Resolution To Rescind Police Layoffs Fails

Despite almost three hours of comments from police officers and their supporters, City Council voted down a resolution to rescind the layoffs of 18 police officers, 5-4, during Wednesday night's meeting.

The resolution was introduced during a previous council meeting by Second Ward Councilwoman Beth Mason, and asked the administration of Mayor Dawn Zimmer not to implement the layoffs. But according to Corporation Counsel Mark Tabakin, the resolution would have had no impact even if passed, because city council does not have the power to influence the administration's actions.

After an amendment to the language of the resolution, city council voted on it. Mayor Dawn Zimmer's council majority—Councilmembers Michael Lenz, Carol Marsh, Ravi Bhalla, David Mello and Peter Cunningham—voted against the resolution, while the minority—Councilmembers Theresa Castellano, Beth Mason, Michael Russo and Nino Giacchi voted in favor.

"We all know what this vote is," Third Ward Councilman Russo said. "You're either supportive of layoffs or you're not."

Bhalla responded to the minority's comments, saying that it was "unfortunate" and "divisive."

"This is not a vote whether you're for the police or against the police," Bhalla said. His comments were met with loud boo-ing and yelling from the audience.

Giacchi was clear about his stance in the matter. "I do not endorse this layoff plan," the sixth ward councilman said, "period."

"I'm going to support Mayor Zimmer," Bhalla countered.

Bhalla briefly asked Police Chief Anthony Falco some questions about the layoffs. Although the chief would not comment on deployment issues in public, he did say that to his knowledge the layoff plan would mean 18 less officers in the streets.

Bhalla said he "respectfully" disagreed with the chief, saying that although the layoffs will mean 18 less police officers, it won't necessarily mean 18 less cops patrolling the streets.

Tabakin said retirements would reduce the number of layoffs.

Business Administrator Arch Liston said that through "redeployment and changing some shifts" public safety wouldn't be "affected at all."

At the last council meeting Falco said he wanted to have "dialogue" with the council to try to find a solution for the situation. Although Liston said he and the chief talk every day to try to resolve the situation, Liston did not give any specifics.

A study of the police department earlier this year conducted by the former police chief of Maplewood, N.J., concluded that Hoboken has one third too many police officers. It also questioned the number of high-ranking officers and the extensive vacation and leave benefits enjoyed by police officers in the city. The study also recommended that more civilian staffers be hired to perform clerical work to replace more expensive uniformed police officers.