In an extraordinary move today Hoboken City Council passed a vote of no confidence in the Mayor and called a special behind-closed-doors election to fill the vacant position. After two rounds of un-audited voting, observed by former US President Jimmy Carter, two front runners have emerged. Although the two candidates are from different ends of the political spectrum in a remarkable show of unity before the run-off both The Grinch and Ebenezer Scrooge stood on the steps of City Hall to make a joint statement confirming they are in agreement that Christmas will be canceled this year in Hoboken…
But seriously it’s not Christmas in Hoboken until the decorations go up on the lamp posts. What started as a rumor a couple of days ago has morphed into reality. It seems this year there will be no lamp post decorations over the festive period. Don’t get me wrong, I’m well aware of the economic climate. Budget gaps, whether at the City, State or Federal level need to be bridged; but how I do love, and will miss, my festively bedecked Hoboken! Lesson #1 when controlling the public purse strings, don’t throw the decorative wreaths in the garbage having sold the Municipal Garage because the new buyer wants it in broom clean condition. Argh!
My wish for the New Year? That we are in for brighter times ahead and this years lack of decorations do not become a permanent answer to budget deficits!
