, provide a clear roadmap for a reform-minded administration.

It remains our hope that we can replicate our state's Privatization Task Force on a municipal level. Early this year, Mayor Zimmer indicated that privatization studies were underway. She was loathe to discuss any potential areas for privatization, however. We haven't heard of any developments since. Hopefully, the release of the state's report will provide new impetus to local privatization initiatives.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/07/04/we-hold-these-truths http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/07/04/we-hold-these-truths Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:52:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/07/04/we-hold-these-truths
Amid the fireworks, cookouts, and other festivities, let's pause this [...]]]>
Amid the fireworks, cookouts, and other festivities, let's pause this weekend and reflect upon the principles set forth in our nation's founding documents. More than ever, we need to understand, explain, and defend those ideals. As Ronald Reagan reminded us:

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/06/30/the-golden-cicada-lives http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/06/30/the-golden-cicada-lives Wed, 30 Jun 2010 07:28:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/06/30/the-golden-cicada-lives
In response, Hoboken Republicans organized a rally in defense of property rights, held at Mr. Tan's Golden Cicada Tavern. Since then, his case received a lot more media attention, which eventually erupted into a media firestorm. In the face of this PR nightmare, Mayor Healy finally came out and called for the city to cease and desist. To thank all of his supporters, Mr. Tan hosted an "appreciation party" at his tavern. He specifically thanked the Hoboken Republicans for their unwavering defense of his constitutional rights.

We then learned that, while the city had opted not to confiscate Mr. Tan's land, he was still not allowed to make any improvements to his property. As part of the city's attempt to steal his land, they downzoned his property to "recreation/open space." Clearly, his rights were still being violated. This is a case that we have followed with interest over the years.

Finally, it appears that common sense has prevailed. The city has reversed the downzoning, allowing Mr. Tan to construct up to five stories on his land. He plans to make the case for a seven story development that would include senior housing. And don't worry, a new and improved Golden Cicada Tavern would remain on the ground level.

If you'd like to check out the Golden Cicada for yourself, it's located on the corner of Grand and Marin in Jersey City, near the Marin Boulevard Light Rail and Grove Street PATH stations. The drinks are cheap, and the dumplings are tasty.


]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/06/14/a-time-for-choosing http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/06/14/a-time-for-choosing Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:26:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/06/14/a-time-for-choosing
These words, from Reagan's classic 1964 speech, are as powerful today as they were forty-six years ago.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/04/19/vote-for-tucker-lin-markevitch-and-forsman http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/04/19/vote-for-tucker-lin-markevitch-and-forsman Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:11:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/04/19/vote-for-tucker-lin-markevitch-and-forsman
“Tucker, Lin, Markevitch and Forsman are the only candidates I trust to lower my taxes,” explained Peter Morgan, [...]]]>
“Tucker, Lin, Markevitch and Forsman are the only candidates I trust to lower my taxes,” explained Peter Morgan, co-founder of the Hoboken Republicans. “In fact, their opponents aren’t even promising to cut taxes.”

“We spend far more, per student, than most school districts,” Morgan lamented. “And yet, our schools are not first-rate. We need leaders to start putting the interests of students ahead of the unions. Tucker, Lin, Markevitch and Forsman are prepared to stand up for students and taxpayers alike. They understand that our district doesn’t need more taxpayer money—it needs better management.”

In addition to endorsing the “Real Results” team, the Hoboken Republicans urge residents to vote down a budget that Morgan called “more than just bloated.” He asked, “Why does it take $58 million to run a district with fewer than 2,000 K-12 students?”

Polls open on Tuesday, from 2 to 9 PM.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/03/17/meet-the-candidates http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/03/17/meet-the-candidates Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:17:20 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/03/17/meet-the-candidates
Running under the banner of "Real Results," they are promising higher quality education for students, at a lower cost to our city's taxpayers. Their
Running under the banner of "Real Results," they are promising higher quality education for students, at a lower cost to our city's taxpayers. Their campaign site, chock-full of information, is definitely worth reading. You can also sign up for their newsletter, volunteer, or donate online.

On Sunday, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, you can meet the candidates on the second floor of Wild Ginger Restaurant, where they are throwing a campaign launch party. Don't miss this opportunity to ask your questions and share your concerns.





]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/03/15/code-red http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/03/15/code-red Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:33:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/03/15/code-red here for the National Republican Congressional Committee's real-time countdown, as well as the latest developments from the House of Representatives.)

"Code Red" is the NRCC's [...]]]> here for the National Republican Congressional Committee's real-time countdown, as well as the latest developments from the House of Representatives.)

"Code Red" is the NRCC's official campaign to alert our countrymen to the Democrats' planned health care takeover. The NRCC is currently spending its scarce resources--which otherwise could have gone to its candidates for office in the fall--to pressure wavering House Democrats to vote "no."

We need 216 "no" votes in the House to defeat this bill. As it stands right now, there are 202 "no" votes, 187 "yes," and 42 undecided. The NRCC has compiled a list of those 42 undecideds, Democrats all. Sadly, our congressman, Albio Sires, is not on that list. He's firmly in the "yes" column. Still, it wouldn't hurt to call his office (202-225-7919) and urge him to vote "no." Your health care freedom is on the line.

If you do call Sires' office, you might want to respectfully point out that, according to a March 12 Associated Press survey, 68% of Garden State residents oppose the bill in its current form, and want lawmakers to start over.



]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/03/12/the-incredible-shrinking-tax-cut http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/03/12/the-incredible-shrinking-tax-cut Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:46:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/03/12/the-incredible-shrinking-tax-cut
Voters will recall that Dawn Zimmer campaigned on a "detailed" [...]]]>
Voters will recall that Dawn Zimmer campaigned on a "detailed" 25% tax cut plan. We've known for some time that's not in the cards. On the eve of last year's special election, the state fiscal monitor predicted that we'd at least see an 8% reduction. Now that's not happening, either.

In this past week's city council hearing, we learned that we can expect a tax cut of... drumroll, please... 0.54%. That's one-half of one percent. When candidate Zimmer promised us "change," we didn't realize that she meant a few loose coins.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/28/lets-talk-privatization http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/28/lets-talk-privatization Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:58:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/28/lets-talk-privatization Mile Square View, Mayor Dawn Zimmer was asked if she considers any municipal services ripe for privatization or outsourcing. To her credit, the mayor revealed that she's in the process of reviewing several [...]]]> Mile Square View, Mayor Dawn Zimmer was asked if she considers any municipal services ripe for privatization or outsourcing. To her credit, the mayor revealed that she's in the process of reviewing several areas of government for privatization. We'd very much like to hear what those areas are. Unfortunately, however, the mayor refused to share that information. She indicated that she'd only discuss potential areas for privatization after "a decision has been made."

This reticence, in our view, is misguided. For starters, the people should know what the mayor is thinking. Moreover, simply mentioning that a municipal service is under consideration for privatization can lead to efficiencies--even if those services are never ultimately privatized. City employees might suddenly realize they don't need quite so many supervisors, for instance. Or smoking breaks, for that matter.

Mayor Zimmer should go even further, and clearly demonstrate that municipal services are costing too much. The most effective way to do that is to simply request price quotes from multiple vendors. Let's find out what private firms can do, at what cost. This would expose, in specific terms, how much we're currently overpaying for municipal services. City employees would then have to compete.

Flint, Michigan, provides one example of this phenomenon. After the mayor received bids from private firms, the union found ways to collect trash for $1.4 million less. As a result, the city decided not to move forward with privatization. The same municipal workers collected Flint's trash. They just did it faster, smarter, and cheaper.

Like Flint, the City of Indianapolis found that sometimes merely threatening privatization prompted city employees to work more productively. Often, however, using a private firm makes sense. Indianapolis saved $15 million when it privatized trash collection. Closer to home, Jersey City under Bret Schundler found ways to save money via privatization. So did Steve Lonegan, in Bogota.

One area Mayor Zimmer ruled out for privatization was the library. We hope that she reconsiders this stance. There is certainly no harm in at least studying privatization, and receiving bids from vendors. The mere process might uncover inefficiencies that current employees could rectify. Or we might find that a private firm could run it at a much lower cost. Explaining her opposition to privatization, the mayor offered her belief that our library is significantly underfunded. In reality, that's all the more reason to consider some form of privatization. A firm could potentially invest some of its own capital as part of a privatization deal. At a minimum, reduced overhead costs would free up tax dollars for needed improvements or purchases.

In the midst of our city's fiscal crisis, there's no reason not to explore privatizing or contracting out municipal services wherever practical. As other cities have demonstrated, there's no reason to stay mum on which services you're thinking of opening up to competition. On the contrary, it sometimes pays to think out loud.


]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/27/well-do-ya http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/27/well-do-ya Sat, 27 Feb 2010 09:30:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/27/well-do-ya billboard, with a smiling George W. Bush asking if we miss him yet. Now there's a whole new line of billboard, with a smiling George W. Bush asking if we miss him yet. Now there's a whole new line of merchandise inspired by that question.

We'll be the first to admit it: George W. Bush has a rather mixed record as president. We remain very critical of the domestic overspending that occurred on his watch. That said, Bush did cut taxes. And he clearly loved this country, and was resolutely committed to its defense.

More than a year into Obama's administration, we'd have to say that, yes, we do miss George W. Bush.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/22/save-the-date http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/22/save-the-date Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:49:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/22/save-the-date Sunday, March 28th. We are excited to announce that former Jersey City Mayor (and newly-appointed Commissioner of Education) Bret Schundler will headline this year's event. Stay tuned for more details. In the meantime, please save the date! [...]]]> Sunday, March 28th. We are excited to announce that former Jersey City Mayor (and newly-appointed Commissioner of Education) Bret Schundler will headline this year's event. Stay tuned for more details. In the meantime, please save the date!

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/17/the-open-space-tax-revisited http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/17/the-open-space-tax-revisited Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:14:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/17/the-open-space-tax-revisited Mile Square View, Mayor Zimmer was asked if she’d favor suspending or repealing the municipal open space tax. Unfortunately, the mayor stated that she wouldn’t even consider it, despite the [...]]]> Mile Square View, Mayor Zimmer was asked if she’d favor suspending or repealing the municipal open space tax. Unfortunately, the mayor stated that she wouldn’t even consider it, despite the city’s failure to deliver on promises of tax relief. The mayor accurately noted that voters approved the open space tax in a citywide referendum. The city’s hands are not exactly tied, however. That referendum was non-binding. The council still had to vote to enact the tax.

If the mayor feels that we need to consult the voters prior to revisiting the open space tax, fine. Let’s hold another referendum. As we’ve previously written, this tax was approved in a very different political and economic climate than we face today. In these hard times, voters might now have a different opinion.

The champions of the open space tax promised us offsetting spending reductions to neutralize the tax impact. That, obviously, didn't happen. After taxes skyrocketed, Zimmer and her allies then campaigned on a 25% tax cut plan. Now that's not happening, either.

And so, as far as we’re concerned, the least they can do now is move to repeal (or at least suspend) a tax hike they themselves foisted on us (there's no blaming a prior administration, or Trenton, for this one). If they want to fund their pet initiatives, they should find a way to repeal Tripodi's massive tax hike first (or at least achieve that promised 25% reduction). In other words, Mayor Zimmer and her council allies should lead by example — especially if they're planning on asking others to make sacrifices.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/15/gilliard-and-sullivan-renounce-kids-first http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/15/gilliard-and-sullivan-renounce-kids-first Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:07:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/15/gilliard-and-sullivan-renounce-kids-first Hoboken Reporter, explains how she has tried in vain to hold Kids First to their promises of reform:

Dear Editor:

From the minute I took my seat on the school board last April it’s been apparent that my colleagues were not nearly as committed to reform as we had promised during the campaign. For nine months I loyally backed my team in public. But behind closed doors I argued for a tougher stand in union negotiations, a harder line on spending, greater transparency and a commitment to hiring the best people. At almost every step I met stiff resistance. In virtually every case my arguments lost out. Now, following our amateurish search and then the rush to hire an inexperienced superintendent, it’s clear that I must resign from Kids First (the political organization with whom I ran for the board). My fellow board member Carrie Gilliard quit Kids First at Tuesday’s meeting.

In my opinion, the search got off on the wrong foot. When the previous superintendent quit last June, I said the board should hire a headhunting firm that would find top candidates. I envisioned a hunt that would look at executives at, say, KIPP or Teach for America, where Washington’s Michelle Rhee started. I never got a hearing. Instead, I was blindsided at the September meeting with a resolution that the search would start immediately and that the NJ School Boards Association would conduct it. That would largely limit the applicants to NJ public school administrators.

Much of Kids First was fixated on hiring someone – anyone – before the April election to avoid losing that power if it lost control of the board. I thought we should find the best candidate, no matter how long it took. As it happened, the NJSBA presented us with a very shallow pool of candidates. Of 21 who applied, only six were worth interviewing, and two of those soon dropped out. Of the remaining four, only one had ever run a district. Then we conducted a very cursory due diligence.

A trip to Frank Romano’s district was not organized until last Tuesday, after he had already been offered the job. I thought we should heed references from Millburn, but I was told I was just digging up dirt. Then Tuesday I was blindsided again – this time with the news that we were voting to hire Romano that night, although the board and public had been told this was off the agenda. Carrie and I voted no. My main reason is that he doesn’t have the right educational philosophy for our district. Test scores could fall even further. What’s more, his salary and guaranteed raises are far too high.

Volunteering for the school board demands countless hours. We all get some of the myriad decisions wrong. But one thing I can’t get wrong is following the principles on which I was elected: treat the taxpayers’ money as if it were my own, keep the public informed and never forget to put the kids first. I’m not putting together a slate to challenge Kids First in April, but I encourage true reformers to demand accountability and consider running for the board.

Maureen Sullivan

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/12/school-board-news http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/12/school-board-news Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:55:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/12/school-board-news
Romano was a rather underwhelming candidate, to put it mildly. He certainly didn't merit such a lucrative contract. In our view, the Board of Education has really let taxpayers down. That said, we commend board members Maureen Sullivan and Carrie Gilliard for their dissenting votes.

During that same meeting, the board voted (five in favor, three opposed) to send member Frances Rhodes Kearns on a $2,300 junket to a convention in Chicago. On that particular vote, Theresa Minutillo joined Sullivan and Gilliard in standing up for the taxpayer.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/06/reagans-birthday http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/06/reagans-birthday Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:29:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/06/reagans-birthday
Today would have been Ronald Reagan's 99th birthday. He is missed, now more than ever. In this present crisis, our national, state, and local officials would do well to ask themselves, "What would Reagan do?"

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/05/rent-control-lawsuit http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/05/rent-control-lawsuit Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:55:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/05/rent-control-lawsuit
In our view, however, it's time to scrap rent control entirely. Not only would this allow the rental market to function properly (allocating housing more efficiently), it would save taxpayers money. We'd save all the money we're currently spending on rent control administration and enforcement. And, of course, we'd protect the taxpayer from these kinds of lawsuits in the future.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/01/lenz-on-taxes http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/01/lenz-on-taxes Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:06:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/02/01/lenz-on-taxes “I don’t think they were elected to reduce taxes.” - Councilman Michael Lenz, 01/30/10, referring to Mayor Dawn Zimmer and her council allies.

Lenz dismissed campaign talk of significantly lower taxes as unrealistic. Instead of cutting taxes, the councilman argued that we should focus on spending tax dollars more [...]]]> “I don’t think they were elected to reduce taxes.” - Councilman Michael Lenz, 01/30/10, referring to Mayor Dawn Zimmer and her council allies.

Lenz dismissed campaign talk of significantly lower taxes as unrealistic. Instead of cutting taxes, the councilman argued that we should focus on spending tax dollars more "carefully."

Contrary to the councilman's "spin," candidate Zimmer promised a 25% tax cut (to view one of her mail pieces, click here). Voters now expect her to deliver. That said, it is our contention that taxes are not truly "cut" until last year's massive tax hike is fully repealed. Otherwise, we are effectively stuck with a permanent tax increase.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/01/25/33rd-district-report-card http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/01/25/33rd-district-report-card Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:09:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/01/25/33rd-district-report-card Americans for Prosperity has released its final report card of the 2008-2009 legislative session. Over fifty key votes were evaluated from a taxpayer's perspective.

We are sorry to report that our district's representatives have utterly failed [...]]]> Americans for Prosperity has released its final report card of the 2008-2009 legislative session. Over fifty key votes were evaluated from a taxpayer's perspective.

We are sorry to report that our district's representatives have utterly failed the taxpayer. In the Assembly, Caridad Rogriguez and Ruben Ramos both earned failing grades. Rodriguez voted in the taxpayer's interest a mere 8% of the time. Ramos fared even worse, with a 2% score. In the Senate, Brian Stack received a paltry 2% score as well. A dual officeholder, Stack also serves as Mayor of Union City.

We'll keep a watchful eye on this tax-and-spend trio, and let you know how they vote in the upcoming session. In the meantime, hold on to your wallets!




]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/01/24/tripodis-phantom-cuts http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/01/24/tripodis-phantom-cuts Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:34:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/01/24/tripodis-phantom-cuts Mile Square View, Judy Tripodi was asked to explain what ever happened to the layoffs and demotions that were announced early last year.

Tripodi concedes that she never delivered on those promised cost reductions. Her "excuse" for inaction [...]]]> Mile Square View, Judy Tripodi was asked to explain what ever happened to the layoffs and demotions that were announced early last year.

Tripodi concedes that she never delivered on those promised cost reductions. Her "excuse" for inaction makes no sense to us. Tripodi claims that she couldn't follow through in light of Peter Cammarano's arrest. However, she made the layoff and demotion recommendations prior to his election. And yet, Tripodi now maintains that she couldn't lay off city employees after Cammarano's arrest, as she "didn't know who was coming in."

Well, Dawn Zimmer was named Acting Mayor in very short order. She was then duly elected. So why haven't those layoffs been made? Tripodi never directly answers that question.

Whatever the reason, this delay has cost taxpayers perhaps as much as one million dollars so far. It's simply infuriating to learn that, after swiftly hitting us with such a massive tax hike, the state fiscal monitor is now in no particular hurry to downsize government. And neither, apparently, is our mayor.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/01/23/obama-to-new-york-drop-dead http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/01/23/obama-to-new-york-drop-dead Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:23:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/01/23/obama-to-new-york-drop-dead
In his latest press conference, Mayor Bloomberg blasted Obama's plans, noting that banks are the foundation of New York's economy. In last week's press conference, [...]]]>
In his latest press conference, Mayor Bloomberg blasted Obama's plans, noting that banks are the foundation of New York's economy. In last week's press conference, Bloomberg warned that Obama's new taxes would transform New York into Detroit.

As so many of our residents work in New York's financial sector, these new taxes and regulations are bad for Hoboken, too. Local concerns aside, is this any way to "stimulate" the nation's economy? The market, apparently, doesn't think so. Stocks plummeted after the plans were announced.

In related news, a recent poll found that 77% of investors view Obama as "anti-business."

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/01/22/haiti-in-crisis http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/01/22/haiti-in-crisis Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:06:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2010/01/22/haiti-in-crisis
There are, of course, those who seek to politicize these events. And there are sincere differences of opinion when it comes to how we can most effectively assist Haitians, once the initial humanitarian response is over. We are of the view that Haiti needs to shore up its own governing institutions, civil society, and rule of law. Haiti desperately needs more foreign investment, and less foreign aid. Free market reforms would attract much needed capital.

For now, though, Haiti needs the world's help. There is no disputing the immediate need for massive humanitarian aid. If you haven't done so already, please consider making a small donation to your favorite charity today (to support the work of AmeriCares, click here).

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2009/12/20/merry-christmas http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2009/12/20/merry-christmas Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:58:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2009/12/20/merry-christmas
More importantly, we collected over 200 toys for children in need over the course of the past week. Hats off to Fernando Uribe and the Hudson County Young Republicans for planning and executing this year's toy drive. Thanks, everyone, for [...]]]>
More importantly, we collected over 200 toys for children in need over the course of the past week. Hats off to Fernando Uribe and the Hudson County Young Republicans for planning and executing this year's toy drive. Thanks, everyone, for your kind support.

We hope that your holiday season is filled with joy. Here's to a happy and prosperous new year!

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2009/12/16/ax-the-tax http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2009/12/16/ax-the-tax Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:34:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2009/12/16/ax-the-tax
Voters should now have a chance to reconsider this decision. In [...]]]>
Voters should now have a chance to reconsider this decision. In retrospect, the open space tax was marketed to voters in a rather deceptive manner. Slick TV ads promised all kinds of new parks and recreation space. The parks, of course, never materialized. Residents who expressed concern over the burden of higher taxes were reassured that offsetting cuts were on the way. Those promised cuts never materialized, either. Instead, we’ve had to endure massive tax hikes.

If our new mayor and council want to demonstrate their commitment to putting taxpayers first, moving to repeal the open space tax is a fine place to start.

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2009/12/14/we-have-a-problem http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2009/12/14/we-have-a-problem Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:53:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2009/12/14/we-have-a-problem


Meanwhile, Democrats are proposing that we raise our nation's debt limit by nearly $2 trillion, to a record $14 trillion or so.

Our federal government is literally broke. And yet, we keep hearing calls for more and more federal spending. At a certain point, this house of cards will collapse. As Margaret Thatcher said, "The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money."

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2009/12/13/annual-christmas-party http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2009/12/13/annual-christmas-party Sun, 13 Dec 2009 16:15:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2009/12/13/annual-christmas-party
Date: Thursday, December 17th
Time: 7:30 PM - 10:30 [...]]]>
Date: Thursday, December 17th
Time: 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Place: Hoboken Bar and Grill (230 Washington Street)
Cost: $20

We'll gather in the downstairs lounge area. We'll have live music, hot food, and a cash bar.

In addition, please consider bringing along one unwrapped toy. All toys collected will be delivered to Toys for Tots.

We hope to see you on the 17th!

All the best to you and yours,

The Hoboken Republicans

]]> http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2009/12/12/grand-opening http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2009/12/12/grand-opening Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:21:00 +0000 http://hobokenrepublicans.com/blog/2009/12/12/grand-opening forum, in which you can post new items, and discuss [...]]]> forum, in which you can post new items, and discuss issues of the day. In addition, you can promote your own events in our community calendar. So please make yourself at home. It is our hope that, with your participation, this new online community will flourish.

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