Politics & Government

Jim Doyle Appointed as New Hoboken Councilman

The new council member was sworn in on Wednesday night.

Jim Doyle, a long time resident of Hoboken was appointed to the Hoboken City Council.

Doyle was appointed to the board of Hudson Healthcare Inc., an independent agency created to run the Hoboken University Medical Center. Doyle was appointed by Gov. Chris Christie, with the recommendation of Mayor Dawn Zimmer.

Doyle, a known supporter of Zimmer, was appointed by the council in a 4-2-1 vote. Zimmer cast a fifth vote in support of Doyle. The minority members said that a five-vote majority was needed to appoint Doyle. Longo said a "simple majority" of those members present was enough.

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Council members Tim Occhipinti and Theresa Castellano voted against. Councilman Michael Russo abstained and Beth Mason was absent.

The majority council members—councilmembers Jennifer Giattino, Ravi Bhalla, David Mello and Peter Cunningham—voted in favor of Doyle.

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Doyle will serve the remained of Carol Marsh's term, which is set to expire on June 30, 2013. citing personal problems as the reason.

Scott Delea, who ran for the Fifth Ward Council seat last year, also applied to be the new councilman.

While the minority members preferred that the seat be filled by a special election, Corporation Counsel Melissa Longo said the statute allows the council to fill the vacancy and can't leave the seat vacant.

Russo, Occhipinti and Castellano called the appointment "illegal."

"I have never seen such sillyness in my life," Bhalla said in response. "It’s laughable what you’re trying to argue here."

Doyle took place on the dais a little after 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Depending on whether or not the municipal elections will be moved to November, Doyle is up for reelection either in May 2013 or November 2013.


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