The Hoboken Housing Authority voted to censure Commissioner James Sanford for violations their communication policy, which caused a heated discussion at last night’s meeting.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“This is an allegation, who is making this allegation,” Sanford questioned.
“First and foremost, I believe you were not here at the beginning of the meeting where a statement that was submitted and it was read into the public portion. Every commissioner here received a copy of it, I’m not sure if you received a copy of it, I believe it’s right in front of you, it was read into the record,” replied HHA Board Chair Barbara Reyes.
Sanford then asked if 1st Ward Councilman-elect Paul Presinzano is the one who told the board that he had violated agency policy, to which Reyes said “various complaints were received,” though acknowledged that Presinzano submitted a public statement.
He asked why none of the complaints were brought to his attention, to which Reyes responded that he is an adult and he knew the policy when he sent out an email to council candidates and press identifying himself as a HHA commissioner the day before the general election.
She also said he received the agenda packet on Friday and therefore he could have contacted her or Executive Director Marc Recko if he had any concerns.
“Who met to consider these allegations? What kangaroo court got together to make this resolution?” Sanford bristled, to the dismay of Reyes.
“Listen, I’m not gonna sit here and allow you to speak in that manner, because for the most part, I try to be as respectful as possible if I can, I do, I try, you really know how to push my buttons to be honest with you, but at the end of the day I’m not gonna let you just speak to me in that manner, so I refuse to answer your question.”
He then asked who met “to come to this insane conclusion.”
HHA Commissioner Mike Russo, also the 3rd Ward councilman, jumped in and said there is no court, discussion, or decision, until a resolution is considered by their board.
“You sir are part of what you called a kangaroo court. You sit here, you participate in this discussion, and depending on how this vote goes, whether it’s in the affirmative or in the negative, that will be the decision as to if this resolution stands or it does not. No one met before this. No one had discussions before this. There was no ‘kangaroo court.'”
Sanford completely disagreed, noting that the resolution lists his violation as fact, nowhere stating allegedly, and therefore asked who wrote the resolution.
Board Counsel Harold Fitzpatrick interjected, stating that four candidates approached him in confidence, with one indicating that they may file a lawsuit over it.
“Can you try to at least be a little objective instead of being combative,” Sanford declared.
“I am being objective: what you did is a complete, utter violation of the policy, you know that, you actually put out a mistaken version the first time you put it out in 2023 with the old candidates for school board and you corrected it and you knew very well what the policy was and I’m very concerned on behalf of the authority because these complainants have indicated that we may have liability for what you did, which is exactly the reason we adopted this policy.”
Fitzpatrick added that the policy was “blatantly ignored” and did the same thing he did last year before the policy was in adopted, adding that he was the one who wrote the resolution currently before the board.
“I am advising the commissioners, the entire seven commissioners of the board of the authority, that this resolution is totally appropriate and that it would be negligent on their part not to adopt it, given the blatant violation that you committed.”
Upon further questioning from Sanford, Fitzpatrick indicated that no one was trying to curb free speech, instead they simply wanted him to add a disclaimer that he was speaking as a private citizen, not as a member of the housing authority.
Fitzpatrick then began to get frustrated when Sanford claimed he was unaware of what communication was being scrutinized here.
“Talk about disingenuous and misrepresenting: you know what the statement was, you sent it out! Where do you think these people got it from?” he exclaimed.
“This is an attempted censure of this commissioner, I’m here to defend myself, and you can’t even bring forward the accuser: that’s not a U.S. court,” Sanford stated, still insisting that he was still unaware of what he was talking about.
He ultimately demanded that the communication be read into the record, to which Russo obliged.
“The first line reads ‘2023 election integrity pledge’,” Russo said. Sanford wanted him to continue reading the email, but instead Reyes said enough is enough and Russo began to get fed up as well.
“You sir are quite absurd,” the councilman chided.
“Am I? That’s quite fascinating from a man who declared bankruptcy,” Sanford hit back.
Reyes shouted that such a comment was inappropriate before Sanford asked Russo if he thought this is a joke.
“I think you’re a joke! I’ve put it on the record multiple times!” Russo quipped.
“I’m glad you think I’m a joke, I’m glad you underestimate me,” Sanford answered.
Russo continued that 19 people were sent Sanford’s email, therefore he knows what is being called into question. Sanford remained steadfast that he was unaware of what was allegedly problematic.
“Can we just call the vote director, this is absolute nonsense. Okay, you don’t have to call the vote, I’m asking the director to call the vote,” Reyes asserted.
Sanford said that he was not noticed, nor did he received a reply from counsel when he asked what was on the agenda. Fitzpatrick said he had no obligation to give him a head up, as well as that he’s told him multiple times he’s not an employee of the authority.
As Reyes struggled to get the vote called, Sanford said that Russo, along with former HHA Chairs Dana Wefer and Dave Mello, have all made public statements about the authority in the past, before Reyes shut him down.
The resolution passed 6-1, with only Sanford voting no, before he claimed “the actions of this board are criminal.”
Councilman Michael Russo like his father Former Mayor and convicted felon Anthony Russo will attack anyone who stands in his way to not only own the HHA with it’s many hundreds of millions of dollars of contracts but will result in thousands of new apartments that he can dole out to those who support him. He has been running to be mayor for years and will soon make it official.
The Russo Crime Family viewed the HHA as its domain and Michael operates this way. Many have seen intimidation first hand. Recall it was Hoboken Horse who brought a lot of corruption in the HHA to light especially the voter fraud. Russo had denied any existence of voter fraud in Hoboken.
Sounds like the Carmelitos are on the march and Russo is the new self-appointed Carmelo boss. Did the director give money to Russo? Why would he do such a thing? It’s in the NJELEC report.
The odor of big redevelopment bucks and contracts has a smell leading back to all the usual players: Russo and Ravi. Shutting people up is never a good look, especially out of this board and inside the HHA. It’s quite fascinating from a man in Russo who declared millions in bankruptcy, escaped prosecution yet again and is about to announce he’s running for mayor.
The Hoboken Housing Authority crew has learned from the Bhalla Administration’s City Council crew how to keep things on the down low, lastt minute and keep the public and everyone else in the dark as they try to do their dirty work.
A group of kangaroos is called a mob. How appropriate.
Does he even live in Hoboken anymore?
You do for me I do for you Russo has always been shady and Reyes used to be Garcia apologist for years.
What are they trying to cover up now ?
Doesn’t he understand that as a commissioner he is part of a board?
He continues to send out his bogus pledge, Why is he so afraid of the HHA residents getting an opportunity to meet candidates?
I don’t know anything about the underlying facts here, and maybe there’s nothing to whatever Commissioner Sanford’s concerns are. But from the account in this story it sure sounds like Commissioner Sanford has something to say that the other Commissioners desperately want to hide.
I for one would like to hear what Commissioner Sanford has to say. Why would anybody with nothing to hide be fighting so hard to shut him up?
He sends out a letter asking every candidate to sign as s pledge stating that they promise not to campaign on HHA property , have events or solicit votes.
My big issue is why doesn’t he want the people of the housing Authority to meet the people who are asking to represent them on the city council?
And if he wanted to avoid any hint of corruption or vote buying, he could just suggest that they have a candidates night at the Housing Authority, and set some rules
Instead, he unilaterally sent out a document document that he drafted without any other board members reading, and he’s done this several years in a row
Did anyone bother to read Sanfords pledge it borders on racism and is definitely voter suppression.
What he is advocating for is the residents of the housing authority to not be informed about the elections or who the candidates are.
It is pretty interesting the “civil rights “ lawyer Bhalla is the one that appointed Sanford and has not taken any action.
It does not even come close to racism. Not everything you disagree with can be demised by labeling it racist.
There does seem to be a concerted effort to keep what is being done in the Hoboken Housing Authority off the radar of the majority of Hoboken’s residents. Sunlight is always an effective disinfectant.
But you dont deny that it is voter suppression. He is trying to get the HHA residents from being informed as to who the candidates are.
Not James. The pledge is not in my opinion voter suppression but way to keep a vulnerable population from being an exploited by certain politicians as it was done many times in the past. To paraphrase an old guard politico who would know that the HHA has been used as a plantation to get votes.
It is voter suppression in my opinion and trying to “protect” people based on your opinion is similar to what the overseer would do. The overseer always thought he knew best but would eliminate any choice or free will. This sounds eerily similar.
I’d like to know more about the email contents, but it does seem based on the reporting that there was a lot of anxiety at the meeting over having it read out loud.
Personally, I’m inclined to want to hear more from Sanford and skeptical about the rest. Based on what I know of the HHA board leadership, it’s a motley crew of the crooks, the liars and the braindead. Every single one of the people involved falls into one of those categories.
James Sanford
From:
tongmingsan@gmail.com
To:
jengiattino6
,
Michael Russo
,
Ruben Ramos
,
josephebranco@yahoo.com
,
Ian Rintel
,
aromano@hcnj.us
,
mcademartori@hoboken.k12.nj.us
,
tkluepfel@hoboken.k12.nj.us
,
amcguirk@hoboken.k12.nj.us
,
LIZ@lizurtecho.com
,
edwardreepthebenefits@yahoo.com
,
p4h@presinzano4hoboken.com
,
Phil Cohen
,
Tiffanie Fisher
,
leopellegrini@msn.com
,
HobokenLauren@gmail.com
,
marlaforhoboken@gmail.com
,
rafi4hoboken1@gmail.com
,
p.waiters927@yahoo.com
Hide
Cc:
Kevin Lacey
,
Michael Harper
,
Debra Cuseglio
Mon, Nov 6 at 9:00 AM
TO: Hoboken Candidates for 2023 November Election
CC: Hudson County Board of Elections
BCC: Media Contacts
Please see attached a statement from HHA Commissioner, James Sanford and a PDF copy of the “2023 Election Integrity Pledge”.
Please respond by signing your signature next to your name if you intend to uphold the Election Integrity Pledge.
Thank you,
James Sanford
HHA Commissioner
2023 Election Integrity Pledge 1. Unequivocally denounce any GOTV campaign, and similarly organized schemes that pay voters to volunteer for a candidate or issue-based campaign. 2. Refrain from campaigning on HHA property or at HHA sponsored events. 3. Refrain from any voter intimidation or suppression tactics on HHA property and/or at Hoboken polling stations. 4. Commit to an apolitical HHA where both residents and staff are free from political coercion, intimidation, and interference. 5. Refuse and/or return all money donated by real estate developers and their interest groups. 6. Commit to filing all candidate ELEC Financial Disclosure Reports on time as per New Jersey State guidelines and at least 7 days before the date of the General Election giving the public time to review all candidate disclosures. 7. That all candidates for office who sign this pledge will hold accountable all candidates who fail to honor this pledge. Candidate’s Name (Alphabetical Order) Candidate’s Signature 1) Joseph Branco 2) Malani Cadematori 3) Phil Cohen 4) Rafi Cordova 5) Marla Decker 6) Tiffanie Fisher 7) Jennifer Giattino 8) Thomas Kluepfel 9) Ailene McGuirk 10) Lauren Myers 11) Leo Pellegrini 12) Paul Presinzano 13) Ruben Ramos 14) Ed Reep 15) Ian Rintel 16) Anthony Romano 17) Michael Russo 18) Liz Utrecho 19) Patricia Waiters
“2023 Election Integrity Pledge” In my capacity as a private citizen and journalist, this 2023 Election Integrity Pledge has been sent to local Hudson County Candidates running for elected office representing the City of Hoboken. As a public official of the City of Hoboken it is my duty to report on the record that the public is being misled by its elected officials and candidates for office. Since 2019, in the wake of real estate developer, Frank Raia’s, conviction promoting a voter bribery scheme; this Commissioner created the “Election Integrity Pledge” to address the outright corruption rotting our community. Hoboken residents continue to be harmed by corrupt politicians and big money real estate developers pumping cash into their campaign coffers. For opposing the HHA Redevelopment Plan and promoting the Election Integrity Pledge, this HHA Commissioner is experiencing ongoing retaliation. The HHA Board and Hudson County Commissioner candidate, Joseph Branco, conspire to coerce this Commissioner’s votes regarding the proposed HHA Redevelopment Plan and stifle oversight of the HHA. Over the past year, the retaliation has been relentless. Therefore, this pledge is being distributed the day before the election. This precaution is necessary to mitigate threats of harm and destruction of property. In short, this Commissioner was threatened with removal from the HHA Board a year ago for repeatedly voting against the HHA Redevelopment Plan. For the past year the HHA Board has continued a pattern of retaliation, harassment, and extortion with the purpose of coercing this HHA Commissioner. As a 10 plus year veteran of the HHA; the actions of the HHA Board are call backs to the heyday of former HHA Executive Director and currently indicted, Carmelo Garcia. In fact, a year ago current HHA Commissioner and City Council incumbent candidate, Michael Russo, threatened, “you’re going to get what you deserve!” because of my opposition to increasing building heights and repeated votes against the proposed HHA Redevelopment Plan. The pattern of ongoing harassment continues; Branco literally jumped out of a black SUV at my polling station trying to stop me from voting in the 2019 Election. Last year in the 2022 Election, Branco’s campaign goon and current 6th Ward Candidate, Ian Rintel, followed me into my polling station attempting to stop me from voting against Branco’s candidates. And, later that month, Branco’s other campaign stooge and current 3rd Ward Candidate, Ed Reep, conspired with the HHA Board to harass, intimidate, and extort this Commissioner’s vote. Recently, this Commissioner was informed that candidate Branco is attempting to remove voters from the registration rolls to prevent them from voting in tomorrow’s 2023 Election. This HHA Commissioner will not be bullied, coerced, or extorted in the performance of my duties as a public official of the City of Hoboken. I will uphold my oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Therefore, it is the expressed intent of this public official to report criminal complaints against candidate Joseph Branco and his co-conspirators.
James Sanford HHA Commissioner
This pledge reads more like a letter from an lunatic
It doesn’t but I understand you must try to discredit the opposition.
He prefaces the “pledge” as being made in his capacity as a “private citizen and journalist” which makes it political speech, protected by the First Amendment. There is nothing wrong with this pledge. IMO, it should have been separated from his personal narrative accusing various public persons of bullying and extortion. I personally believe him, but the accusations were made with standing as a public official. This naturally dragged in controversy with other HHA board members. Next time, James, keep it simple and also document your allegations of bullying and intimidation, then act accordingly.
Ed Reep was not involved in a conspiracy with the HHA board back in 2022 to coerce James Sanford’s vote. It is simply an absurd claim with no basis in evidence or reality and not something either Ed Reep or the HHA board would do.
Voter suppression at its best and borderline racist by Commissioner Sanford. He signs it representing the HHA and has the stupidity to say he is a journalist.
Does he have press credentials? That would be easy to verify.
With all this talk of censuring, does anyone remember when Ravinder Singh Bhalla, mayor of Hoboken, was censured by the state of New Jersey for conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation?
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4528848-bhalla1.html
Not sure who this Branco character is but he sounds like bad news, and kind of creepy in a MAGA sort of way. Does he hold any influence in town?