Re: ACTING MAYOR CONFUSION

Advertise Online – SEO - Search Engine Optimization - Search Engine Marketing - SEM – Domains For Sale – George Washington Bridge Bike Path and Pedestrian Walkway – Corona Extra Beer Subliminal Advertising – Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs – Pet Care – The Tunnel Bar – La Cosa Nostra – Jersey City Free Books

07/15/2018 01:35 PM

Hudson County Facts
In this environment people tended not to be judgmental

08/18/2012 11:10 PM

Computer Repair Blog
XP Local Area Connection stuck at Acquiring Network Address

Re: ACTING MAYOR CONFUSION

Follow Ups | Post A Followup
Hudson County Politics Message Board

Jersey City Guide

Posted by They had to leave or go to jail Glenn was a crook on June 23, 2004 at 11:18:03:

In Reply to: ACTING MAYOR CONFUSION posted by URBAN TIMES NEWS on June 23, 2004 at 07:55:43:

: URBAN TIMES NEWS
: June 18, 2004 - June 24, 2004

: Call 201-451-4131 to have the Urban Times News delivered to a commercial business.

: ACTING MAYOR CONFUSION

: by UTN Staff

: In the few weeks since the death of Jersey City's first son, the Honorable Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham, City Council President L. Harvey Smith has been temporarily fulfilling the office of Jersey City's chief executive. There have been many questions about the actions he has taken in office. These actions have not necessarily been blunders, but they have definitely been wonders - wonders that set the imagination afire with confusion. To paraphrase comedian Arsenio Hall, these are things that make you go ...Hmmmm. Days after the Mayor died of a massive heart attack, Council President took over his office as mayor, a position he has coveted since Cunningham's first successful election. [In that contest, the Hudson County Democratic ganization (HCDO) and the reform Democrat organization RDO), both rejected Smith as a mayoral candidate.] Publicly he claimed that moves needed to be made quickly so as to maintain order and conduct business while allowing the city to heal.

: In the days following the elected mayor's death, the city council president in his role as acting mayor, instituted a massive wave of firings. While the dismissal of key Cunningham staff (Deputy Mayors Eugene Drayton, Anthony Cruz, and Chief of Staff Bill Ayala) was not surprising, theday-after-his-funeral timing of events was. In the midst of Jersey City's grief, City Hall support staff was expelled as well, sacrificing dedicated workers for being Cunningham loyalists.

: Public claims of "maintaining order" and "healing the city" were now obvious lies that could not drown out the sobs of mourning workers lamenting the loss of their leader and now, their livelihood.

: Cunningham Business Administrator Carlton McGee was prepared to leave peacefully. He resigned for personal reasons, and was even rumored to have moved on to a new job. Such does not seem to be the case any longer. Sources say he will be retained as a consultant for the temporary administration, reporting to the acting mayor. Corporate Counsel Karen DeSoto was informed of the installed mayor's intention to fire her, shortly after she offered an opinion potentially criticizing the council's intentions for voting an interim mayor. While she too has scheduled a court appearance, unconfirmed reports claim she is being offered a position as Acting Mayor Smith's personal attorney.

: Smith callously demanded director resignations from: Police Chief Buonocore, Fire Director Jerome Cala, Department of Recreation Bob Hurley, Police Director Sam Jefferson, Department of Housing Economic Development and Commerce Mark Munley and Department of Public Works Director Betty Outlaw, shortly after Cunningham's death. Days later, Smith rejected their resignations and kept Directors Cala, Hurley, Lamboy and Outlaw as agency heads. He did not explain his actions, but insisted it was his right to act as he did.

: To review, Acting Mayor/City Council president Smith fired the elected Mayor Glenn D.Cunningham employees, then turns around and hires them as his own? These not-blunders must count as wonders. They certainly make you go - Hmmmm.

: Buonocore and Munley opted to fight in court rather than submit their resignations. Though positioned as the "one who gave in" by the current administration, insiders know Chief Buonocore has a long and storied history with Hudson County factions. In nearly a dozen court cases where Hudson County officials have challenged Buonocore's position, he has never lost. Buonocore and his attorney had every intention of challenging City Council President Smith's authority to fire him as an "acting" mayor, because a police chief's term is protected, designated as the same full term as the elected mayor. Despite the musings of current administration representatives, no one believes the Chief "backed down" facing the challenge of Acting Mayor Smith.

: Buonocore retains his position after a pre-trial settlement, but sources claim the acting mayor is now "reaching out" to the police chief he had first tried to oust. Again this is no blunder, but what a wonder - to disrespect then pay respects, expecting to be friends?

: Mark Munley, Director of the HEDC, has also scheduled a court date. A former HEDC chief under Gerry McCann, Mayor Cunningham appointed him to office in 2001. Amidst allegations of impropriety at his previous position, Smith heralded investigations into Munley's dealings at the HEDC. Subsequent reports eventually vindicated Munley, though they were not made public until shortly after Cunningham's death. Meanwhile, Munley has returned as HEDC director, claiming an acting mayor does not have the authority to fire him. Smith vehemently vows to expel Munley from the agency once and for all. Meanwhile business at one of the most powerful of the City's Departments has grinded to a halt. Again, no blunder, but one wonders how this helps maintain order.

: Taking a three-month leave of absence from his county post as undersheriff, L. Harvey Smith has barely served in that capacity for three months in total. His boss, County Sheriff Joseph Cassidy is seeking legal advice on how to respond, unsure that he can even grant a leave of absence for the non-civil service position in personnel administration. Smith's job demands that he work days, and he is now using vacation time to which he may not even be entitled. Perhaps it is no blunder, but the hard-working former Undersheriff George Wilson, who was ousted to provide resume fodder for then only Council President Smith, and the hard-working citizens of Jersey City, who would be getting an active undersheriff worth their tax dollars had Smith not flexed political muscle, have to shake their heads and again say, Hmmmm.

: Smith has restructured his compensation, earning $92,000 in base salary as council president and acting mayor. While the salary reflects the mayor base salary, the position reflects a duality that the constitution works to prevent. The need for separation of the mayor's office and the city council is comparable to keeping the President from leading the Senate. It is paramount to the concept of checks and balances inherent in Democracy. For Jersey City, the Municipal Council has acted as the legislative branch, while the Mayor's Office has functioned as the executive branch. Like in federal government, it is inherent that both branches of government be separate. Such is not the case in Jersey City. The city charter has made stipulations to follow in such an event, but the complacency of non-Cunningham councilpersons now benefits their political influence. The "mayor" is now beholden to them. Likewise the Council President claims that his "administration" wants to work with this council. The best example of how revealed itself within two weeks of the elected mayor's passing. Eight appointments to the boards of autonomous agencies were made and voted upon. This contrasts to two years of political wrangling from the city council to prevent the elected Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham from appointing a single member to replace officials whose terms had expired. The elected mayor's appointments were never ratified and the voice of the people was ignored for Council fears that Cunningham appointments would erode their base of power and influence. They now revel in the freedom to push their own agendas and lackeys forward.

: Council appointments included:

: • Elba Perez-Cinciarelli replacing Greg Racelis and Edward Cheatam, newly selected acting deputy mayor, replacing Della Womack on the JCHA.

: • Smith's chief of staff Roger Jones replacing Pamela Gardner and probation officer Thomas Lambert replacing JCPA Executive Director, Jimmy King on the JCIA;.

: • Janet Gaita replacing Marie Tauro as an alternate, and Councilman Gaughan's daughter, Eileen being placed with William Macchi as her alternate on the MUA.

: • Carmen Venezia replaces Paul Kadri who resigned from the JCPA.

: Resolutions nominating these individuals were approved 7-2 with Councilman Lipski and Councilwoman Richardson providing the only dissent. While Gaughan abstained on his daughter's vote she, like the rest, was approved through political nepotism and a voting "mayor" on the council. This is not democracy inaction and it is even questionable if it is the law in action, but with whom shall the people seek remedy? The mayor "for the people" literally votes with the council. He has already finagled mayoral compensation and privilege - freezing all new hires, stopping the awarding or extensions of contracts, and reviewing any expenditures over $1000. The "mayor" is now acting like he is thirsty for greater power, not motivated by his love of Jersey City, but his longtime infatuation with power.

: Defending his actions and intentions, Acting Mayor/City Council President L. Harvey Smith says he will remain as acting mayor until the November election. This presumes that the City Council will not vote to install a new temporary substitute from among its own as mayor, but does not preclude his ouster as City Council president. Either way none of the participants is legally forced to make a move until then. While Smith contends he will run, neither the Hudson County Democrats nor the Reformed Democrats have entertained the idea of supporting him. In fact, sources in the Hudson County Executive's office claim that DeGise and Smith are not speaking, Smith angered by the fact that he is again being spurned again as their nominee for Jersey City mayor. Yet and still, the acting mayor city council president intends to throw his hat in the ring for November, and looks forward to running again in May. He will reportedly throw a fundraiser at the end of this month.

: Disrespecting a beloved mayor, exercising mayoral privileges with no regard for the people affected; trusting party and council colleagues equally hungry to warm the seat of power; nurturing political enemies with deeds and actions that cannot be explained. Again we're not saying any of these things are blunders, we just think it makes you wonder. Just a few more considerations about the acting mayor council president that makes us go - Hmmmm.

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name :
E-Mail :
Subject :

Comments:
: : URBAN TIMES NEWS
: : June 18, 2004 - June 24, 2004

: : Call 201-451-4131 to have the Urban Times News delivered to a commercial business.

: : ACTING MAYOR CONFUSION

: : by UTN Staff

: : In the few weeks since the death of Jersey City's first son, the Honorable Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham, City Council President L. Harvey Smith has been temporarily fulfilling the office of Jersey City's chief executive. There have been many questions about the actions he has taken in office. These actions have not necessarily been blunders, but they have definitely been wonders - wonders that set the imagination afire with confusion. To paraphrase comedian Arsenio Hall, these are things that make you go ...Hmmmm. Days after the Mayor died of a massive heart attack, Council President took over his office as mayor, a position he has coveted since Cunningham's first successful election. [In that contest, the Hudson County Democratic ganization (HCDO) and the reform Democrat organization RDO), both rejected Smith as a mayoral candidate.] Publicly he claimed that moves needed to be made quickly so as to maintain order and conduct business while allowing the city to heal.

: : In the days following the elected mayor's death, the city council president in his role as acting mayor, instituted a massive wave of firings. While the dismissal of key Cunningham staff (Deputy Mayors Eugene Drayton, Anthony Cruz, and Chief of Staff Bill Ayala) was not surprising, theday-after-his-funeral timing of events was. In the midst of Jersey City's grief, City Hall support staff was expelled as well, sacrificing dedicated workers for being Cunningham loyalists.

: : Public claims of "maintaining order" and "healing the city" were now obvious lies that could not drown out the sobs of mourning workers lamenting the loss of their leader and now, their livelihood.

: : Cunningham Business Administrator Carlton McGee was prepared to leave peacefully. He resigned for personal reasons, and was even rumored to have moved on to a new job. Such does not seem to be the case any longer. Sources say he will be retained as a consultant for the temporary administration, reporting to the acting mayor. Corporate Counsel Karen DeSoto was informed of the installed mayor's intention to fire her, shortly after she offered an opinion potentially criticizing the council's intentions for voting an interim mayor. While she too has scheduled a court appearance, unconfirmed reports claim she is being offered a position as Acting Mayor Smith's personal attorney.

: : Smith callously demanded director resignations from: Police Chief Buonocore, Fire Director Jerome Cala, Department of Recreation Bob Hurley, Police Director Sam Jefferson, Department of Housing Economic Development and Commerce Mark Munley and Department of Public Works Director Betty Outlaw, shortly after Cunningham's death. Days later, Smith rejected their resignations and kept Directors Cala, Hurley, Lamboy and Outlaw as agency heads. He did not explain his actions, but insisted it was his right to act as he did.

: : To review, Acting Mayor/City Council president Smith fired the elected Mayor Glenn D.Cunningham employees, then turns around and hires them as his own? These not-blunders must count as wonders. They certainly make you go - Hmmmm.

: : Buonocore and Munley opted to fight in court rather than submit their resignations. Though positioned as the "one who gave in" by the current administration, insiders know Chief Buonocore has a long and storied history with Hudson County factions. In nearly a dozen court cases where Hudson County officials have challenged Buonocore's position, he has never lost. Buonocore and his attorney had every intention of challenging City Council President Smith's authority to fire him as an "acting" mayor, because a police chief's term is protected, designated as the same full term as the elected mayor. Despite the musings of current administration representatives, no one believes the Chief "backed down" facing the challenge of Acting Mayor Smith.

: : Buonocore retains his position after a pre-trial settlement, but sources claim the acting mayor is now "reaching out" to the police chief he had first tried to oust. Again this is no blunder, but what a wonder - to disrespect then pay respects, expecting to be friends?

: : Mark Munley, Director of the HEDC, has also scheduled a court date. A former HEDC chief under Gerry McCann, Mayor Cunningham appointed him to office in 2001. Amidst allegations of impropriety at his previous position, Smith heralded investigations into Munley's dealings at the HEDC. Subsequent reports eventually vindicated Munley, though they were not made public until shortly after Cunningham's death. Meanwhile, Munley has returned as HEDC director, claiming an acting mayor does not have the authority to fire him. Smith vehemently vows to expel Munley from the agency once and for all. Meanwhile business at one of the most powerful of the City's Departments has grinded to a halt. Again, no blunder, but one wonders how this helps maintain order.

: : Taking a three-month leave of absence from his county post as undersheriff, L. Harvey Smith has barely served in that capacity for three months in total. His boss, County Sheriff Joseph Cassidy is seeking legal advice on how to respond, unsure that he can even grant a leave of absence for the non-civil service position in personnel administration. Smith's job demands that he work days, and he is now using vacation time to which he may not even be entitled. Perhaps it is no blunder, but the hard-working former Undersheriff George Wilson, who was ousted to provide resume fodder for then only Council President Smith, and the hard-working citizens of Jersey City, who would be getting an active undersheriff worth their tax dollars had Smith not flexed political muscle, have to shake their heads and again say, Hmmmm.

: : Smith has restructured his compensation, earning $92,000 in base salary as council president and acting mayor. While the salary reflects the mayor base salary, the position reflects a duality that the constitution works to prevent. The need for separation of the mayor's office and the city council is comparable to keeping the President from leading the Senate. It is paramount to the concept of checks and balances inherent in Democracy. For Jersey City, the Municipal Council has acted as the legislative branch, while the Mayor's Office has functioned as the executive branch. Like in federal government, it is inherent that both branches of government be separate. Such is not the case in Jersey City. The city charter has made stipulations to follow in such an event, but the complacency of non-Cunningham councilpersons now benefits their political influence. The "mayor" is now beholden to them. Likewise the Council President claims that his "administration" wants to work with this council. The best example of how revealed itself within two weeks of the elected mayor's passing. Eight appointments to the boards of autonomous agencies were made and voted upon. This contrasts to two years of political wrangling from the city council to prevent the elected Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham from appointing a single member to replace officials whose terms had expired. The elected mayor's appointments were never ratified and the voice of the people was ignored for Council fears that Cunningham appointments would erode their base of power and influence. They now revel in the freedom to push their own agendas and lackeys forward.

: : Council appointments included:

: : • Elba Perez-Cinciarelli replacing Greg Racelis and Edward Cheatam, newly selected acting deputy mayor, replacing Della Womack on the JCHA.

: : • Smith's chief of staff Roger Jones replacing Pamela Gardner and probation officer Thomas Lambert replacing JCPA Executive Director, Jimmy King on the JCIA;.

: : • Janet Gaita replacing Marie Tauro as an alternate, and Councilman Gaughan's daughter, Eileen being placed with William Macchi as her alternate on the MUA.

: : • Carmen Venezia replaces Paul Kadri who resigned from the JCPA.

: : Resolutions nominating these individuals were approved 7-2 with Councilman Lipski and Councilwoman Richardson providing the only dissent. While Gaughan abstained on his daughter's vote she, like the rest, was approved through political nepotism and a voting "mayor" on the council. This is not democracy inaction and it is even questionable if it is the law in action, but with whom shall the people seek remedy? The mayor "for the people" literally votes with the council. He has already finagled mayoral compensation and privilege - freezing all new hires, stopping the awarding or extensions of contracts, and reviewing any expenditures over $1000. The "mayor" is now acting like he is thirsty for greater power, not motivated by his love of Jersey City, but his longtime infatuation with power.

: : Defending his actions and intentions, Acting Mayor/City Council President L. Harvey Smith says he will remain as acting mayor until the November election. This presumes that the City Council will not vote to install a new temporary substitute from among its own as mayor, but does not preclude his ouster as City Council president. Either way none of the participants is legally forced to make a move until then. While Smith contends he will run, neither the Hudson County Democrats nor the Reformed Democrats have entertained the idea of supporting him. In fact, sources in the Hudson County Executive's office claim that DeGise and Smith are not speaking, Smith angered by the fact that he is again being spurned again as their nominee for Jersey City mayor. Yet and still, the acting mayor city council president intends to throw his hat in the ring for November, and looks forward to running again in May. He will reportedly throw a fundraiser at the end of this month.

: : Disrespecting a beloved mayor, exercising mayoral privileges with no regard for the people affected; trusting party and council colleagues equally hungry to warm the seat of power; nurturing political enemies with deeds and actions that cannot be explained. Again we're not saying any of these things are blunders, we just think it makes you wonder. Just a few more considerations about the acting mayor council president that makes us go - Hmmmm.

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

Hoboken Guide

Jersey City and Hoboken Real Estate
Waterfront Apartments and Condominiums

Featured Link

Featured Listing Advertising Program
Business name, Web Site Link and a brief description or motto – runs for one month in the Page (or Pages) of your choice.

Sales Associates Wanted!
GET NJ seeks sales associates to market ads on a commission basis. For more information, e-mail your resume and contact information to sales@getnj.com – Be sure to mention the area of New Jersey and/or the market segment that you plan to serve.

GRAVE ROBBER Jersey City Computer Repair
297 Griffith Street, Jersey City, NJ - 201-798-2292 - In the Heights just off of Kennedy Blvd. - Very close to Journal Square and Union City, just five minutes away from Hoboken, Downtown Jersey City, Newport, the Waterfront, Secaucus, North Bergen and Weehawken - Tech support for The Jersey City Mayor's Office during the administration of Bret Schundler - PC repair - Tivos, too!, upgrade, hardware install, software install, data recovery, spyware removal, virus removal, replace hard drive, replace motherboard, copy files from notebooks, backup information from dead laptops

Wanted! Used Computers!
Used computers bought and sold. Located in Jersey City, NJ - convenient to the Hoboken 2nd Street Light Rail stations and the Journal Square PATH subway station. E-mail graverobber@verizon.net with an itemized list (description) of what you have for sale and the price. Pickup in the New York City Metro area -- minimum 10 units. Secure, guaranteed data removal is available.