The Hoboken City Council is poised to vote on the appointments of two municipal judges, including a new head of the court, at this evening’s meeting.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Mayor Ravi Bhalla has nominated Benjamin Choi, a longtime municipal court judge, as the city’s next chief municipal judge and Scott Pennington as a new municipal court judge starting in September.
The two appointments mark the first time in the city’s history that an Asian American and African American individual held either position and would also signify that current Chief Municipal Court Judge Cataldo Fazio won’t be reappointed.
“I am proud to announce these two groundbreaking appointments to our municipal court, marking an important milestone in our commitment to diversity and inclusivity,” the mayor said in a statement.
“These historic appointments not only reflect our city’s dedication to fostering a judiciary that reflects our diverse community, but also stand as a testament to the talents and accomplishments of these exceptional individuals. Ben and Scott’s impeccable qualifications, unique perspectives and invaluable experiences will undoubtedly enhance our court system, promoting fairness and justice for every member of our community and ensuring equal representation for all.”
Fazio has been the chief municipal judge in the Mile Square City since 2019, the same year Choi was appointed as a municipal judge. The latter has worked for the city since 2009, serving a municipal prosecutor, prosecutor for the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board, and then the ABC attorney.
As for Pennington, he is a partner at the South Orange-based Bennett Pennington LLC and has provided legal services to several public entities such as Newark, the Newark Public Schools, East Orange, Bloomfield, Jersey City, and The Englewood Public Schools.
He has worked as a municipal public defender in Orange, Irvington, and Roselle Municipal Courts as part of his criminal defense practice.
Furthermore, Pennington has served on the New Jersey Supreme Court’s Committee on Municipal Court Practice as well as the local Attorney Ethics Committee.
When reached for comment, 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo, the vice president of the board, and 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos said they would be voting against the appointments.
“Although it is the prerogative of the mayor to present nominations to the city council for municipal judges, I will not support the nominations,” began Russo.
“I don’t believe these changes are needed. Judge Fazio has run an efficient and effective court, and I believe he deserves to continue in the role of our chief judge. His love for Hoboken is evident in his service and he should have the opportunity to continue to serve our great city, as he has done for so many years.”
Ramos echoed a similar sentiment.
“I’m voting against it. I’d like to see the current judge reappointed and my vote will reflect that, he’s done a great job for the city for a long time. No one’s ever called to complain about this judge, so I think there’s no need for a change right now,” he stated.
A city spokeswoman did respond to a question asking if there was a specific reason why Fazio was not being reappointed.
The Hoboken City Council convenes this evening at City Hall, 94 Washington St., at 7 p.m. and will also stream live on their Facebook and YouTube pages.
More friends of friends appointments.
King Ravi installing his judges! Go Ravi! Next appoint Emily “Queen Bitch in Waiting.”
Poor Phil. No one should be antisemitic in Hoboken.
Another sexist comment from the you-know- whats of the right
Bhalla further consolidates his power base and replaces long time well respected judge of Italian heritage with two unknown asian and a black appointees.