Comments on: City Council Meeting – 11/16/2009 http://hoboken411.com/archives/31734 Making our community stronger with technology Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:25:00 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: professor pinetop http://hoboken411.com/archives/31734/comment-page-1#comment-179534 professor pinetop Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:11:34 +0000 http://hoboken411.com/?p=31734#comment-179534 the "one woman" talking about holzbert et al was joan quigley, a true hcdo hack. the “one woman” talking about holzbert et al was joan quigley, a true hcdo hack.

]]> By: professor pinetop http://hoboken411.com/archives/31734/comment-page-1#comment-179532 professor pinetop Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:03:38 +0000 http://hoboken411.com/?p=31734#comment-179532 they should have at least had some kangaroo sessions for the fourth ward residents. the fourth ward has been shamefully used as a political football for the past two years (remember, dawn won the run-off and then stepped down, abdicating her seat and leaving the fourth ward residents without council representation for three months in 2007 rather than go to court over the absentee ballot cross-complaints) and this year dawn was campaigning for mayor, campaigning for runoff mayor, being council president and campaigning for the third mayoral election; too busy to be an involved advocate for her constituents. lenz's financial background should help the council but knowing his effusive personality he may need to be reminded that cunningham is the council president (good choice by the way). the special election should be in february, not november. november next year is ridiculous - again, the zimmer faction takes advantage of every loophole they can - dawn's agenda is not transparency or reform, it is merely about consolidating power as fast as possible; unfortunately there are too many dots connecting the zimmer regime to the hcdo. until proven otherwise it should be assumed that tom degise and jerry healey will wield undue influence on our town. they should have at least had some kangaroo sessions for the fourth ward residents. the fourth ward has been shamefully used as a political football for the past two years (remember, dawn won the run-off and then stepped down, abdicating her seat and leaving the fourth ward residents without council representation for three months in 2007 rather than go to court over the absentee ballot cross-complaints) and this year dawn was campaigning for mayor, campaigning for runoff mayor, being council president and campaigning for the third mayoral election; too busy to be an involved advocate for her constituents. lenz’s financial background should help the council but knowing his effusive personality he may need to be reminded that cunningham is the council president (good choice by the way). the special election should be in february, not november. november next year is ridiculous – again, the zimmer faction takes advantage of every loophole they can – dawn’s agenda is not transparency or reform, it is merely about consolidating power as fast as possible; unfortunately there are too many dots connecting the zimmer regime to the hcdo. until proven otherwise it should be assumed that tom degise and jerry healey will wield undue influence on our town.

]]> By: Watchmaker http://hoboken411.com/archives/31734/comment-page-1#comment-179370 Watchmaker Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:03:23 +0000 http://hoboken411.com/?p=31734#comment-179370 Last night Mason asked tough questions and was treated like dirt by the hospital CEO. That guy seemed so clueless, it was indeed disturbing. Interestingly enough, nobody from the Zimmer clan seemed to care: the whole meeting was one big BJ for Michael Lenz. Their strategy appears to be <b>something'll turn up</b>, as if the problem will just go away on its own. Honestly, after last night's meeting I would not be surprised if our taxes went up another 50% next year. BTW, you missed a couple of "players:" Cammarano and Russo were also adamant about saving St. Mary's at all cost. Even Carol Marsh and Tony Soares supported the hospital (Tony even spoke of it last night). Somebody should remind these people that playing politics with taxpayers money may backfire badly. Last night Mason asked tough questions and was treated like dirt by the hospital CEO. That guy seemed so clueless, it was indeed disturbing.

Interestingly enough, nobody from the Zimmer clan seemed to care: the whole meeting was one big BJ for Michael Lenz. Their strategy appears to be something’ll turn up, as if the problem will just go away on its own.

Honestly, after last night’s meeting I would not be surprised if our taxes went up another 50% next year.

BTW, you missed a couple of “players:” Cammarano and Russo were also adamant about saving St. Mary’s at all cost. Even Carol Marsh and Tony Soares supported the hospital (Tony even spoke of it last night). Somebody should remind these people that playing politics with taxpayers money may backfire badly.

]]> By: YipYap http://hoboken411.com/archives/31734/comment-page-1#comment-179363 YipYap Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:21:41 +0000 http://hoboken411.com/?p=31734#comment-179363 The current administration is about to learn the real meaning of the mid 18th century British saying "who is left holding the bag". No business can stay open when the vast majority of customers are non-paying customers, the Hospital will default and go bankrupt. There is no money to be found, and Obamacare is still at least 4 months away, but the government option may not make it into the legislation or may not be funded for years. The good news is rents in Manhattan are still coming down. A nice 2-bedroom rental in a “luxury” condo building in good areas of the city are now $2400 a month. Similar offers elsewhere in Manhattan, some other areas offer two months free rent etc. For many of us the solution to any type of tax increase is to simply move, and not be left holding the bag. See you on the other side of the river...... The current administration is about to learn the real meaning of the mid 18th century British saying “who is left holding the bag”.

No business can stay open when the vast majority of customers are non-paying customers, the Hospital will default and go bankrupt. There is no money to be found, and Obamacare is still at least 4 months away, but the government option may not make it into the legislation or may not be funded for years.

The good news is rents in Manhattan are still coming down. A nice 2-bedroom rental in a “luxury” condo building in good areas of the city are now $2400 a month. Similar offers elsewhere in Manhattan, some other areas offer two months free rent etc. For many of us the solution to any type of tax increase is to simply move, and not be left holding the bag.

See you on the other side of the river……

]]> By: matt_72 http://hoboken411.com/archives/31734/comment-page-1#comment-179354 matt_72 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:03:16 +0000 http://hoboken411.com/?p=31734#comment-179354 I don't know that the city can really force HUMC into CH-11 until they violate the indenture and the guarantee is triggered. They have the money from the bonds already, not much you can do until they run out of cash. The only way the city can influence the hospital into filing for bankruptcy before then is if the city's reps on the board of directors push for and vote for a bankruptcy proceeding and if they have a majority. So the question I have is how big is the BOD and how many members does the city get to appoint? I thought we only had 2. Most boards have >5 members so if we only control 2 then not much we can do. That being said, I agree we are totally screwed on this. One way or the other the taxpayers of Hoboken get left holding the bag. I don’t know that the city can really force HUMC into CH-11 until they violate the indenture and the guarantee is triggered. They have the money from the bonds already, not much you can do until they run out of cash. The only way the city can influence the hospital into filing for bankruptcy before then is if the city’s reps on the board of directors push for and vote for a bankruptcy proceeding and if they have a majority. So the question I have is how big is the BOD and how many members does the city get to appoint? I thought we only had 2. Most boards have >5 members so if we only control 2 then not much we can do. That being said, I agree we are totally screwed on this. One way or the other the taxpayers of Hoboken get left holding the bag.

]]> By: whewwhewwhew http://hoboken411.com/archives/31734/comment-page-1#comment-179346 whewwhewwhew Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:19:38 +0000 http://hoboken411.com/?p=31734#comment-179346 I attended the meeting last night and this was the most disturbing meeting I have ever been to. I know most people are aware of the HUMC albatross around the taxpayers necks....but do they really understand how close the chair is to be kicked out from beneath us? According to the CEO (who stonewalled Beth Mason and asked her to treat him with "Professional Courtesy") Here are some fun facts: - The Hospital lost $23,000,000 last year.(I could end there but what the hell) - There is approx $94,000 in cash right now...that is comforting. - The CEO says his plan is to hope State Funding is received soon to keep the Hospital operating into 2010. He stated we still have 6 weeks to get money so we should all relax. I mean people love to hunker down and get things done around the Holidays right? They mentioned the Corzine administration which is Hoboken friendly (even though we did not get a dime last year) should come through... fat chance. Christie is more Suburb friendly so if the only way to keep the Hospital operational is through State Funding how do you think 2010 and beyond will pan out? - The CEO suggested having a breakfast for local Mayors to gain their support for Hoboken to receive more State Funding. We are going Bankrupt and this guy wants to have Breakfast? (Who will foot the bill for that?) - I love when the one woman from HUMC got up to explain why Harvey Holzberg (aka Hudson Healthcare) was hired to run the Hospital. She explained that many municipalities tried (and failed) to take over their Hospitals so the State needed an "Independent" entity sitting between the Council and the Hospital. Presto! Mayor Roberts comes up with a brilliant idea to hire Harvey at 800K a year to form Hudson Healthcare and give the impression there was a watchdog. Harvey was on his way to retirement after many years of single handedly destroying many hospitals along the way and took this as one last unexpected bonanza (courtesy of Hoboken Taxpayers of course) - The CEO states that 8,000 people each year have elective surgery outside Hudson County because of it's reputation. He said if just 1/2 those people stayed in Hudson County things would be OK. Heads I have open heart surgery at Hackensack, tails I go to Christ Hospital. Damn... tails again! This is like the American versus Foreign car debate. I won't drive a Buick so why would I trust my life to a porrly rated Hospital because it's close? - I was at the meetings years ago when this was happening and everyone with at least 1 brain cell knew where this was headed. Funny how all the players are now gone. - Roberts - Holzberg - LaBruno - Ramos - Campos - Whoever else We the taxpayer are now 100% saddled with the Liability and Zimmer will have no choice but another 20-25% Tax Hike. Where will Hoboken Tax Revolt be when this happens? Will the EMAILS keep flowing then? Not like people were not warned: http://hoboken411.com/archives/11827 - The CEO stated that Bon Secours did a cost analysis to shut the Hospital down and it would cost North of 100 Million Dollars. When they decided to give the Hospital to Hoboken with 13 Million in it's coffers Roberts thought he got the deal of a lifetime. It was a -$87,000,000 liability. (that was before we incurred the last 2 years of loses) Look at the BS from their own website: http://www.hobokenumc.com/main/contents.php?Id=35 CALL TO ACTION: The council and Mayor need an immed call to action to start the orderly closure of HUMC ASAP before we incur any additional loses. It is clear it is not finacially viable for a Hospital to exist within Hoboken. With the State broke there will be no funding for years to come. People will have to get used to going to Christ, Palisades or Secaucus. These facilities can then share the State pot of money and perhaps survive. Failure by this council and mayor to shut the hospital down is on their watch. Roberts cannot be blamed anymore. It is your issue and we the taxpayers expect immed action. I attended the meeting last night and this was the most disturbing meeting I have ever been to.
I know most people are aware of the HUMC albatross around the taxpayers necks….but do they really understand how close the chair is to be kicked out from beneath us?
According to the CEO (who stonewalled Beth Mason and asked her to treat him with “Professional Courtesy”)
Here are some fun facts:
- The Hospital lost $23,000,000 last year.(I could end there but what the hell)
- There is approx $94,000 in cash right now…that is comforting.
- The CEO says his plan is to hope State Funding is received soon to keep the Hospital operating into 2010. He stated we still have 6 weeks to get money so we should all relax. I mean people love to hunker down and get things done around the Holidays right? They mentioned the Corzine administration which is Hoboken friendly (even though we did not get a dime last year) should come through… fat chance. Christie is more Suburb friendly so if the only way to keep the Hospital operational is through State Funding how do you think 2010 and beyond will pan out?
- The CEO suggested having a breakfast for local Mayors to gain their support for Hoboken to receive more State Funding. We are going Bankrupt and this guy wants to have Breakfast? (Who will foot the bill for that?)
- I love when the one woman from HUMC got up to explain why Harvey Holzberg (aka Hudson Healthcare) was hired to run the Hospital. She explained that many municipalities tried (and failed) to take over their Hospitals so the State needed an “Independent” entity sitting between the Council and the Hospital. Presto! Mayor Roberts comes up with a brilliant idea to hire Harvey at 800K a year to form Hudson Healthcare and give the impression there was a watchdog. Harvey was on his way to retirement after many years of single handedly destroying many hospitals along the way and took this as one last unexpected bonanza (courtesy of Hoboken Taxpayers of course)
- The CEO states that 8,000 people each year have elective surgery outside Hudson County because of it’s reputation. He said if just 1/2 those people stayed in Hudson County things would be OK. Heads I have open heart surgery at Hackensack, tails I go to Christ Hospital. Damn… tails again! This is like the American versus Foreign car debate. I won’t drive a Buick so why would I trust my life to a porrly rated Hospital because it’s close?
- I was at the meetings years ago when this was happening and everyone with at least 1 brain cell knew where this was headed.
Funny how all the players are now gone.
- Roberts
- Holzberg
- LaBruno
- Ramos
- Campos
- Whoever else
We the taxpayer are now 100% saddled with the Liability and Zimmer will have no choice but another 20-25% Tax Hike. Where will Hoboken Tax Revolt be when this happens? Will the EMAILS keep flowing then?
Not like people were not warned:
http://hoboken411.com/archives/11827

- The CEO stated that Bon Secours did a cost analysis to shut the Hospital down and it would cost North of 100 Million Dollars. When they decided to give the Hospital to Hoboken with 13 Million in it’s coffers Roberts thought he got the deal of a lifetime. It was a -$87,000,000 liability. (that was before we incurred the last 2 years of loses)
Look at the BS from their own website:
http://www.hobokenumc.com/main/contents.php?Id=35

CALL TO ACTION:
The council and Mayor need an immed call to action to start the orderly closure of HUMC ASAP before we incur any additional loses. It is clear it is not finacially viable for a Hospital to exist within Hoboken. With the State broke there will be no funding for years to come. People will have to get used to going to Christ, Palisades or Secaucus. These facilities can then share the State pot of money and perhaps survive.
Failure by this council and mayor to shut the hospital down is on their watch. Roberts cannot be blamed anymore. It is your issue and we the taxpayers expect immed action.

]]> By: wiskeytango1 http://hoboken411.com/archives/31734/comment-page-1#comment-179328 wiskeytango1 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:10:24 +0000 http://hoboken411.com/?p=31734#comment-179328 Nit picker..The large one has been pulling the strings for all these years..We knew this would happen after Zelda was sworn in for good...More to come..In time her seat is not safe. She has much to learn..Fun has just begun.<!--begin reply--> <span class="in_response_to">In response to Nit Picker who said:</span> <div class="replied_to_style">So Lenz was obviously the pick of Zimmer & Co. & the mayor herself was even needed to cast the deciding vote to but Lenz back in city hall. The puppet master returns. Quite an endorsement and a rallying of the rubber stamp Council from the Zimmers to get Lenz his all access pass in city hall, and now they've got good cover for him already being by the mayor's side all the time. Just like during the campaign, he was always there in the shadows never be far from those who can't think for themselves. And isn't it convenient when the pockets are to be lined with our money how another supposed reformer, and the rubber stamp Zimmer & Co. doesn't think that Lenz having two jobs courtesy of the of the taxpayers is a problem. Stay tuned more to come from this outstanding team.</div><!--end reply--> Nit picker..The large one has been pulling the strings for all these years..We knew this would happen after Zelda was sworn in for good…More to come..In time her seat is not safe. She has much to learn..Fun has just begun.

In response to Nit Picker who said:

So Lenz was obviously the pick of Zimmer & Co. & the mayor herself was even needed to cast the deciding vote to but Lenz back in city hall. The puppet master returns. Quite an endorsement and a rallying of the rubber stamp Council from the Zimmers to get Lenz his all access pass in city hall, and now they’ve got good cover for him already being by the mayor’s side all the time. Just like during the campaign, he was always there in the shadows never be far from those who can’t think for themselves. And isn’t it convenient when the pockets are to be lined with our money how another supposed reformer, and the rubber stamp Zimmer & Co. doesn’t think that Lenz having two jobs courtesy of the of the taxpayers is a problem. Stay tuned more to come from this outstanding team.

]]> By: Nit Picker http://hoboken411.com/archives/31734/comment-page-1#comment-179318 Nit Picker Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:21:00 +0000 http://hoboken411.com/?p=31734#comment-179318 So Lenz was obviously the pick of Zimmer & Co. & the mayor herself was even needed to cast the deciding vote to but Lenz back in city hall. The puppet master returns. Quite an endorsement and a rallying of the rubber stamp Council from the Zimmers to get Lenz his all access pass in city hall, and now they've got good cover for him already being by the mayor's side all the time. Just like during the campaign, he was always there in the shadows never be far from those who can't think for themselves. And isn't it convenient when the pockets are to be lined with our money how another supposed reformer, and the rubber stamp Zimmer & Co. doesn't think that Lenz having two jobs courtesy of the of the taxpayers is a problem. Stay tuned more to come from this outstanding team. So Lenz was obviously the pick of Zimmer & Co. & the mayor herself was even needed to cast the deciding vote to but Lenz back in city hall. The puppet master returns. Quite an endorsement and a rallying of the rubber stamp Council from the Zimmers to get Lenz his all access pass in city hall, and now they’ve got good cover for him already being by the mayor’s side all the time. Just like during the campaign, he was always there in the shadows never be far from those who can’t think for themselves. And isn’t it convenient when the pockets are to be lined with our money how another supposed reformer, and the rubber stamp Zimmer & Co. doesn’t think that Lenz having two jobs courtesy of the of the taxpayers is a problem. Stay tuned more to come from this outstanding team.

]]> By: jc5201 http://hoboken411.com/archives/31734/comment-page-1#comment-179286 jc5201 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:59:09 +0000 http://hoboken411.com/?p=31734#comment-179286 I hope the appointed 4th ward rep actually cares about the 4th ward. That seems like a simple request, but the last 2 reps clearly had other agendas. I hope the appointed 4th ward rep actually cares about the 4th ward. That seems like a simple request, but the last 2 reps clearly had other agendas.

]]> By: KenOn10 http://hoboken411.com/archives/31734/comment-page-1#comment-179280 KenOn10 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:55:42 +0000 http://hoboken411.com/?p=31734#comment-179280 Rumor has it Lenz will be the new municipal judge. . . . . (not really, calm down, I just made it up, you know, to be funny) Rumor has it Lenz will be the new municipal judge.
.
.
.
.
(not really, calm down, I just made it up, you know, to be funny)

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