Summer 2011 Newsletter - Ward E
I hope this newsletter finds you well, with your summer off to an enjoyable start. Before anything else, I want to extend a deep and heartfelt thanks for all the community support received during the last Board of Education election and in many of the Democratic Committee races earlier this week. Working together as a team of committed volunteers, we turned out an exceptional performance, once again proving that if we can empower a new generation of political leaders whose main focus is community, many of the issues that Jersey City residents come up against daily can be solved.
My City Council office has been working hard on the legislative front as well as on quality of life issues essential to improving the city. As the representative of Ward E, I have been focused on a broad range of issues that affect you directly - from tax stability, fiscal accountability and transparency to every day concerns such as stop signs and street paving. I hope you find the information below useful. It is content heavy, but I feel that keeping you informed is essential. This newsletter represents a composite of frequent community concerns, however if there is something that is not covered here please feel free to reach out to me at fulops@jcnj.org
Sincerely,
Steven Fulop
III. Legislation in the Pipeline
V. Traffic & Engineering issues
IX. Community Feedback Request
Budget Update – In these difficult economic times, taxes continue to be the biggest issue on which I am focused. I am doing my best to advocate for common sense approaches to lower spending, since the massive tax increases over the last few years are simply not sustainable. http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_stories_home/9848543/article-84-PERCENT---Jersey-City-municipal-taxes-have-skyrocketed-over-past-years--residents-weigh-in-with-concern-?instance=jersey_city_story_left_column.
One area where I’m giving a hard look is the approach the city takes on its budget. We are now almost halfway through the fiscal year, and the budget is yet to be approved. Nonetheless, the majority of the Council feels free to spend money each time there is a request from the administration via temporary appropriation. This year’s proposed budget includes nearly $20 million for the sale of Jersey City-owned property - a one-time revenue. I was the only one to speak against this at the council and just yesterday the state government validated my concern http://www.nj.com/jjournal-news/index.ssf/2011/06/state_rejects_jersey_citys_aid.html .You wouldn’t manage your household or business in such an irresponsible manner, and it is surely not the way to manage a city. The only possible end result to this kind of mismanagement is escalating taxes. I urge you to call your respective ward Councilperson with a strong recommendation to support some of the common sense proposals I offer in section 2 below.
Tax Revaluation Update – In April, the City Council approved a voluntary revaluation of property taxes. http://www.jerseycityindependent.com/2011/04/14/city-council-narrowly-green-lights-jersey-citys-first-property-revaluation-since-1988/.
I have been the most vocal opponent of the tax revaluation for several reasons: 1) I have concerns about the vendor and the process of selection; 2) It is foolish to do a revaluation in a fragile real estate market; 3) A declining real estate market means that tax appeals will be very high adding additional cost to the process, and 4) the majority of the burden lies with regular property owners, since the same abated properties that are about to become conventionally taxed will not be included in the revaluation.
Section 2: LEGISLATION PROPOSED
Proposed Consolidation of the Incinerator Authority and the Department of Public Works - Toward the end of last year, the administration began publicly discussing the idea of merging the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Jersey City Incinerator Authority (JCIA.) I have long been a proponent of eliminating the JCIA and rolling its operations into the DPW. http://www.nj.com/hudson/voices/index.ssf/2010/11/keeping_jcia_autonomous_in_mer.html
There is a lot of overlap in the functions of the two entities. Combining them makes a lot of sense because duplicative administrative, legal and financial reporting functions could be eliminated. The combined department would also be able to operate with a reduced cost than the two separate entities currently do. The potential savings are as high as $10 million a year per an independent consultant hired by the city.
When the discussion about consolidation into one body began late last year, I strongly advocated for the DPW to be the surviving entity. It makes sense on every level – much greater cost reduction, more accountability and the ability to bring transparency to hiring and promotion practices.
The administration pushed for the opposite – to keep the JCIA and disband the DPW. They argued that there is no savings difference, despite having commissioned a consultant who reported that by merging the JCIA into the DPW the city could save an additional $5 million. In addition, it turns out that upon reviewing the city’s merger proposal, the state found that the JCIA is not authorized to perform many of the activities it currently does, let alone those it would potentially add if the DPW were merged into it. http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/jerseycity/index.ssf?/base/news-11/1289287527192121.xml&coll=3
EDC and Cultural Affairs Consolidation – Two weeks ago I proposed consolidating two departments for which taxpayers pay twice. http://www.nj.com/hudson/voices/index.ssf/2011/05/streamline_jersey_city_governm.html.
Both Jersey City’s Economic Development Corporation and Department of Cultural Affairs are redundant with county services. I know with certainty that the same level of service can be delivered in both the small business loan program and production of cultural events - and can be done at far less cost. While it makes no sense to pay twice for departments that overlap, the City Council voted these proposals down underscoring once again that politics often trumps reason. How the city finds and hires senior level employees further elucidates my point on consolidation of these offices. http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2011/05/former_jersey_city_councilman_7.html
Full Retirement Health Benefits – Jersey City has long had a policy regarding retiree health benefits that has served only to facilitate patronage and favoritism. In the past, the city could hire an employee from anywhere - someone who worked in any government entity across the state. Even if a person only worked in Jersey City for a very short final portion of his or her career, Jersey City would become responsible for footing the bill for that employee’s lifetime health benefits – paid for in full by Jersey City taxpayers. Three months ago, I proposed a law that would make the process as strict as legally possible. It only permitted employees who have worked 25 years within the Jersey City government entitlement to health benefits paid for by taxpayers.
The administration and several members of City Council fought the change. They asserted 25 years was too strict, and a lesser number of years would be more appropriate. In my view on benefits - one of the largest drivers of government costs - anything less than the strictest rules will always invite abuse. Just recently the administration hired an employee with fewer than 3 years employment in Jersey City. You, the taxpayer will cover this employee, hired prior to the passage of the bill, for lifetime health benefits. This is abuse and this is wrong. I am happy to say that the law was changed to my proposed 25 year mininum employment proposal by a 5-3 vote. http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2011/01/jersey_city_city_council_place.html
Food Truck Vendors – I have been part of a committee created to attempt to untangle the complications involving food truck permitting in Jersey City. The problem began when a city employee, tasked with selling licenses for food trucks, was selling illegal licenses to vendors through his office in City Hall. The issue is legally complicated as the vendors bought the licenses in good faith and through what they thought was a proper channel - from an official at City Hall. These vendors subsequently invested in trucks and equipment to establish their businesses. The recent proposal in May was tabled at my request. http://www.jerseycityindependent.com/2011/05/12/jersey-city-backs-away-from-revisions-to-food-trucks-law/
I have been meeting with a committee of food truck operators and believe we have come up with a better proposal that will include a process to obtain licenses in a proper manner. The proposal will be more in line with the city’s desired number of foodtrucks and will create a better vending environment for truck owners. It will also give the city an opportunity to see some additional revenue.
Section 3: LEGISLATION IN THE PIPELINE
Employees Use of Cars – Right now, there are 30 city employees, including some Council members, driving city-owned cars for both official and personal use. My office will continue to push for curtailing political abuse of government cars. http://www.weehawkenreporter.com/view/full_story/11506651/article-Cutting-use-of-city-cars-Fulop-plans-to-reintroduce-reform-measures-in-next-two-months-?instance=home_Most_popular
JCIA/MUA Benefits – In July, I will reintroduce a bill that would eliminate full health benefits for political appointees who serve on part-time volunteer boards. http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/10266344/article--City-council--No-to-reintroduced-ordinances-to-stop-health-benefits-for-JCIA--MUA-board-members-?instance=home_Most_popular
Jersey City Parking Authority Consolidation – Similar to my proposal for JCIA/DPW consolidation, there are real dollars to be saved by bringing the autonomous agency known as the Parking Authority back into the city’s fold. The overlap of auditors, lawyers and insurance coverage that exists currently in the two separate entities will bring real savings to taxpayers. Consolidation will, at the same time, foster oversight and accountability and if done properly, will be profitable for the City.
Public Safety Director – While it is appropriate that operations are handled individually within the offices of Police and Fire Departments by the individual chiefs, the duplicate services that exist in those offices must be consolidated. Currently, those who have budget oversight of the JCFD and JCPD are political appointees. Later this year, I will propose consolidating the directors into one office of the Director of Public Safety while maintaining separate JCFD and JCPD leadership within the respective chief offices.
Resume Requirement –Recent hires in the Economic Development Corporation have brought to light hiring practices in the city. There are currently no advertising requirements for public solicitation nor are there resume requirements. As a result of the recent misuse of city funds, I am pursuing avenues that would require the same process a private entity would use to hire. I think we can increase the talent pool and professionalism of city hires with these changes.
Superintendant Search and Election – With the successful Board of Education election results in April came a new majority of members who are focused on educational reform and who will chart a new course for the BoE. With this new majority has come the push for a national search for a new superintendant of schools. http://www.jerseycityindependent.com/2011/05/13/new-majority-takes-control-of-jersey-city-school-board-during-reorganization/.
Government progress in Jersey City is never easy, but I would expect now with the new board in place, that the push for change will be greater and we will see results more quickly.
Board of Education leadership has changed too, with Sterling Waterman and Carol Lester, whom I supported in the 2010 Board of Education election, having been elected president and vice president respectively. http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/jerseycity/index.ssf?/base/news-12/1305096009299920.xml&coll=3.
Washington Park/BOE – I want to mention one of the fastest growing community groups in the city. Located in the Heights, the Washington Park Association is a group that has been at the forefront of progressive advocacy. They recently received a $20,000 Dodge Foundation grant for their “perma-culture learning garden and apprenticeship program”. In January, The Jersey City Board of Education passed a resolution to partner with the WPA Education Alliance to develop educational opportunities in the area of community sustainability. http://www.wpanj.org/News___Events.php
Pipeline – Of on-going concern is the SPECTRA initiative to build a gas pipeline through Jersey City. Strong advocate and BoE Vice President Carol Lester, recently sponsored a resolution that would allow the Jersey City School District to join forces with the City and obtain intervenor status to fight the pipeline. As a densely populated urban center, Jersey City is the wrong location to place a pipeline and its proximity to several Jersey City schools makes it all the more dangerous.
Section 5: TRAFFIC AND ENGINEERING ISSUES
Turnpike Activity – The first stage of bridge deck repairs and miscellaneous improvements will occur on the westbound direction of the Turnpike from the Holland Tunnel entrance to the Turnpike beginning at Jersey Avenue. The roadwork will extend to the interchange 14c Toll Plaza beginning June 15th and will last until June 29th Over this time period, the westbound direction will be reduced to one lane from the normal two lanes.
Christopher Columbus – This road has finally been paved and no longer looks (and feels) like some of the roads I experienced in Iraq. Additional good news is that because of community and my council office’s pushback the administration has backed away from its proposal to change Christopher Columbus into a 6-lane highway. http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2010/11/jersey_citys_columbus_drive_to.html .
As the goal is to increase parking and pedestrian activity and not encourage more higher speed traffic, I see this as a positive shift.
Traffic Lights – The following Ward E intersections are slated to start construction in June:
Bay and Washington Streets
9th Street and Marin Blvd.
Washington and Morgan Streets
Stop Signs/Traffic surveys – The following Ward E intersections will receive stop signs or have traffic surveys in process:
First and Provost Streets – Stop Sign approved and being installed
Morris and Washington Streets – Stop Sign traffic count being done
Second Street and Marin Blvd.– Traffic survey being done
Legislative Changes In Progress - Traffic/Parking
2nd Street between Marin Blvd. and Provost Street – “No parking any time will be repealed” where possible
2nd Street between Washington Street and Eastern Terminus – Street sweeping now included
Bay Street between Warren and Washington Streets – measuring roadway to create parking on both sides of street
First Street between Warren and Washington Streets – measuring roadway to include more parking
Provost Street between 1st and 2nd Streets – legislation being proposed to repeal No Parking signs
2nd Street @ Provost Street– parking meters to be installed on SW corner side
Zone 4 Parking Zone- being extended
Warren Street between 1st and 2nd Streets - traffic being measured to facilitate more parking
Washington Street from 1st Street to Newport Pkwy – parking survey being done to allow for metered parking and evening parking
10th and Monmouth Streets – traffic count survey being conducted for stop sign feasability
Section 6: OPEN SPACE
Embankment – Last month the council formally rejected the developer’s settlement proposal for the 6th Street Embankment. You can read more about the issue here: http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/jerseycity/index.ssf?/base/news-12/1305268827289270.xml&coll=3 .
This has clearly been a long struggle in a tough economy.
Hamilton Park – This weekend, Saturday, June 11th from 10am to 6pm in Hamilton Park, is the HPNA 26th Annual Parkfest. It is a great community event that I encourage you to come out and support. http://hpnajc.blogspot.com/p/parkfest-2011-vendor-form.html
No Gas Pipeline Update – My office continues to focus on opposition to building the pipeline through the Ward E’s residential streets. The main backbone of Jersey City’s opposition has stemmed from a volunteer effort. The founders, active members of my volunteer team, have helped get hundreds of residents and community groups to file formal intervener status with FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). At this point No Gas Pipeline can use your help. To sign a simple online petition go to www.nogaspipeline.org. The greater the community involvement, the greater the chance of the city persevering and keeping the pipeline from being built in Jersey City.
Jersey City Museum - The Jersey City museum has closed its doors due to ongoing financial difficulties. This saddens me deeply because Jersey City, with its vibrant arts community, should have a significant art museum that attracts visitors from all over New Jersey. In many ways the museum was doomed from the onset, as the city placed it in a location far from public transportation and without visitor parking. I have been working closely with the arts community to secure and safeguard the collection. It is essential that city leadership leverages our strong arts community and the volunteer expert resources that Jersey City can provide. http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/13127450/article--Fulop-to-push-for-inventory-of-Jersey-City-Museum-
Library Info - Since the beginning of the economic downturn, a vital aspect of municipal government that has been under siege is our municipal libraries. http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/jerseycity/index.ssf?/base/news-10/1282803971322540.xml&coll=3
Proposed budget cuts have been made that would decimate and close libraries in city neighborhoods most in need of them. In the recent budget hearings, I helped uncover an additional undisclosed $800,000 and was able to team with council colleagues to gain needed support to require a portion of these funds be used for libraries to remain open. http://www.jerseycityindependent.com/2011/04/15/bloc-of-council-members-vow-to-block-jersey-city-budget-over-library-funding-cuts/
Google High-speed Competition – Volunteers partnered with my office to participate in Google’s high-speed internet competition. We were among hundreds of applicants that applied. What I am most proud of with regard to our application effort is that we did it almost entirely with community volunteers driving the process. Google announced Kansas City as the one winner this year. http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/google_selects_kansas_city_for_its_ultra_high-spee.php
I want to thank everyone who participated with time and energy in the application process. It was important for me as councilman to experience just how much our community has to offer in the way of resources, and I hope to engage and include residents in these types of opportunities in the future.
Police Captain’s Meeting – The East District Captain’s meeting is a great opportunity to discuss with the police local trends in your neighborhood and district. It is also an opportunity for you to ask the department to address any issues and concerns you may have . The meeting takes place on the 4th Tuesday of every month at MS 4 (Bright and Varick Streets.) at 7:00 p.m.
Section 9: COMMUNITY FEEDBACK REQUEST
I would like to change Jersey City’s municipal elections from May to November and am interested in your input on my proposal. I believe voter turnout would be increased substantially, since more residents are in tune with and come out to vote in November elections. An election change would also decrease costs that the city incurs in running every election. The political establishment has pushed back fairly hard on this and I would be interested in your feedback. Please email me at fulops@jcnj.org with your thoughts. http://www.jerseycityindependent.com/2010/01/08/will-jersey-city-make-the-move-to-november-elections/
