Thank you for your support for my first run in Hoboken/ Hudson County politics as Freeholder of District 5 in Hudson County. As a first time candidate running as an independent I was realistic and did not expect to win. However, I am very happy with the turnout from this election in that I got 1724 votes. I ran my campaign to raise awareness on the issues of Hoboken getting the short of the "Stick" with respect to services we get back from Hudson County and I believe my message resonated with the Hoboken and Jersey City Heights voters.
This campaign was limited by design. I look at many of my undertakings with an eye on return on investment and not just from a financial standpoint. Sure, I could have spent $30,000 and the margin may have been closer but the result would have very likely been the same. I am grounded in that reality. This run is just a beginning and I intend to get Hoboken involved more in watching the County. Hoboken deserves its fair share and my turnout has sent a message to the County that there is a large enough block of voters that feel they are being robbed. I intend to grow that base of voters over the next 3 years and give it another shot.
I extend congratulations to Anthony Romano for winning his re-election and hope to work with him to be a better Freeholder for Hoboken and JC Heights. I hope next time he will be willing to debate the issues instead of cowering in a corner and hiding behind the HCDO banner. Several debates will give the voters more information next time to make their decision on who to vote for. There are opportunities coming up for the County to finally deliver services for Hoboken that we have been denied of for years. Look for me to continue to advocate for our public schools, a better municipal government and more accountability from Hudson County with our taxpayer dollars.
This first campaign of mine was less of a campaign and more of a social media experiment in enabling a grass-roots political movement . Imagine the possibilities when I run a campaign for real. Thanks again voters. You sent a message to Hudson County Bosses for sure. In words of despised destruct-a-con Hoboken 2nd Ward City Council Woman Beth Mason and Anthony Romano political ally "We did it!" :)
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Celebrate Gardiner For Freeholder Post Election Party at Turtle Club Tonight at 8:15pm!
Celebrate Kurt Gardiner For Freeholder Post Election Party at Turtle Club in Hoboken tonight at 8:15pm! Win or lose at the polls we will gather to await results and celebrate choice in democracy and good governance for Hoboken and Jersey City Heights residents. The Turtle Club is located at 936 Park Avenue Hoboken, NJ. Their phone number is (201) 710-5960. RSVP to me at kurt.gardiner@gmail.com and tell your friends who support fair taxation and services for Hoboken/Jersey City Heights residents.
VBM Vote Harvesting over 1,000 in Hoboken!
Here is a breakdown of the vote by mail totals for Freeholder District 2 which includes all of Hoboken and Jersey City Heights. The total count for Hoboken is 1,065 VBMs. That porbably is a new record in Hoboken. The Fourth Ward has a whopping 574 as of today and all the vote by mails have yet to be counted. Jersey City Heights has 155 VBMs. It would appear Mayor Zimmer opponent Frank Raia has been very busy harvesting votes in the 4th Ward in particular. That man is a hell of a vote harvester. Hats off to Frank Raia for getting out the vote. Looking forward to the forensic analysis on the money trail behind this herculean effort.
For reference, here is the link to the full VBM report: http://thebokenonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Hoboken-JCHeights-5th-Freeholder-vote-by-mail-report-11-7-2011.pdf
For reference, here is the link to the full VBM report: http://thebokenonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Hoboken-JCHeights-5th-Freeholder-vote-by-mail-report-11-7-2011.pdf
Dave Mello Hoboken Councilman at Large Endorses Kurt Gardiner for Freeholder
Hoboken Councilman At -Large Dave Mello gets into the latest rush to endorse Kurt Gardiner's (my)candidacy for Freeholder. His statement and video are below:
In a video release, Hoboken City Councilman David Mello has endorsed Kurt Gardiner for election as Hoboken's representative on the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders. "I've been fighting for the creation of a southwest park in Hoboken for years now," said Mello. "With seventeen percent of Hudson County's tax dollars coming from Hoboken residents, despite Hoboken making up less than eight percent of the County's population, isn't it time that the County fully partnered with Hoboken in efforts to create this park? A southwest park in Hoboken could provide vital flood remediation and greatly improve the quality of life in Hoboken." Mello further said, "Many large residential buildings have gone up just over the southwest borders of Hoboken in recent years. At this moment, cement is being poured for yet another residential building just south of Hoboken's train trestle in Jersey City; the Cast Iron Lofts. It's only logical to see that residents of other Hudson County municipalities will use a southwest park if one is ever created. Hudson County's Fifth District needs a freeholder who will fight for a Hoboken and County partnership in the creation of this park." The Cast Iron Lofts will bring 155 new rental units to the Jersey City neighborhood just over the border from Hoboken's Fourth Ward.
Jersey City already is home to Lincoln Park, a 273.4 acre Hudson County park. Hoboken's only county park is Columbus Park on Clinton Street, a 3.2 acre, mostly passive park space.
In a video release, Hoboken City Councilman David Mello has endorsed Kurt Gardiner for election as Hoboken's representative on the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders. "I've been fighting for the creation of a southwest park in Hoboken for years now," said Mello. "With seventeen percent of Hudson County's tax dollars coming from Hoboken residents, despite Hoboken making up less than eight percent of the County's population, isn't it time that the County fully partnered with Hoboken in efforts to create this park? A southwest park in Hoboken could provide vital flood remediation and greatly improve the quality of life in Hoboken." Mello further said, "Many large residential buildings have gone up just over the southwest borders of Hoboken in recent years. At this moment, cement is being poured for yet another residential building just south of Hoboken's train trestle in Jersey City; the Cast Iron Lofts. It's only logical to see that residents of other Hudson County municipalities will use a southwest park if one is ever created. Hudson County's Fifth District needs a freeholder who will fight for a Hoboken and County partnership in the creation of this park." The Cast Iron Lofts will bring 155 new rental units to the Jersey City neighborhood just over the border from Hoboken's Fourth Ward.
Jersey City already is home to Lincoln Park, a 273.4 acre Hudson County park. Hoboken's only county park is Columbus Park on Clinton Street, a 3.2 acre, mostly passive park space.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Political Cartoon - Brian Stack Eats Hoboken's Money!
A friend of mine who is a Union City artist that used to live in Hoboken sent this political cartoon in. The cartoon is not so much a reflection of the artist's political beliefs but his understanding of where I stand with respect to Brian Stack on how he eats up Hoboken's money at the county level.
Of course Union City Mayor and NJ State Assemblyman Brian Stack enjoys a large plurality in Union City, Hoboken is paying for it. Tomorrow the polls are open from 6am-8pm. Make sure you vote Kurt Gardiner for Freeholder Column C Row 6. Send Hudson County bosses like Brian Stack a message that Hoboken deserves its fair share too. Its Hoboken's tax money too! Shame on you Brian Stack! Arnold Diaz is watching you!
Of course Union City Mayor and NJ State Assemblyman Brian Stack enjoys a large plurality in Union City, Hoboken is paying for it. Tomorrow the polls are open from 6am-8pm. Make sure you vote Kurt Gardiner for Freeholder Column C Row 6. Send Hudson County bosses like Brian Stack a message that Hoboken deserves its fair share too. Its Hoboken's tax money too! Shame on you Brian Stack! Arnold Diaz is watching you!
Hoboken Councilwoman Jen Giattino endorses Kurt Gardiner for Freeholder
Hoboken Councilwoman Jen Giattino of the 6th Ward endorses Kurt Gardiner for Freeholder. Read below for another example of additional support that is out there for Kurt Gardiner for Freeholder. The momentum is picking up for my candidacy. It seems my ideas are resonating with voters....
Hoboken City Councilman Ravi Bhalla Endorses Kurt Gardiner For Freeholder
Ravi Bhalla, Hoboken City Council President has endorsed Kurt Gardiner for Freeholder for Hudson County District 5:
Dear Editor-
I write to offer support and an endorsement of my good friend, Kurt Gardiner, for county Freeholder for the 5th District, which includes Hoboken and portions of Jersey City Heights.
When Mayor Dawn Zimmer and I first ran for elective office, we were not politicians, but rather citizens sincerely concerned about the direction of Hoboken, and wanted to serve to make positive change for our community. Last Friday’s sale of the Hoboken University Medical Center is just one example of how regular people focused solely on Hoboken’s best interests, can bring their respective talents to the table and achieve historic change for the City of Hoboken. It is also an example of how an ordinary person with extraordinary determination – Mayor Zimmer – brought together like-minded residents to successfully work for the greater good of Hoboken.
We must also remember that Hoboken is not an island unto itself. A large portion of our tax levy is County taxes that are impacted by the decisions of our county legislators, also known as Freeholders. It is important for us to understand the impact that policies at the county and state level have on Hoboken, and for well intentioned and talented residents in Hoboken to step up and run for elective office not just at the local level, but at the county and state level as well.
Kurt Gardiner is one of those persons and I humbly request you cast your ballot for Kurt tomorrow. For as long as I have known Kurt, he has been an honest, thoughtful, and humorous straight-shooter. Kurt does not pull any punches, even with me. There have been times where Kurt has disagreed with a position I have taken, and he never hesitates to call me and express his disagreement. Kurt is a courageous man who I believe has the intelligence, energy and ability to stand up to business as usual at the county level and advocate for the best interests of Hoboken and Jersey City residents.
Sincerely,
Ravi S. Bhalla
Democrats for Honest Government
Dear Editor-
I write to offer support and an endorsement of my good friend, Kurt Gardiner, for county Freeholder for the 5th District, which includes Hoboken and portions of Jersey City Heights.
When Mayor Dawn Zimmer and I first ran for elective office, we were not politicians, but rather citizens sincerely concerned about the direction of Hoboken, and wanted to serve to make positive change for our community. Last Friday’s sale of the Hoboken University Medical Center is just one example of how regular people focused solely on Hoboken’s best interests, can bring their respective talents to the table and achieve historic change for the City of Hoboken. It is also an example of how an ordinary person with extraordinary determination – Mayor Zimmer – brought together like-minded residents to successfully work for the greater good of Hoboken.
We must also remember that Hoboken is not an island unto itself. A large portion of our tax levy is County taxes that are impacted by the decisions of our county legislators, also known as Freeholders. It is important for us to understand the impact that policies at the county and state level have on Hoboken, and for well intentioned and talented residents in Hoboken to step up and run for elective office not just at the local level, but at the county and state level as well.
Kurt Gardiner is one of those persons and I humbly request you cast your ballot for Kurt tomorrow. For as long as I have known Kurt, he has been an honest, thoughtful, and humorous straight-shooter. Kurt does not pull any punches, even with me. There have been times where Kurt has disagreed with a position I have taken, and he never hesitates to call me and express his disagreement. Kurt is a courageous man who I believe has the intelligence, energy and ability to stand up to business as usual at the county level and advocate for the best interests of Hoboken and Jersey City residents.My endorsement of Kurt is not a reflection of my views of our current Freeholder, Anthony Romano. For as long as I have known him, Freeholder Romano has been a professional and true gentlemen in all of our interactions. Freeholder Romano works very hard and I sincerely believe also has the best intentions of the residents of the 5th District. So you have two good candidates to choose from.
At this time in Hoboken’s history, however, our interests would be better served through the election of a qualified candidate emerging from outside the confines of traditional Democratic county politics. That person is Kurt Gardiner and I sincerely hope you will cast your vote for him tomorrow.
Ravi S. Bhalla
Democrats for Honest Government
Anthony Romano Spending Big Bucks to get Re-Elected - Has Mrs. Richard Mason's Money Behind Him
Anthony Romano is spending big bucks to be re-elected as Freeholder of District 5. He was spotted this morning at the ferry campaigning with 2nd Ward City Counilwoman Beth Mason who did everything in her power to blow up the hospital sale and almost plunge Hoboken into bankruptcy to just make Mayor Dawn Zimmer look bad. Beth Mason's scorched earth politics and quest for power have earned her citywide ire and yet Anthony Romano shows poor judgement and still campaigns with one of the most toxic politicians in Hoboken's history. Makes you wonder if he really has Hoboken's best interests at heart. Beth Mason/ Ricky Mason of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz put in $5,000 to Romano's kittle and had distant 3rd place finisher Ines Garcia pimp out the party line with a fluff piece on Romano's minimal accomplishments for Hoboken in The Hudson Reporter. Both Peter Cunningham and Jen Giattino submitted endorsements of me but they were not published by the Hoboken Reporter.
Below is the cover page from Anthony Romano's 11 day Election report filed late on November 4, 2011. To date Anthony Romano has raised over $108,000 for his re-election and spent over $82,000. Looks like he wants his county car and all the perks really bad. He has essentially ran a campaign of prestige while I have run one on platform. To date I have spent about $1300 and am self-funded to $2500.
Anthony Romano is getting big financial support from HUMC Deal Destroyer Beth Mason as well as Hudson County Bosses like O'Donnel, North Bergen Democrats and Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith. No wonder Hoboken gets back pennies on the dollar for its $46 million we paid in 2010. Anthony Romano is beholden to County Bosses!
For reference the latest ELEC reports of Anothony Romano below:
Anthony Romano 11 Day ELEC Report Filed November 4th:
http://thebokenonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Anthony-Romano-Freeholder-11-Day-Report-11-4-2011.pdf
Anthony Romano 29 Day ELEC Report Filed November 4th:
http://thebokenonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Anthony-Romano-Freeholder-29-Day-Report-11-4-2011.pdf
Below is the cover page from Anthony Romano's 11 day Election report filed late on November 4, 2011. To date Anthony Romano has raised over $108,000 for his re-election and spent over $82,000. Looks like he wants his county car and all the perks really bad. He has essentially ran a campaign of prestige while I have run one on platform. To date I have spent about $1300 and am self-funded to $2500.
Even Peter Cammarano slate-mate Mike Novak who ran with the corrupt Mayor Cammarano who made the classic mistake of going to a money drop with his bag man and Tom Degise get into the act with their contributions.
Anthony Romano 11 Day ELEC Report Filed November 4th:
http://thebokenonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Anthony-Romano-Freeholder-11-Day-Report-11-4-2011.pdf
Anthony Romano 29 Day ELEC Report Filed November 4th:
http://thebokenonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Anthony-Romano-Freeholder-29-Day-Report-11-4-2011.pdf
Mayor Dawn Zimmer on Fundraiser, Rent Control and Freeholder Race
Mayor Dawn Zimmer gives the Freeholder Race which a mention from her extensive email list. As has been reported earlier the Mayor has stayed neutral on the Freeholder Race between me and Anthony Romano and I respect that. I can't think though that a mention from the Mayor can't help me in terms of my get out the vote effort. Remember to vote Tuesday November 8th Column C Row 6 for the Candidate with the best ideas on how to give Hoboken taxpayers a tax cut and Jersey City Heights and Hoboken more services. That candidate is me Kurt Gardiner and so far the grass roots response has been encouraging. The better my turnout the stronger the message back to the County. Tell your friends. Rock the vote and the Hudson County Bosses that take our money and give little in return!
Dear Friends,
Great news! Hoboken University Medical Center has officially been saved. On Friday the funds were wired and I received a certificate from TD Bank that the City is no longer responsible for the $52 million bond guarantee!
On Thursday, November 17th, please come and join a celebration at my house, and help make sure we can continue to move Hoboken in the right direction. (See invitation here) .
I cannot thank all the Authority members enough, and in particular, Chairwoman Toni Tomarazzo, for their tremendous contributions to our community.
I also want to thank all of you who gave your support on Sunday night. Thanks to the many citizens who raised their voices the message was clear: Our Hospital and our financial well being are not toys for cynical politicians to play with - the political games that are threatening the health of our community must stop now.
Tuesday, November 8th Election:
Please remember to vote this Tuesday. While many of the races are not in doubt, there are two important items that I’d like to highlight:
Rent control: The new rent control Ordinance being challenged by referendum maintains the core protections of our existing rent control system and was passed unanimously by the City Council with my support.
It is not perfect, but represents a genuine attempt to resolve serious issues with the existing law. Those issues led a court to rule that elements of the existing law were applied in a manner which was “arbitrary and capricious.”
The new Ordinance seeks to create a fairer rent control system for both renters and owners, while helping to protect the City from significant potential litigation exposure. The legislation does not increase in any
way the legal rent that may be charged on any apartment.
The ballot is confusing. A “No” vote supports the new legislation and will allow the modest changes approved unanimously by the City Council to become law.
Freeholder: The Board of Chosen Freeholders is, in effect, the City Council of the County. Kurt Gardiner is running as an independent against the incumbent Freeholder, Anthony Romano. This is technically a partisan election, but no Republican is on the ballot. Kurt stepped up to ensure that voters would have a choice, since uncontested elections are not consistent with our democracy.
I urge each of you to learn about the candidates and cast your vote for the individual who you feel will best represent Hoboken’s interests in the County.
Thank you all for your support, and I hope to see many of you on November 17th.
- Dawn
[Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer]
Dear Friends,
Great news! Hoboken University Medical Center has officially been saved. On Friday the funds were wired and I received a certificate from TD Bank that the City is no longer responsible for the $52 million bond guarantee!
On Thursday, November 17th, please come and join a celebration at my house, and help make sure we can continue to move Hoboken in the right direction. (See invitation here) .
I cannot thank all the Authority members enough, and in particular, Chairwoman Toni Tomarazzo, for their tremendous contributions to our community.
I also want to thank all of you who gave your support on Sunday night. Thanks to the many citizens who raised their voices the message was clear: Our Hospital and our financial well being are not toys for cynical politicians to play with - the political games that are threatening the health of our community must stop now.
Tuesday, November 8th Election:
Please remember to vote this Tuesday. While many of the races are not in doubt, there are two important items that I’d like to highlight:
Rent control: The new rent control Ordinance being challenged by referendum maintains the core protections of our existing rent control system and was passed unanimously by the City Council with my support.
It is not perfect, but represents a genuine attempt to resolve serious issues with the existing law. Those issues led a court to rule that elements of the existing law were applied in a manner which was “arbitrary and capricious.”
The new Ordinance seeks to create a fairer rent control system for both renters and owners, while helping to protect the City from significant potential litigation exposure. The legislation does not increase in any
way the legal rent that may be charged on any apartment.
The ballot is confusing. A “No” vote supports the new legislation and will allow the modest changes approved unanimously by the City Council to become law.
Freeholder: The Board of Chosen Freeholders is, in effect, the City Council of the County. Kurt Gardiner is running as an independent against the incumbent Freeholder, Anthony Romano. This is technically a partisan election, but no Republican is on the ballot. Kurt stepped up to ensure that voters would have a choice, since uncontested elections are not consistent with our democracy.
I urge each of you to learn about the candidates and cast your vote for the individual who you feel will best represent Hoboken’s interests in the County.
Thank you all for your support, and I hope to see many of you on November 17th.
- Dawn
[Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer]
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Campaign Literature Available for Pickup for Kurt Gardiner for Freeholder Tonight and Tomorrow Night!
Thanks to my supporters so far that have been getting the word out about my candidacy for Freeholder this Tuesday November 8th. Vote Kurt Gardiner column C Row 6 for an end to business as usual and more services and lower taxes for Hoboken and Jersey City Heights residents!
I have literature that has been produced and attached here for your downloading convenience. I also have many 5X7 campaign post cards that you can pick up at 807 Garden Street Apartment 6 at the following times:
My email is kurt.gardiner@gmail.com if these times don't work for you.
Gardiner for Freeholder 8X11 flier:
http://thebokenonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Gardiner-for-Freeholder-Flier-1.pdf
Gardiner for Freeholder 5X7 cards front:
http://thebokenonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Gardiner-for-Freeholder-5X7-Cards-Front.pdf
Gardiner for Freeholder 5X7 cards back:
http://thebokenonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Gardiner-for-Freeholder-5X7-Cards-Back.pdf
Note: If you print out any significant amount of literature above provided please keep track of the cost and email me at kurt.gardiner@gmail.com with a receipt attached for reimbursement from my campaign funds as an in-kind contribution. If you think your copying costs will go over $50 let me know so I can keep track of costs. It is is very important that my campaign do things by the book. My campaign is about leading by example. My opponent filed his 29 day report on November 4th. Not a good example of following the rules. Yet another reason I am running for office.
Below are pictures of 5x7 campaign cards that I produced. Kudos to Mimosa Digital on Washington Street for turning this print job around in one day! They are awesome and very customer focused.
I have literature that has been produced and attached here for your downloading convenience. I also have many 5X7 campaign post cards that you can pick up at 807 Garden Street Apartment 6 at the following times:
- Sunday November 6th 6pm-9pm
- Monday November 7th 8pm-10pm
My email is kurt.gardiner@gmail.com if these times don't work for you.
Gardiner for Freeholder 8X11 flier:
http://thebokenonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Gardiner-for-Freeholder-Flier-1.pdf
Gardiner for Freeholder 5X7 cards front:
http://thebokenonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Gardiner-for-Freeholder-5X7-Cards-Front.pdf
Gardiner for Freeholder 5X7 cards back:
http://thebokenonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Gardiner-for-Freeholder-5X7-Cards-Back.pdf
Note: If you print out any significant amount of literature above provided please keep track of the cost and email me at kurt.gardiner@gmail.com with a receipt attached for reimbursement from my campaign funds as an in-kind contribution. If you think your copying costs will go over $50 let me know so I can keep track of costs. It is is very important that my campaign do things by the book. My campaign is about leading by example. My opponent filed his 29 day report on November 4th. Not a good example of following the rules. Yet another reason I am running for office.
Below are pictures of 5x7 campaign cards that I produced. Kudos to Mimosa Digital on Washington Street for turning this print job around in one day! They are awesome and very customer focused.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Peter Cunningham endorses Kurt Gardiner for Freeholder
I picked up a crucial endorsement from Peter Cunningham my 5th Ward Representative....
Dear Editor,
It is with great pleasure that I endorse candidate Kurt Gardiner for Hudson County Freeholder.
We are in need of a Freeholder that will truly fight for lower taxes and efficiencies in County government by first, giving up the County car and requesting operational audits; recommending a salary cut to Freeholder salaries and a hiring freeze; and finally voting NO on any tax increases!
Kurt’s website lays out his plan for proposed changes to reduce our county tax burden at http://www.gardinerforfreeholder.com/. Please visit Kurt’s website, and consider this Independent candidate for Hudson County Freeholder for HOBOKEN.
Sincerely,
Peter Cunningham
Councilman, Hoboken’s 5th Ward
Note: This letter was originally submitted for publication in the Hudson Reporter but will not make the pre-election edition of the Hudson Reporter.
Dear Editor,
It is with great pleasure that I endorse candidate Kurt Gardiner for Hudson County Freeholder.
We are in need of a Freeholder that will truly fight for lower taxes and efficiencies in County government by first, giving up the County car and requesting operational audits; recommending a salary cut to Freeholder salaries and a hiring freeze; and finally voting NO on any tax increases!
Kurt’s website lays out his plan for proposed changes to reduce our county tax burden at http://www.gardinerforfreeholder.com/. Please visit Kurt’s website, and consider this Independent candidate for Hudson County Freeholder for HOBOKEN.
Sincerely,
Peter Cunningham
Councilman, Hoboken’s 5th Ward
Note: This letter was originally submitted for publication in the Hudson Reporter but will not make the pre-election edition of the Hudson Reporter.
Gardiner For Freeholder- Platform
Below is my platform for my run for District 5 Freeholder in November 2011. If you see any issues missing please email me at kurt.gardiner@gmail.com and I will take your concerns under consideration.
Introduction
I have put forth the following issues for the voter to digest for my candidacy for Freeholder in November of 2011 to represent District 5 which includes all of Hoboken and parts of Jersey City Heights. My opponent Anthony "Stick" Romano is albeit an affable fellow, but he is an entrenched County Machine politician and locally aligned with the "Loyal Opposition" to Mayor Dawn Zimmer. His allies are in the process of trying to stop bringing in effect many of the good government issues to Hoboken. More impotantly and unfortunately with my opponent, it is Hudson County patronage politics as usual at the next level.
My opponent may have the advantage of the incumbency but I believe I have the advantage of the better ideas reflected in this platform below and it is high time these concepts were extended to the county level. Hoboken and Jersey City Heights need better representation that does not look to appease county bosses and put our district first. That is why I am running for Freeholder. We need to stop getting the short end of the "Stick".
Lowering County Taxes
Hoboken’s taxes went up in each of the three years that my opponent was Freeholder of District 5 in Hudson County. My opponent voted yes on the budget in each of his three years as Freeholder. In one year alone taxes for Hoboken went up 10%! Clearly the expenditures could use some trimming for both Hoboken and JC Heights residents. In any organization there is at least 5-10% waste if it is a well run private entity. For Hudson County a level of waste of 20% is a modest estimate. The Hudson County Budget is rapidly approaching 1/2 of a billion dollars!
Here is some great irony for you. This is from Tim Occhipinti's Campaign Website for Hoboken City Council 4th Ward:
I propose the following approaches and actions to being to lower the Hudson County Patronage Leviathan which results in such high taxes for our district for so little service...
1) Immediate hiring freeze. All non-essential positions will be thinned out over time through attrition which at least initially is the least painful way to trim operating expenses.
2) Conduct Operational Audits. This has been done by the City of Hoboken and acted on to produce savings by ensuring areas are properly staffed but not overstaffed. Overstaffed or top-heavy areas will be restructured at the conclusion of those audits and a period of review.
3) Eliminate the Department of Constituent Services. This department is not necessary with the implementation of a 311 system to track the progress of each and every constituent issue. The system itself can route the calls to the appropriate division and metrics can be monitored by Division Heads and the County Executive. Having metrics and utilizing them will result in better services for our constituents and provide accountability.
4) Outsource Cleaning Services and other non-civil service related areas. These jobs are notorious for their use as political patronage. The county should not be funding pensions and medical benefits for these positions that can easily be handled by a non-governmental agency.
5) Completely Re-examine the Table of Organization. After the audits are completed this is the next logical step. Create an action plan and implement. I am not opposed to using attrition as the main tool where possible. I am a fiscal conservative on local issues, not a heartless person. In fact, by increasing operational efficiencies it will leave more money for capital improvements to even better improve the lives of Hudson County residents.
6) Vote No on Budget Increases. Even though if elected I would likely be a minority member on the Board of Freeholders, I think it is important to vote no loudly until the County Executive shows he is serious about providing essential services as efficiently as possible within the context of government and thus show respect for the Hoboken/JC Heights taxpayer in these tough economic times.
7) Service based philosophy. Jobs should only exist to provide essential services. Jobs created to just create jobs are not productive and foster an environment of legalized corruption through the graft of patronage. The culture of entitlement must be put on notice that change must happen. Put simply, a service based model of governance provides more service, patronage model, more patronage.
8) Institute Best practices model where possible. Now you can’t always mimic the private sector in the best way to systematize processes. However through the use of technology and the concepts of Enterprise Resource Planning standard procedures can be automated making current employees tasks easier and therefore requiring fewer employees.
9) Advocate for Professionally Negotiating Union Contracts. If elected I will vote yes on any contract that goes to the best bidder through an RFP process to help with union negotiations when they come up.
10) Advocate for 10% salary cut for all Freeholders and the County Executive. As elected leaders Freeholders should share in the financial austerity.
11) Fair Tax Formula. Ensure that the county tax formula isn't adjusted to screw Hoboken even more than it has already. Other County Freeholders appear to view Hoboken as some kind of ATM machine where the withdrawals never get credited to their own accounts. This piracy simply has to stop.
12) No Budget Gimmicks: I will not zero out a budget surplus as some other power hungry, foolish, and shameless Hoboken politician tried to do just to play political games. That is an irresponsible way to help taxpayers and I won't go that route if elected.
Parks- Current
Hudson County has 9 parks in total. Two parks, Columbus and Washington Park, serve Hoboken and JC Heights respectively. Here are my observations on those parks as of July 2011:
Positive Observations of Columbus Park:
Conclusion : Overall, Columbus Park is a great asset to Hoboken but I am concerned about some simple maintenance issues that should be addressed. This park is in Current Freeholder Anthony Romano’s backyard and yet these issues persist. It seems that a lot of money went into Washington Park for Jersey City Heights although the multi-sport field proposal seems at this point to lack a proper planning process and public input. Where is the love for Hoboken’s only Park?
I feel my opponent should put some attention into his home town and deliver some bacon here and Columbus Park could use a little more TLC. What has Anthony Romano really done to improve Columbus Park in his three year term? The silence that results could be due to County politics or some level of apathy. After all he was not planning on being challenged this year. Hoboken and Jersey City Heights need an advocate that cares about both parks that service District 5. I care.
2) Washington Park
Overall, Washington Park comprises 22 acres and has the following, baseball fields, basketball courts, volley ball courts, tennis courts, picnic area, chess area, gazebo, gardening, jungle gyms, and so much more. As a Hoboken resident I left with a sense of park envy. We in Hoboken only have one small county park in Hoboken and we pay about $50 million a year to the County. What does Hoboken get from the County again? What has my opponent done for Hoboken's one small park?
I hope to reach out to as many groups as possible to get a better understanding of the needs of the residents and how they can be incorporated into proper park planning. At the very least any substantial changes to any of the Hudson County's parks should involve the following at a minimum to ensure the end product meets the constituents true needs:
New County Park for Hoboken
The County should seriously consider buying the Henkel site and turn that site into as many recreation fields as possible. Hoboken is under-served with respect to County Parks and this would be one way to make our tax dollars work for us. It will take years to develop but the process should start as soon as possible. If "Stick" is ok with $12 million dollars for an elitist County Golf Course project than he can lobby for Hoboken to get capital funds for recreational lands for the middle class and underserved in Hoboken.
Transparency and Accessibility of Government
I personally don't view government by what it can do for me but what I can do for it and its constituents. As such I believe in giving back and not so much for the taking aspect but public officials should be justly compensated for their efforts. My opponent who still lives in a subsidized housing when he no longer needs it, is taking up a spot for someone of lower income who could use it instead differs from me in that aspect.
Citizens have heard very little formally from Anthony Romano in his three year reign as Freeholder other than to glad-hand people and pony up to county bosses like at his fundraiser and at various functions. To me that is not enough for effective policy communication but simply "politricking"and displaying the veneer of caring for the constituents' issues. Now mind you I believe Anthony Romano cares about people, I have no doubt in my mind about that but the citizens need to be informed of the issues on a consistent basis. That is one area where my opponent has fallen flat.
Reducing operating expenses through attrition of employees and other cost measures is part of the goal to help fix up Hudson County infrastructure. If elected I will:
Hoboken Resident, Taxpayer and Independent Candidate for Freeholder District 5
Vote Row C for Change on November 8th!
Email: kurt.gardiner@gmail.com
Introduction
I have put forth the following issues for the voter to digest for my candidacy for Freeholder in November of 2011 to represent District 5 which includes all of Hoboken and parts of Jersey City Heights. My opponent Anthony "Stick" Romano is albeit an affable fellow, but he is an entrenched County Machine politician and locally aligned with the "Loyal Opposition" to Mayor Dawn Zimmer. His allies are in the process of trying to stop bringing in effect many of the good government issues to Hoboken. More impotantly and unfortunately with my opponent, it is Hudson County patronage politics as usual at the next level.
My opponent may have the advantage of the incumbency but I believe I have the advantage of the better ideas reflected in this platform below and it is high time these concepts were extended to the county level. Hoboken and Jersey City Heights need better representation that does not look to appease county bosses and put our district first. That is why I am running for Freeholder. We need to stop getting the short end of the "Stick".
Lowering County Taxes
Hoboken’s taxes went up in each of the three years that my opponent was Freeholder of District 5 in Hudson County. My opponent voted yes on the budget in each of his three years as Freeholder. In one year alone taxes for Hoboken went up 10%! Clearly the expenditures could use some trimming for both Hoboken and JC Heights residents. In any organization there is at least 5-10% waste if it is a well run private entity. For Hudson County a level of waste of 20% is a modest estimate. The Hudson County Budget is rapidly approaching 1/2 of a billion dollars!
Here is some great irony for you. This is from Tim Occhipinti's Campaign Website for Hoboken City Council 4th Ward:
"Recently the state introduced a new funding formula to calculate a municipality’s county tax rate. This formula caused Hoboken to take a tremendous hit in County taxes and resulted in a $6 million county tax increase. [Thanks Anthony Romano]
Hoboken pays nearly $46 million dollars to Hudson County. Our city is only one square mile. We are one of 12 municipalities in Hudson County and represent 6% the County’s 600,000-plus total population. Yet, we pay 17% of the overall county tax levy!"Tim, who along with Anthony "Stick" Romano is aligned against Mayor Dawn Zimmer as part of the loyal opposition to governmental efficiencies, hit the nail on the head with this one and that is the main reason while I am running for Freeholder. Again, The County budget is almost 1/2 billion dollars and Hoboken doesn't get even close to its fair share of services for the $46 million it paid in 2010! That's an outrage but rather than just complain I have some real remedies.
I propose the following approaches and actions to being to lower the Hudson County Patronage Leviathan which results in such high taxes for our district for so little service...
1) Immediate hiring freeze. All non-essential positions will be thinned out over time through attrition which at least initially is the least painful way to trim operating expenses.
2) Conduct Operational Audits. This has been done by the City of Hoboken and acted on to produce savings by ensuring areas are properly staffed but not overstaffed. Overstaffed or top-heavy areas will be restructured at the conclusion of those audits and a period of review.
3) Eliminate the Department of Constituent Services. This department is not necessary with the implementation of a 311 system to track the progress of each and every constituent issue. The system itself can route the calls to the appropriate division and metrics can be monitored by Division Heads and the County Executive. Having metrics and utilizing them will result in better services for our constituents and provide accountability.
4) Outsource Cleaning Services and other non-civil service related areas. These jobs are notorious for their use as political patronage. The county should not be funding pensions and medical benefits for these positions that can easily be handled by a non-governmental agency.
5) Completely Re-examine the Table of Organization. After the audits are completed this is the next logical step. Create an action plan and implement. I am not opposed to using attrition as the main tool where possible. I am a fiscal conservative on local issues, not a heartless person. In fact, by increasing operational efficiencies it will leave more money for capital improvements to even better improve the lives of Hudson County residents.
6) Vote No on Budget Increases. Even though if elected I would likely be a minority member on the Board of Freeholders, I think it is important to vote no loudly until the County Executive shows he is serious about providing essential services as efficiently as possible within the context of government and thus show respect for the Hoboken/JC Heights taxpayer in these tough economic times.
7) Service based philosophy. Jobs should only exist to provide essential services. Jobs created to just create jobs are not productive and foster an environment of legalized corruption through the graft of patronage. The culture of entitlement must be put on notice that change must happen. Put simply, a service based model of governance provides more service, patronage model, more patronage.
8) Institute Best practices model where possible. Now you can’t always mimic the private sector in the best way to systematize processes. However through the use of technology and the concepts of Enterprise Resource Planning standard procedures can be automated making current employees tasks easier and therefore requiring fewer employees.
9) Advocate for Professionally Negotiating Union Contracts. If elected I will vote yes on any contract that goes to the best bidder through an RFP process to help with union negotiations when they come up.
10) Advocate for 10% salary cut for all Freeholders and the County Executive. As elected leaders Freeholders should share in the financial austerity.
11) Fair Tax Formula. Ensure that the county tax formula isn't adjusted to screw Hoboken even more than it has already. Other County Freeholders appear to view Hoboken as some kind of ATM machine where the withdrawals never get credited to their own accounts. This piracy simply has to stop.
12) No Budget Gimmicks: I will not zero out a budget surplus as some other power hungry, foolish, and shameless Hoboken politician tried to do just to play political games. That is an irresponsible way to help taxpayers and I won't go that route if elected.
Parks- Current
Hudson County has 9 parks in total. Two parks, Columbus and Washington Park, serve Hoboken and JC Heights respectively. Here are my observations on those parks as of July 2011:
Positive Observations of Columbus Park:
- The people I have been able to talk to really like the park overall and some even say they take their kids there every day.
- It has really nice old trees that give great shade in the summertime heat.
- The rectangular building is historic and can be used for certain events like dance classes, special events.
- There are tennis courts and a basketball half-court.
- There is a nice jungle gym for the kids.
- There is a sprinkler/shower the kids can use to cool off in the summer.
- People seem to really enjoy relaxing there based on my observations.
- Of course, being a Mile Square City, you can walk to it from Hoboken.
- The flowerbeds are really in bad shape with flowers dying. The soil needs to be improved and new sustainable planting need to be put in their stead.
- This is not my idea as several people mentioned this: Put a bid out to vendors to have a small café in the rectangular building. It would add a nice dynamic to the park. There is storage in the basement that makes this feasible.
- Several bushes are way overgrown and need to be pruned.
- Some other plantings need to be weeded.
- There is an old rusty payphone stand that has no phone. This can be removed.
- The lights in the park could be replaced with something nicer. They are quite utilitarian at best or ugly at worst. Maybe a Green Acres grant is in order.
- There are leaves that appear to be from last fall that need to be raked up.
- Some areas need to be re-sodded where there is dirt.
Conclusion : Overall, Columbus Park is a great asset to Hoboken but I am concerned about some simple maintenance issues that should be addressed. This park is in Current Freeholder Anthony Romano’s backyard and yet these issues persist. It seems that a lot of money went into Washington Park for Jersey City Heights although the multi-sport field proposal seems at this point to lack a proper planning process and public input. Where is the love for Hoboken’s only Park?
I feel my opponent should put some attention into his home town and deliver some bacon here and Columbus Park could use a little more TLC. What has Anthony Romano really done to improve Columbus Park in his three year term? The silence that results could be due to County politics or some level of apathy. After all he was not planning on being challenged this year. Hoboken and Jersey City Heights need an advocate that cares about both parks that service District 5. I care.
2) Washington Park
Overall, Washington Park comprises 22 acres and has the following, baseball fields, basketball courts, volley ball courts, tennis courts, picnic area, chess area, gazebo, gardening, jungle gyms, and so much more. As a Hoboken resident I left with a sense of park envy. We in Hoboken only have one small county park in Hoboken and we pay about $50 million a year to the County. What does Hoboken get from the County again? What has my opponent done for Hoboken's one small park?
I hope to reach out to as many groups as possible to get a better understanding of the needs of the residents and how they can be incorporated into proper park planning. At the very least any substantial changes to any of the Hudson County's parks should involve the following at a minimum to ensure the end product meets the constituents true needs:
- Need engineering study
- Need traffic study
- Need public process
- Need community input
- Need overall visioning plan for park as whole
- Need to consider sustainable plantings wherever possible
- Old trees should be preserved wherever possible
New County Park for Hoboken
The County should seriously consider buying the Henkel site and turn that site into as many recreation fields as possible. Hoboken is under-served with respect to County Parks and this would be one way to make our tax dollars work for us. It will take years to develop but the process should start as soon as possible. If "Stick" is ok with $12 million dollars for an elitist County Golf Course project than he can lobby for Hoboken to get capital funds for recreational lands for the middle class and underserved in Hoboken.
Transparency and Accessibility of Government
- All Freeholder meetings should be moved to preferably to 7pm but at least to 6pm to accommodate those who work during the day. This move will simply increase turnout at public meetings and public participation.
- All Freeholder meetings should by taped and aired on local Cable Channels to allow seniors and other citizens who have busy schedules to see what transpires during all open portions of them.
- All Freeholder meetings should be broadcast live using UStream or some other relatively inexpensive/free streaming technology.
- The Hudson County website should make a page that archives all past agendas as well as post future agendas for Freeholder meetings. Currently only the latest meeting is easily found.
- I will demand an investigation into the alleged patronage hire of Michele Russo to determine:
- Was the job she was offered properly noticed?
- If so many many candidates were interviewed?
- Compare a copy of the job requirements with her actual resume to determine if she is in fact qualified as a janitorial service supervisor?
- If elected I will recuse myself from any votes where there is either a clear conflict of interest or even the appearance of one if applicable.
I personally don't view government by what it can do for me but what I can do for it and its constituents. As such I believe in giving back and not so much for the taking aspect but public officials should be justly compensated for their efforts. My opponent who still lives in a subsidized housing when he no longer needs it, is taking up a spot for someone of lower income who could use it instead differs from me in that aspect.
- If elected I will donate 1/3 of my Freeholder salary after taxes to the following local organizations:
- Hoboken Homeless Shelter.
- Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corp.
- Jubilee Center.
- Some other worthwhile charities in Jersey City Heights.
- If elected, I will not make use of the county car provided for each Freeholder. I will use Corner Cars,Zip Car or Mass Transit when necessary. This will save the county money. A county car? Are they serious?
- If elected, I will use the part of Freeholder allowance to hire a part time grant writer to see if the County can get more State or Federal grant money specifically for our district. I will not hire Carmelo Garcia to deliver cakes. He makes enough money already as the head of HHA.
- Advocate for a 10% salary cut for all Freeholders and the County Executive. Again, the burden of austerity must be shared.
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| Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps: just one of many worthy organizations to donate to in Hoboken and Jersey City Heights. |
Communication
Citizens have heard very little formally from Anthony Romano in his three year reign as Freeholder other than to glad-hand people and pony up to county bosses like at his fundraiser and at various functions. To me that is not enough for effective policy communication but simply "politricking"and displaying the veneer of caring for the constituents' issues. Now mind you I believe Anthony Romano cares about people, I have no doubt in my mind about that but the citizens need to be informed of the issues on a consistent basis. That is one area where my opponent has fallen flat.
- I will provide monthly recaps of Freeholder meetings to my constituents though my expertise in websites, writing, and social media.
- I will also provide a periodic newsletter to keep constituents informed.
- I will also call town hall meetings seasonally to get constituent feedback as required.
- I will also provide communications in a timely manner for issues that are important and can't wait.
Reducing operating expenses through attrition of employees and other cost measures is part of the goal to help fix up Hudson County infrastructure. If elected I will:
- Seek to get more grants for parks, roads, and other infrastructure improvements.
- Seek to get Washington Street back to being a County Road. It was a county road before former Hoboken Mayor David Roberts took it back and it desperately needs to be completely repaved and get new traffic signals. It is a road heavily used by vehicles outside of Hoboken but my opponent fails to understand how making this a County Road would really help the Hoboken taxpayer. I get it. It is about getting more services for under served Hoboken.
- Advocate that the North Hudson Sewerage Authority do more to fix Hoboken's 100 plus year old wooden sewer lines. While this is not my jurisdiction I will use the stature of the office to see if more can be done and report back to the people.
- With the savings from operational cuts, use those savings for capital projects that improve our infrastructure for county assets.
- If elected I plan to work with the county sheriff to ensure that patrols of county roads in our district meet the needs of our constituents.
- Green technology should bused where ever possible as long as it is cost effective. In many cases green technology can save money.
- More Public Transportation for District 5. Public Transportation options in Hoboken have been cut since I have moved here in 2003. NJ Transit has cut weekend 126 route bus service. The PATH cut the weekend direct line from Hoboken. NJ Transit cut the weekend express that goes to the Jersey Shore. The light Rail schedule to Hoboken got cut. Hoboken should not be getting the short end of the "Stick" when it comes to public transport. The City of Hoboken is a walking city and a transportation hub and that needs to be supported by all local office holders.
Hoboken Resident, Taxpayer and Independent Candidate for Freeholder District 5
Vote Row C for Change on November 8th!
Email: kurt.gardiner@gmail.com
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