Councilman Steven Fulop - Fall 2011 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
It’s that time of year: Here is the quarterly newsletter for constituents. I don’t take for granted the trust you have placed in me, and I use this newsletter as an opportunity to highlight the issues I think you should be aware of as a resident of Jersey City. I try to be comprehensive, but I know there will be more questions or concerns, so please don’t hesitate to reply to this email with any additional inquiries.
Before I get into the news, I like to provide a fun update that pertains to our city. In this newsletter I have two.
First, Tomasz Adamek, a Jersey City resident, lost last month in his World Heavyweight Boxing Championship fight against Vitali Klitschko in Poland. I was sorry to Tomasz lose (his professional record is now 42-2, by the way), but it’s impressive to have a Jersey City resident competing at this level.http://www.boxingscene.com/vitali-klitschko-beats-adamek-down-tko-win--43625.
Second, The FX Channel is streaming and promoting a new TV show called “The Untitled Jersey City Project.” I guess publicity like this can never hurt. You can see the previews here: Www.untitledjerseycityproject.com
And now… on to the happenings in the real Jersey City. As always, thanks for your support!
Sincerely,
Steven Fulop
Subjects:
Section 2: Legislation Updates
Section 3 : Infrastructure Updates
Section 4: Important Misc. Information for you to know
Taxes
If you have been reading these updates, you know that I strenuously object to the current administration’s continual refusal to establish a city budget until late into the budget year. This year, the budget was not passed until well into the ninth month. And while I am happy to report that residents won’t be hit with the kinds of tax increases they have the past few years, there is a significant increase in an important budget line. I encourage taxpayers to look into the budget under the heading “Amount to be Raised by Taxes.” This Hudson Report piece explains the issues:
I have been pushing and will continue to push for the city budget to be adopted early in the year, so that meaningful cuts can be made to avoid the ongoing scramble for funds and the emergency tax hikes. I suggested some significant consolidation plans and cost-cutting initiatives, but these were not politically acceptable to the administration.
Senior Tax Freeze
Senior citizens in Jersey City should know about the State Senior Tax Freeze Program, under which eligible seniors do not have to pay increases in property taxes. The October 31st deadline for the program is approaching. Below is a link to a page that outlines eligibility and the application process. Many people aren’t aware of this very helpful program, so please pass the link to anyone you feel may be eligible.
http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/propfrez.shtml
WARD E LEGISLATION UPDATES
September 11th
As many of you know, I served in the Marine Corps after 9/11, so this past September 11th was of great personal significance to me. But not only to me. I recently sponsored an ordinance to rename part of the Governor’s Waterfront Walkway in honor of Marlon Jackson and Rafael Nieves, two young Jersey City men who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The next time you are near Exchange Place, I would urge you to visit the plaque honoring Marlon Jackson and Rafael Nieves at its location on the renamed segment of the Walkway. You can read more about this in an Op-Ed here:
http://www.nj.com/hudson/voices/index.ssf/2011/09/this_911_we_honor_two_local_pi.html
Health Benefits for Part-Time Politically Appointed Volunteer Boards
For years and years, mayors have been providing “Cadillac Plan” health care benefits to politically appointed members of boards that meet once a month. The cost to the taxpayers is hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Because of the value of these benefits, we too often find people appointed to these boards who are friends of the mayor but not necessarily knowledgeable, qualified individuals.
Two years ago I introduced an ordinance that would eliminate health benefits for part-time boards. At the initial reading my proposal was defeated 7-2. I reintroduced the same ordinance at the next meeting, and it was defeated 6-3. This time, however, Council President Brennan introduced an ordinance restricting when and how I could reintroduce such ordinances. For the past two years, every six months, like clockwork, I have reintroduced this ordinance with the idea that slowly over time I would create enough public pressure to force the council to support this common-sense, cost-saving measure. Last month, after four attempts, the ordinance I sponsored passed. You can read more about this here:
http://www.nj.com/jjournal-news/index.ssf/2011/09/jersey_city_councilman_steve_f_1.html
Flooding Disclaimer
Hurricane Irene was a lesson for Jersey City on many fronts. Many people did not know how severe an issue flooding was in their particular area before they moved there. Our office is now working with the city’s legal department to draft an ordinance that would require clear and specific notification for renters and buyers of properties located in high-risk flood zones. This would be coupled with plans to provide information that will allow people to properly prepare.
Use of City-Owned Cars
Two years ago I proposed that Jersey City stop providing city-owned vehicles and free gasoline to politically connected people. I thought it was another common-sense idea. I had no idea it would create such political furor. Initially, the city’s legal department said that I, as a councilperson, couldn’t legislate how vehicles were given out. They stated that per the Faulkner Act, it is the sole responsibility of the mayor. Thus, I took a different approach and sponsored an ordinance that would require the placing of the city seal on every city-owned vehicle. My thinking was that a clearly labeled car would limit improper use of city-owned vehicles: If a taxpayer saw a “Jersey City Official Use Car” at a bar in Monmouth County, he or she would know something was amiss. The administration pushed back aggressively, but after two years of repeated attempts—and two years of the public becoming more aware of what was going on, and more insistent that something be done—the measure passed last month 5-4.
However, in true Jersey City fashion, the mayor vetoed this reform. I was most disappointed to see that Councilman Ray Velazquez, who received his appointment from the mayor, and whom the Mayor is supporting and financing in the November election, has refused to vote to override. It is upsetting that we still have council people who put the needs of their constituents after their own. However, I will continue my mission to curb this practice and I will put the ordinance back on the agenda as soon as permissible.
http://www.nj.com/jjournal-news/index.ssf/2011/09/jersey_city_councilman_fulop_t.html
Parking Authority Consolidation Into the City
I continue to be a proponent of consolidation and elimination of autonomous agencies that lack accountability and transparency. All too often, these quasi-governmental agencies operate away from public scrutiny, which drives accountability and efficiency down and costs up. Our office has drafted the attached proposal to roll the Parking Authority back under city oversight. I think the numbers speak for themselves on cost savings. I am confident we can improve performance, protect the employees doing the work, and eliminate redundancies. I have forwarded my proposed ordinance to my council colleagues and am awaiting their response.
Ordinance for Consolidation
http://stevenfulop.com/autonomous-agency-consolidation-into-city-parking-authority
INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES
PATH Elevator
In previous newsletters I have communicated that many residents have inquired about the lack of handicapped and stroller accessibility at the Grove Street PATH station. You may be aware that there is a lawsuit making its way through the federal court system citing the Port Authority’s failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. I want to recognize Peter Gimbel and two advocacy groups, Heightened Independence and Progress and the United Spinal Association for their significant roles in the lawsuit . Last month, a judge ruled in their favor, saying the Port Authority was required to install elevators at the Grove Street PATH Station. You can read more about this important ruling here:
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/09/federal_judge_rules_grove_stre.html
Flooding/Sewer
Over the past several years, we have been working with the Municipal Utilities Authority to mitigate the flooding issues in downtown. Though it has long been apparent to everyone that the antiquated Jersey City sewer system has to be replaced, the administration has procrastinated. Last July, however, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ordered Jersey City to start much-needed and required improvements. The total cost of the project will be $52 million, with the project starting this year. You can read more about this here: http://www.jerseycityindependent.com/2011/07/19/jersey-city-mua-forced-to-invest-52-million-in-sewer-system-to-resolve-federal-clean-water-act-violations/
Spectra Pipeline
Despite headwinds, our office continues to lead the charge against Spectra Energy’s proposal to build a natural-gas pipeline through Jersey City. You can read more here on the latest: http://www.nj.com/jjournal-news/index.ssf/2011/09/jersey_city_debates_how_to_han.html.
You can stay up to date on happenings here by signing up at www.nogaspipeline.org.
The Federal Regulatory Energy Commission has scheduled a last-chance meeting for public comments on the pipeline for October 19 at 7 p.m. at Ferris High School. I encourage you to attend the meeting. I also encourage you to make comments online by signing No Gas Pipeline’s petition, which will be delivered to FERC, and to become a member of NGP to assist their legal standing in federal court. For more information, go to www.nogaspipeline.org/petition and www.nogaspipeline.org/membership.
Traffic
Traffic Light - 9th and Manila– Underground work is complete. Delivery of the poles and arm should occur this week, with construction and final completion following immediately.
Traffic Light - Washington and Bay- Underground work is complete. Delivery of the poles and arm should occur this week, with construction and final completion following immediately.
Traffic Light Washington and Morgan-Underground work is completed. Delivery of the poles and arm should occur this week, with construction and final completion following immediately.
Jersey Avenue Extension into Liberty State Park –Our office has been working with the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency, Friends of Liberty State Park, and developer John Neu in order to complete the first step in designing a street improvement plan for the Jersey Avenue Extension. The completion of this segment of Jersey Avenue would greatly improve local circulation by allowing direct vehicular access to Jersey City’s commercial business district. The main thrust of this effort is to relieve the Bergen Lafayette neighborhood of 5,000 vehicular trips made daily by motorists who must travel through local streets to reach their destinations. The goal for the proposed extension is to drastically reduce this "cut through" traffic without harming the commercial business district.
MISCELLANEOUS UPDATES
November City Council Races
Having served for the last 6 years on the City Council, I recognize more and more the importance of having a council that is smart, proactive, independent, passionate, engaged, and solution oriented. This November there are two vacant seats on the City Council. This is a result of the early resignations of two individuals who ran on the mayor’s slate. Mariano Vega resigned on corruption charges, http://hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/15556089/article-Developer-claims-JC-officials-tried-to-extort-apartments-Former-Council-Prez-Vega--Mayor-Healy--city-agencies-named-in-lawsuit-?instance=secondary_stories_left_column and Willie Flood resigned because of health issues http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2011/02/willie_flood_resigns_from_city.html.
I know that most residents don’t have time to attend debates. However, there is a great Facebook forum on which you can get insight into qualifications and positions. As of now the candidates are participating with engaged dialog, feedback, and questions/answers. You can join the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/JerseyCityCouncilCandidatesForum
Do you want to be on the Jersey City Board of Education?
Consistent with our team’s goal of empowering community residents to get involved in the political process, rather than political bosses selecting candidates, our team has set up a committee and selection process for Board of Education candidates. The committee comprises 15 parents. They come from all over the city, and all either have children in the schools or are involved in education reform, While they may have different views on education, those on the committee share a common vision: that Jersey City has tremendous potential. If you are interested in applying to gain their support for your candidacy to the Board of Education please fill out this link and we will contact you. http://stevenfulop.com/nominate
