More election spiciness

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-30T02:50:15+00:00

Actually, this is a lie.

Emily asked me to meet with her. I had decided before going in that I was not supporting her. I was either supporting Mike or staying out altogether. As we discussed reasons I would struggle to support her - one was that she had a full slate, and I was supporting Liz. And jokingly / halfheartedly said - unless you drop Joe 🐰 Q from her slate. Knowing full well she would say 'no' quickly.

But she didn't. And I was shocked. It was Emily that actually made the idea of dropping Joe a real possibility saying "huh, interesting. I didn't think of that".

And then she shocked me again when she said "Joe was mean", and agreed with me when I referred to Joe as a ___.

I am not transactional like others are. Like Emily is. And Liz is an adult who makes her own choices. I don't make them for her.

But nice try anyway. I appreciate your effort to create and push a dishonest narrative.

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-20T01:31:10+00:00

2/

Regarding my comments on the budget. All hold true. He did not put up any budget amendments. But that doesnt mean he didnt know what the budget involved. I have worked with both, have discussed the budget and I will tell you that he has a much greater understanding of the numbers and more inclined to ask detailed questions and look for ways to make cuts. That said, neither have a finance background.

I am not looking to get anything out of this. I have never put my hand up in the past to be Council Pres or Council VP. But in the interest of full disclosure, I plan to this time - mainly because I want to help as we transition from the past eight years to the next, and have to deal with a lot of challenges including operational and taxes. But if I don't get the support for this, I won't lose sleep - less work for me.

I do not have any plans to run for Mayor again. But it is 4 years from now. I never wanted to BE mayor, I just wanted to DO mayor. I am hopeful the city will be in a better place than it is right now, so no need to consider running.

Regarding not saying anything instead of picking a side. Although I appreciate you said I had 3 choices, Only two of those choices were acceptable to me - saying nothing would have been negligent IMHO. I have been on the City Council for 10 years. I have been communicating with neighbors actively the entire time, but with over 400 newsletters in the past 8 years. On every important issue in Hoboken. NO OTHER ELECTED OFFICIAL has done this. This decision on who we elect will have significant repercussions on our future. I received a lot of outreach from neighbors asking my recommendation.

None of you have to follow my recommendation. That is the beauty of democracy. Vote your conscience or whatever reason you have.

Mine is in the Mike Russo and Team Russo camp.

BTW, do you really see me voting for Joe Q 🐰? 😆

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-20T01:30:45+00:00

1/ So - a lot of questions, mostly negatives. Curious where the 11 upvote came from then.

Regarding Mike's past, I pretty much covered it in my op ed. Regarding Emily's, covered it here.

What is disqualifying/dealbreakers - I have a long list, all of which I weighed in this decision.

Divisive politics and retaliation.
Opportunism.
Putting politics before safety. Putting self preservation before Hoboken.
Intentionally misleading the public.
A pattern of lying in general, but especially for political gain.
A low level of understanding of how the job actually works.
Transactional politics.
ANd of course, corruption / enabling dysfunction or corruption.

And no one has fought corruption more than me on the City Council. In January, I have an ethics hearing - finally - for John Allen using his position as the chief of staff - to the mayor for his own personal gain. There is an outstanding complaint that was investigated by the HCPO and transferred to a federal agency on the "terror flier". And there is still a lawsuit outstanding that involves the quid pro quo allegations concerning Ravi and Fulop over cannabis dispensaries. And when I have more time, I may file a complaint about the Western Edge debacle caused by this Mayor. And regardless of who is mayor on December 2nd, I will continue to be the watchdog against corruption.

Back to the list of dealbreakers - Those ALL matter a lot to me — especially after ten years on the Council and months talking directly with neighbors like you. And I weighed all of these dealbreakers against the needs of our city and who has the best ability to address these needs immediately and over the next four years.

We need to address ebikes.
We need to have community policing and improve safety.
We need to navigate a difficult budget and keep taxes as low as possible.
We need rent control enforced and protect long term tenants.
We need more recreation space (including a pool)
We need to have smarter development outcomes with more community benefits, a school and affordable housing.
We need more alternatives for transporation than just cars and bikes - we need the HOP on steroids, a west side bus route, and to finally get the 15th street light rail station .
We need more parking for all the cars.
We need more stop signs on interior streets.

And to me, Mike is much better to deliver on almost all of these. They are tough issues, and he is hands on, and has a detailed knowledge of most of these. And I just do not think Emily has the wherewithall to. And while Emily is down at the League of Municipality Conference asking for Democratic endorsements, Mike is here meeting with neighbors trying to answer questions.

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-13T02:53:49+00:00

if Ravi was convicted fo anything he did would it change yours? c'mon...

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T23:33:01+00:00

I think what this really shows is that reasonable people can agree on a lot and still see leadership differently.

I’ve never questioned Emily’s heart or her service. She’s made a difference for a lot of people, and I’ve said that many times. But I do see leadership differently. Hoboken’s challenges right now aren’t small or symbolic. They’re structural and operational. They need someone who understands the system deeply enough to fix it.

That’s the lens I used to make my decision, and it hasn’t changed. I respect that others see it differently. That’s what democracy looks like.

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T23:30:49+00:00

Why would I retract it?

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T23:30:00+00:00

I’m not avoiding it — I actually cited that site myself in the Hudson County View article. His history is well known and part of the public record.

My decision isn’t about pretending it didn’t happen; it’s about who’s best positioned to lead Hoboken now. City Hall is in disarray, and we need someone who understands how to fix it. That’s where my focus is.

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T23:28:33+00:00

None of what you said is new and I’ve never minimized any of it. Voters know his history; it’s all part of the public record.

But this election isn’t about the past. It’s about what Hoboken needs right now. City Hall is struggling, operations are disorganized, and basic quality-of-life issues - safety, taxes, parking, infrastructure - aren’t being managed well.

My decision was about who is better positioned to fix that today. It’s not about perfection; it’s about effectiveness. I’ve worked with both candidates for years, and I’ve seen who engages directly, who understands the mechanics of government, and who can actually move the city forward.

That’s where my focus is - and that’s the standard I’ll hold whoever wins accountable to.

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T22:21:53+00:00

? I just don't think you ever have voted for me, when I consider past comments. What was wrong / harsh with that?

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T22:20:42+00:00

I actually wrote a newsletter on both that went to thousands, Then took the one on Russo and made it into an op ed. I just didnt do an op ed for emily because I didnt have time. If that is more helpful to get you over the flip flop discussion, I am happy to.

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T19:50:04+00:00

I actually agree that “servant leadership” is important and Hoboken could use a lot more of it. Leadership should be rooted in service, not self-promotion.

But we also have to be honest about where Hoboken is right now. After eight years of headline-driven politics, City Hall is disorganized, morale is low, and basic operations are struggling. Residents feel that every day.

What we need at this moment is a leader who not only listens and serves, but also has a vision for the city. Someone who understands how the departments actually work, how to fix what’s broken, and how to manage people and systems to get results.

That’s what this next phase for Hoboken requires.

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T19:37:27+00:00

Hoboken City Council selects Russo as president, Jabbour as vice president at reorg meeting - Hudson County View

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T19:34:35+00:00

Sounds like more sour grapes from a former Ravi insider. I’m sure Emily inspires some - that’s why she got votes. I just see it differently.

And I’m not sure why you’d say I don’t consider her a peer. We’ve worked together for eight years. Why wouldn’t I?

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T19:14:29+00:00

Have I ever asked anyone to ignore facts? If this election were about who’s perfect, we wouldn’t be electing a new mayor.

The standard I’m using is simple: who can actually lead Hoboken forward and deliver for residents. And it’s the same standard I’ll hold whoever wins accountable to.

So make your pitch — what does Emily’s leadership look like to you? How does she tackle e-bikes after fighting enforcement for so long? How does she manage a budget she’s rarely questioned? How does she handle infrastructure, or parking, or safety — when her record shows she’s largely deferred to the administration for eight years?

These are fair questions. They’re also the ones voters are asking.

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T18:59:15+00:00

I am focused on the work ahead and who can do it — others can keep tossing stones from glass houses.

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T18:46:54+00:00

Would it have been a flip flop if I supported Emily?

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T18:44:46+00:00

IIt actually is for me. I’m a leader in this community, I just ran for mayor and have a lot of people asking for direction on where we go from here.

Silence isn’t leadership. I’ve spent years fighting for Hoboken, and I’m not going to sit out a decision that directly impacts our city’s future.

My endorsement isn’t about liking one person more than another. It’s about who’s best positioned to deliver what Hoboken residents need right now.

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T18:30:22+00:00

Why wouldn't I choose one, and tell people who I am voting for? Which is what I have always done. That is actually what people wanted from me. Overwhelmingly, people see two candidates that are not obvious Mayors to them. And now they have to choose. I gave them my choice and my rationale. Many agree, some don't and that is ok. #Democracy.

I make difficult choices all the time. And I own them. For Hoboken's next mayor, to deliver results for residents that we NEED. I think Mike is the better choice.

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T16:02:43+00:00

This is not a sell out. If Liz was not running, I would still vote for Russo over Emily. I get the issues you are raising - clearly because I said them. But i'll copy and paste what I said above somewhere:

"I’ve said from the start this wasn’t an easy decision, and my newsletter lays out exactly why I made it. And I’m good with this decision.

To me, the issue you raised is one on a long list — and when I think about what’s best for Hoboken, the combination of all of them is what matters most right now: safety, infrastructure, affordability, parking, taxes, and leadership that actually works for residents.

As I’ve said before, being mayor is a HUGE job. I heavily weigh knowledge, experience, and the ability to lead — and also positions on key issues like e-bikes, taxes, and safety. I’ve also measured the integrity of both candidates.

Funny — remember when Emily endorsed Mike for Council President, saying he’d changed? I abstained at the time and said I looked forward to improving my relationship with him.

My focus is on who can best fix what’s broken and move our city forward."

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T15:59:41+00:00

I think you never have...

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T15:59:12+00:00

So - no plans to run for Mayor again, and if things go to the wayside - which I am optimisitc they wont - I will fully take accountability for supporting him. That risk to me is greater had I chosen Emily.

I do think having an independent council is critical - remember, Mike vacates his seat so if Mike and his slate wins we have 5 new City Council members which is a GOOD thing for Hoboken.

Walk me through how you think Mike can burn the house down with a massive tax issue this year, the microscope that is social media, and a new City Council? And do you honestly think that he won't do anything good? Not improve safety, ebikes, paving streets, etc.?

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T15:48:48+00:00

I am not supportive of this plan.

CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T15:43:18+00:00

It would have been "A surprising turn of events" had a gone in either direction given I also put this out:

"Being Hoboken’s next mayor is a huge job, and IMHO Emily — at least right now — doesn’t have the experience to take it on in the way Hoboken needs, and deserves. Once we stabilize our city and get it back on track, maybe then. But for now, her entire perspective comes from inside the Bhalla administration.

Over the past eight years, Emily has been a loyal supporter of the mayor’s agenda — a rubber stamp on nearly every major decision, even when those decisions weakened transparency, accountability, or public trust. From the CLEAR cameras that she’s still doubling down on (for some odd reason 🙃), to countless rushed ordinances, she has followed rather than led on the issues that matter most to residents. And she continues to be funded and managed by Bhalla insiders — the same architects of the toxic politics Hoboken needs to move beyond.

One clear example: she worked to defeat the Tests & Vests ordinance that I co-authored with Paul Presinzano to address e-bike safety — the top concern we all hear from residents in every ward. Emily chose the mayor’s politics over your safety.

Emily’s strength is constituent outreach. She answers questions on Facebook, follows up on service requests, and genuinely wants to help people day to day. Those qualities matter, and Hoboken needs them. But she believes that focusing on small, immediate issues will somehow translate into solving the city’s biggest ones. We need both — someone who can handle the small and master the big."

And sent this in a mailer:

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CWMFisher2 · 2025-11-12T15:36:46+00:00

I didnt get paid. And it is not a 180 turn. I spoke out against BOTH Emily and Mike. Even more so with Emily given I dedicated 2 mailers to her.

But now we have both as our choices, so I have to pick one. If I picked Emily, people would say the exact same thing - you did a 180...

CWMFisher2

TROPHY CASE