Healy Attempts to Thwart Fulop's Mayoral Run, Ethics Reform

Politicker NJ reports that Downtown councilman Steven Fulop's other ballot initiative-- a ban on Pay-to-Play-- is being used by Mayor Healy in an effort to rebuff Fulop's presumed mayoral challenge to Healy.

Healy proposed amending Fulop's pay-to-play reform bill whereby candidates would reveal their net worth and yearly earnings. If a candidate met a threshold of personal wealth, pay-to-play rules would not be enforced. Fulop, an investment banker, likely has a large enough net worth that if he entered the race, the pay-to-play rules would not be in effect for Healy. By contrast, Healy has suckled from the public teat long enough his assets may not qualify, meaning its a win-win-win for Healy.

City Clerk Folds to Machine Pressure and Rejects Fulop Ballot

The Journal reports that city clerk Robert Byrne refused to certify petitions that would have placed an ethics reform bill on the ballot as a referendum in November.

The ordinance in question would have prevented council members from collecting more than one salary from taxpayers. Downtown councilman Steven Fulop first proposed the ordinance in a council meeting, but the other council members, all of whom collect at least two tax payer funded salaries, soundly rejected the bill. Since then Fulop worked to send the ordinance to a referendum vote.

First the city set the required number of signatures around 1,500, but when it became apparent that threshold would easily be met, the city than decided to require more than 12,000 signatures. Byrne's failure to certify the petitions ultimately will lead to a court battle.

One Fulop Peition on Ballot, Second Undecided

One of downtown Councilman Steven Fulop's reform referendums has gotten on the ballot, but the second is still waiting for a legal decision, writes the Journal. The referendum banning pay-to-play -- the practice of campaign contributors receiving government contracts -- is on the ballot. But Fulops other referendum, banning public officials from having more than one government salary is still to be decided. Elected officials likely fear the second initiative more, as the ban on multiple tax payer salaries would crimp their earning power and reduce their future pensions.

Healy Could Be Out After Decision on Newark Councilwoman

A Newark councilwoman used her position to obstruct justice more than two years ago, and now must give up her position thanks to a judges ruling. Some are hoping the ruling will apply to Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy who was involved in a drunken scuffle at the Jersey shore. PolitickerNJ writes that potential mayoral candidate Lou Manzo is looking into the legal options to remove Healy.

Smith Polling Could Mean Another Contender for Mayor's Race

A thread on JCList mentions a new live poll being conducted in the city comparing positives and negatives of current Mayor Jerramiah Healy against former (Acting) Mayor L. Harvey Smith. Smith would join former Mayor Bret Schundler, downtown councilman Steven Fulop, and State Senator Sandy Bolden-Cunningham as possible mayoral contenders. The May 2009 election is already over shadowing November's presidential election in the city; the mayor and council are both up for re-election, and decisive incumbent losses could be mean a power shift and major blow to the Hudson County Democratic machine.

Ethics Reform Thwarted by Machine Politics

Downtown Councilman Steve Fulop's ethics reform referendum appeared ready for the ballot come November. Fulop worked for months to gather signatures to make his proposals a ballot referendum, putting the ballot reform to voters rather than council members.

The original ethics package was rejected by the city council when Fulop introduced it as an ordinance because among other things, the legislation would prevent council members from lining their pockets with taxpayer dollars and cut off their source of campaign cash by limiting contributions from patronage contract holders. In short, Fulop's ethics reform bill would have prevented Jersey City's elected officials from living large off taxpayers.

City officials originally told Fulop that he needed a little over 1,500 signatures for the referendum to appear on the ballot. Fulop, to the chagrin of city officials, produced petitions with enough signatures, at which point the city decided Fulop actually needed more than 12,000 signatures, as reported by the Journal.

Ethics Referendum Short on Signatures, Fulop Promises More

Downtown Councilman Steven Fulop's efforts to get an ethics referendum on the ballot fell short of the required signatures, but he intends to produce petitions with more signatures today, notes Hudson Now. The ethics reform package is similar to one Fulop introduced directly to the council. Other council members tabled the ordinance fearing the reform would cut of their source of campaign cash and patronage jobs.

City Produces Video Selling Jersey City

The city has produced a short video briefly summarizing Jersey City's history and redevelopment-- a propaganda film highlighting everything great on this side of the Hudson. Special mention is made for the city's garish signs that have popped up in recent months. Underdevelopment.TV posts the video, pointing out the hypocrisy at minute 5 when the video goes on to discuss the artists in the Powerhouse Arts District.

Pizza Man Running for Downtown Seat

Downtown business owner Frank Scalcione is running for the Ward E council seat, notes Hudson Now. Scalcione owns Frank's Famous Italian Pizzeria on Monmouth Street, a downtown eatery. No word on whether his platform will include Pizza Party Fridays.

Fulop Building Ticket

Downtown Councilman and expected Mayoral candidate Steven Fulop is building a ticket even though he isn't declared yet in the race, reports Politicker NJ.

Healy Calls Schundler Homophobic

Next year's mayoral election seems far more important in Jersey City than does the upcoming Presidential race. Healy called out Bret Schundler for his anti-gay policies, reports Politicker NJ. Schundler's latent conservative values materialized during his run for Governor against now outed Jim McGreevey in an attempt to attract conservative voters. Apparently, that platform failed. Schundler, who is eager to invade France, may find that demographics in Jersey City have changed since he left the mayor's office in 2001, with many referring to the downtown as the new gayborhood.

Obama Supporters to Drink at Embankment

A social event for Obama Supporters will take place on August 19th, in downtown restaurant / bar, The Embankment. The minimum contribution is $15.

City Judges Indicted

The Jersey City judges who got caught fixing tickets were indicted, notes Politicker NJ.

Schundler Wants "Get Out of Debt Free" Card

Bret Schundler's campaign owes nearly $200,000 in legal fees and campaign consultants, and now he doesn't want to pay his bill. The Star Ledger reports the former mayor is trying to close out his campaign account while still owing $120,290 to a law firm and another $60,812 to a D.C. based consulting firm. Often times politicians attempt to weasel their way out of campaign debts after losing a critical election, and it seems this mayoral candidate is no different.

Two Candidates May Divide Downtown

Politicker NJ reports downtown Councilman Steven Fulop is rebuffing Schundler's offer to hijack the councilman's efforts in ethics reforms. Former mayor and presumed candidate Bret Schundler offered to appear at a press conference with Fulop endorsing the ethics reform ballot.

Fulop worked tirelessly to ensure the package appears on November's ballot, and a joint press conference now would likely do more for Schundler's campaign than the ethics reform package would gain from his appearance. The perception is that both Fulop and Schundler would split downtown voters, where both have strong support.

Iron Monkey Plans, Another Man's Treasure Uncovered

Downtown lounge / bar/ restaurant Iron Monkey is focusing on food writes Jersey City Uncovered. The menu is being revamped and a building renovation is expected to begin in the fall. Other items include a look at Another Man's Treasure and a conversation with councilman Fulop.

City Government Closer to Ethics Reform

Politicker NJ reports that Steven Fulop turned in petition signatures to add an ethics reform package to the November ballot as a referendum. The measures would make Jersey City ethics legislation some of the toughest in the state, and cut off tax payer subsidies of the Hudson County Democratic Organization.

One of reforms address no bid contracts-- the contracts awarded by the council to cronies in exchange for political contributions. Under the ordinance, campaign contributors could not recipients of city contracts, a huge source of revenue for friends of city government.

City officials would also be barred from collecting more than one public salary or pension. The practice of holding multiple public offices in many cases allows politicians to double or triple their salaries -- and their pensions -- at taxpayer expense.

Critics contend that reforms do little to thwart crooked campaign contributions. Contractors often find creative ways to distribute money to party officials legally, but circumventing restrictions.

Either way, assuming the County Clerk certifies the signatures on the ballot, the referendum will appear in November.

Governor Dines Downtown

A post on JCList notes Governor Jon Corzine was seen dining at downtown eatery, Edward's Steakhouse. Corzine keeps an apartment in neighboring Hoboken.

City Dodges State Tax

The Journal reports that Jersey City got itself exempted from a recent state tax on commercial properties. The Journal claims mayor Healy was instrumental in convincing state legislators to exempt transit hubs, which receive tax breaks for commercial development.

Schundler Will Run for Mayor, Invade France

PolitcsNJ confirms that former Jersey City Mayor Brett Schundler will seek the mayor's office in next year's election. The May, non-partisan election is already eclipsing November's presidential election in Hudson County, and the result could dramatically change local politics.

Schundler, who also ran for Governor as a Republican, is rumored to be considering dropping the party. Even though the election is technically non-partisan, the Hudson County Democratic machine Organization essentially controls the city's government. Jersey City's mayor is often head of the county party, influential in both Trenton as well as county level government. The mayor's seat is critical for control of patronage contracts and jobs.

Schundler ruled Jersey City for nearly 10 years before leaving the post to campaign full time as a Republican for Governor against Jim McGreevey. Schundler ultimately lost that race. His departure allowed Glenn Cunningham to come to power leading to infighting in the once powerful HCDO. Cunningham died of a heart attack just a tentative peace had been hammered out. In the power void that followed, many of Hudson County's respected politicians have fallen, risen, and fallen again, from Bayonne to Union City.

Schundler is working towards building a slate to challenge Healy and the Hudson County Democratic Organization. But the field is very crowded already. Healy will seek reelection, the party already running ads. But the HCDO may find trouble with Sandy Bolden-Cunningham, Glenn Cunningham's widow. She convinced the HCDO to back her for a state senate seat against perpetual mayoral candidate Lou Manzo, a long time Hudson County legislator. Now Sandy Bolden-Cunningham is about to bite the hand that feeds her and run for mayor herself.

Also contemplating a run for mayor is Steven Fulop, the ambitious downtown councilman who is anti-establishment. He found support from Glenn Cunningham while he was still alive, but Fulop backed Manzo rather than side with Cunningham's widow in the district 31 Senate race last year. If Fulop skips out on running for mayor and instead hope to hold his council seat, he'll find a challenge from his long time ally Shelly Skinner.

In short, the playing field is already crowded and Brett Schundler's entry only means things are about to get dirtier.

Schundler Ready to Run for Mayor, Invade France

Former Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler has given Republicans in Hudson County the impression he is as ready to run for mayor as Steven Fulop and Sandy Bolden-Cunnigham, which is to say, basically already campaigning. PolitickerNJ writes that influential party members believe Schundler's mayoral bid is all but certain. Republicans are concerned though that Schundler might drop the Republican moniker and run as an independent. Schundler left the mayor's seat to run for Governor, which he lost to Jim McGreevey who resigned in disgrace and wrote a book about the experience.

City Shakes Down Developer for Abatement

The developer of Canco Lofts wanted a better abatement deal. City councilman Bill Gaughan wanted a donation for the city's construction apprenticeship program. The shake down worked, and the developer agreed to donate money to the program. The abatement is on tonight's agenda, reports the Journal.

Hudson Machine Changes Bi-Laws Fearing Power Loss

The Hudson Reporter writes that the powerful Hudson County Democratic Organization -- the party machine responsible for Mayor Healy and State Senator Bolden-Cunningham -- reorganized the party's bi-laws in order to protect the organization's officers in the event of losses. Instead of a one year term, the officers would sit for two. All this is likely in anticipation of Bolden-Cunningham challenging Healy's hegemony by running for mayor.

Mayor 'Rodney King' Healy Files Suit Against Town

The Asbury Park Press reports Jersey City mayor Jeremiah Healy filed a lawsuit against Bradley Beach and several police officers stemming from his arrest. Healy, who has been photographed naked and allegedly drunk on his front porch, was mercilessly beaten by the police.

Homocides Jump After Last Year's Slump

The Jersey City Reporter writes that homicides are up for the first four months in 2008, a year after the Mayor touted declines for the same period in 2007. City spokesperson Stan Eason tried quelling fears of rising crime with double talk.

More police officers are on their way this summer and in the next academy class, with Urban Enterprise Zone money paying for new officers. If that doesn't work, voters can send Healy and the council packing next May.

City and Honeywell Enter Land Deal

The city transfer 35 acres to Honeywell in a deal with the company to clean up 100 acres of chromium tainted property and eventually resell the parcels for redevelopment on the West Side reports the Journal. Jersey City and Honeywell will share in the profits from the sale of the land, with Honeywell paying the city an advance against future profits. THat $15 million dollars has already been spent by the Healy administration plugging holes in this years budget. Healy faces a crowded field in next year's mayoral election.

Indoor Soccer League to Benefit Healy Charity

Jersey City will host an indoor soccer tournament on Thursday night, with proceeds benefiting the Jerramiah T. Healy Charitable Foundation, reports Our Sports Central.

Healy Tries Playing Get Out Of Jail Free Card

Hudson Now reports that Mayor Healy is attempting to have overturned his conviction for assaulting two police offers in Bradley Beach.

Rules Don't Apply to City Hall

They aren't getting away with murder, but considering the usual cost of parking fines, it might as well be. While the Parking Authority has been illegally booting parked cars, they don't even bother writing a ticket to city vehicles parked in "No Parking Anytime" zones, according to a JCList Post.

Traffic wardens wrote several tickets to ordinary citizens, but drove passed the tax assessor's car without a second glance despite being parked below a sign that read "N o Parking Anytime."

Schundler Doesn't Like Drunks, Might Run for Mayor

Politicker NJ has a lengthy piece on Brett Schundler. Apparently beer swilling gamblers hanging outside of the Grove Street PATH station more than two decades ago inspired Schundler to run the first time around. The article claims Schundler isn't quite sure if he wants to run for mayor, though the rhetoric sure makes it sound like he is already campaigning.

Low Turnout in Ward F

Yesterday's primary election had low voter turnout; that fact is not that unusually, especially since the Presidential primary was held three months earlier. But turnout was also low in Ward F, a stronghold of Bolden-Cunningham who backed primary loser Rob Andrews. Politicker NJ posits some theories as to why, like Healy's appointment of Bolden-Cunningham's aid to the Municipal Utilities Authority.

Column C Wins

Hudson County Democratic Organization freeholder candidates, featured on Column C, won their contested primaries. Column C also featured Jersey City's sitting democratic congressman and Senator Frank Lautenberg.

Hudson County Clerk

Healy Denies Political Appointment is Political

Politicker NJ briefly mentions a Healy appointment of Bolden-Cunnigham's adviser to the Municipal Utilities Authority. Healy brushed off a suggestion that the appointment was to keep the adviser from working too hard for Andrews.

Bolden-Cunningham -Hearts- Andrews

Sandra Bolden-Cunningham, a presumptive candidate for mayor jumped onto the Rob Andrew's band wagon over the weekend notes Politicker NJ. Bolden-Cunnigham, a state senator, owes her political career to the death of her husband Glenn Cunningham, a former mayor of Jersey City.

Andrews, a southern New Jersey democrat owes his political career and financial backing to the Camden County Democratic Party, a powerful south Jersey political machine, and is more likely to favor Camden to the detriment of northern cities like Newark and Jersey City. Bolden-Cunningham likely hopes to tap the Camden County machine for money in next year's bid against a Hudson County Democratic Organization candidate, presumed to be current Mayor Jeremiah Healy. The Camden Democratic organization is the most influential party organization in the southern half of the state but often spars with powerful northern democratic machines.

Downtown Councilman Steve Fulop also joined Andrews. Fulop, a political maverick, is, like every other Jersey City politico, expected to run for mayor. Last week, Shelley Skinner, a Fulop supporter announced a bid for his downtown council seat, fueling speculation Fulop will jump into the mayoral race. However, Fulop has in the past shared a ticket Bolden-Cunningham's husband when he was alive, but more recently endorsed Bolden-Cunnigham's opponent in last year's primary.

Medical Center Screwed By Corzine Budget

The Jersey City Medical Center will be shorted almost $42 million under Corzine's proposed budget while Hoboken's University Medical Center will be out $4 million dollars, reports the Journal. The cuts are to be made to state charity care payments, but does not provide a solution to residents without health insurance. Corzine, who keeps an apartment in Hoboken to qualify as a state resident, has a personal fortune worth several hundred million dollars.

Council Grants Stay of Execution to Abusive Booting Practices

Downtown councilman Steve Fulop wanted to end abuses by the parking authority in downtown neighborhoods. The parking authority has been booting cars when they should have only been writing tickets for zone violations; the boots should only be attached to cars after the third violation. But the boot generates more revenue for the city.

City council members sent Fulop's ordinance to committee, reports the Journal, for several revisions. Jersey City Heights councilman Bill Gaughan reprimanded Fulop for suggesting that the city should stop balancing the budget with downtown parking tickets introducing a bill that "didn't make any sense."

Fulop Ally Going After Ward E Seat

Shelley Skinner, an education activist and Fulop supporter announced her bid for Fulop's Ward E council seat, reports the Journal. Skinner's decision could be another case of Hudson County political back stabbing, or simply means Fulop will, as expected, will run for Mayor, though Fulop denied having made a decision. Two other former allies are also running for the city's top spot. Mayor Healy and the HCDO supported usurper Sandra Bolden-Cunningham for a state senate seat hoping the position would placate former Mayor Cunningham's widow, but now seems to have backfired with Bolden-Cunningham readying a campaign against Healy.

Poll Points to Schundler Entering Race

A poll circulating around the city points to former mayor Bret Schundler entering next year's race for the city's top office, reports NJ Politicker.

Fulop Hearts Andrews

Downtown councilman hosted Rob Andrews over the weekend notes NJ Politicker. Fulop is expected to run for mayor next year in opposition to the Hudson County Democratic Organization, supporters of Andrew's opponent Frank Lautenberg.

More on City Hall Annex

City Hall proposed an expansion for itself last week. The Hudson Reporter writes up in a timely fashion a bit more on the proposed expansion off Jersey Avenue.

McCain Visits Jersey City

Presidential candidate John McCain visited the Liberty Science Center today, notes WNYC.

Jersey City Undisputed Champion of Corruption

Campaigns and Elections, a national magazine for political wags and policy wonks, writes up a bit on a century of Jersey City political corruption with flashbacks to the heavy hitters like Branden Byrne and Jerry McCann. Mayor Healy gets a special shout out too, though less for corruption and more for his antics:

In 2004, during a special mayoral election that Healy ultimately won, photos depicting the future mayor nude and drunkenly slumped on his front stoop were widely publicized after a neighbor with a camera phone captured several shots of him in full, unattired glory.

The in depth article is worth the read, though its probably more shocking for those unfamiliar with local politics.

Bolden-Cunningham Ready to Take on Former Allies

Sandra Bolden-Cunningham is preparing to challenge Mayor Healy, writes Politicker NJ. Last year Bolden-Cunningham cut a deal with the Hudson County Democratic Organization to usurp Lou Manzo for the State Senate seat, beating Manzo in a primary contest. The HCDO hoped the senate seat would placate Bolden-Cunningham, but now it seems as though she plans on using the seat to launch an assault the organization.

Politicker NJ mentions that Bolden-Cunnigham's support in the African-American community would account for about 30 percent of votes, but with a crowded field of possible candidates, the voters elsewhere may splinter enough to allow 30 percent to crown a king.

Cunningham for Mayor Rumors

The Hudson Reporter notes Sandra Bolden-Cunningham made an appearance at the Coach House, a popular meeting location for Hudson County politicians. Meeting with officials allied with HCDO expat Brian Stack, Bolden-Cunningham maybe setting up to challenge the Hudson County Democratic Organization and run an opposition campaign to Mayor Healy.

The irony here is that the HCDO bumped long time ally Lou Manzo from the state senate ballot last year in favor of Bolden-Cunningham, hoping the state position would placate the inexperienced, albeit ambitious candidate. A state senate position is very powerful since senators have the ability to block state appointments within a county, which means Bolden-Cunningham could leverage her position to keep HCDO supporters from promotions.

Besides incumbent Mayor Healy, other possible mayoral candidates include downtown Councilman Steve Fulop, former assemblyman perpetual mayoral candidate Lou Manzo, and former mayor and gubernatorial candidate Bret Schundler. Mayoral elections in the city are non-partisan.

Guarini Gets Post Office

The downtown post office at Montgomery and Washington Streets will be named after Frank J. Guarini, a World War II veteran and former Congressman from Jersey City, notes the Journal. The official ceremony will be held on June 16.

Senators Bring Home Money for Brownfields

Senators Lautenberg and Menendez announced $400,000 will be coming to Jersey City to assess contamination sites in the city, including abandoned gas stations.

Press Release

Tight Board of Ed Race May Not Conclude Until Friday

10 votes separate two candidates for the school board Hudson Now reports. Tuesday's election returned Mayor Healy supported incumbents Sue Mack and Peter Donnelly to the board, but the third seat between Rev. John McReynolds and Frances Thompson is still too close to call. McReynolds was also backed by Healy.

Board of Education Elections Tomorrow

Tomorrow Jersey City is holding a board of Education Election between the hours of 2pm and 9pm. All previously registered voters are eligible.

Healy Supports Congestion Pricing

Mayor Healy supports New York City's congestion pricing plan, reports the Journal. Congestion pricing would impose a fee for entering the heart of New York City during peak periods, similar to a system that has successfully reduced peak period congestion in London. The goal is to both reduce traffic allowing buses and taxicabs fast access to the city's core while decreasing the environmental impact of idling cars, and raising money or mass transit projects throughout the region. Under one plan, commuters paying tolls at Port Authority access points would be exempt. However, if the agency fails to provide a billion dollar payment into a regional transportation fund, vehicles coming from the bridges and tunnels would be assessed additional fees.

Healy Backing Lautenberg

Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy will back Frank Lautenberg if he faces a primary challenge, reports Politicker NJ. Democratic Sentor Lautenberg has retired once already, but in 2002 replaced Bob Torricelli after the Torch made a last minute withdrawal from the Senate race and is seeking reelection.

Deputy Fire Chief to Become Chief

Jersey City's fire chief is retiring and will be replaced by deputy chief Michael O’Reilly, reports JC Register.

Jaywalkers to Fund City Hall

Beginning today, Jersey City police will step up efforts to ticket jaywalkers around the city, notes Hudson Now. In addition, police will be targeting vehicles that fail to yield to pedestrians.

Manzo Makes Headlines Slamming Abatements

Yesterday during an Assembly Budget Committee hearing, former Assemblyman Manzo criticized tax abatements granted by the state's cities to encourage development. He contends that the abatements deprive schools of revenue which is then subsidized by the state. Manzo received local headlines in the Jersey Journal and attention elsewhere in Courier Post.

Manzo Rips Abatements

Hudson Now reports that former Assemblyman Lou Manzo questioned the city's dolling out of tax abatements in recent years at an Assembly Budget Committee hearing.

Schundler Contemplates Return

Bret Schundler, failed gubernatorial candidate and former mayor of Jersey City is contemplating a return to city hall reports the New York Times. Schundler would likely face current Mayor Jeremiah Healy who has been campaigning for next year's election since taking office in 2005. Other could be candidates include former Assemblyman and one time mayoral candidate Lou Manzo, Jersey City State Senator Sandra Bolden-Cunningham, and current downtown councilman Steve Fulop. The next election is more than a year away.