The City of Hoboken is launching their inaugural Vezzetti Fellowship Program in honor of former Mayor Tom Vezzetti, who served between 1985 and 1988.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Hoboken’s future depends on young people who are willing to engage, ask questions, challenge assumptions, and work toward solutions,” Mayor Emily Jabbour said in a statement.
“Tom Vezzetti believed City Hall belonged to the people. Through the Vezzetti Fellowship, we are opening the doors of government to a new generation of residents who care deeply about their community and want to make a difference.”
The new summer fellowship, made possible in part through a federal USDA grant and the Hudson County Summer Youth Employment Program, recognizes Vezzetti’s energetic approach to public service.
Often seen carrying a bullhorn and walking the full length of Washington Street to City Hall each day, Vezzetti made it his mission to hear directly from residents and ensure they felt represented by their local government, according to the mayor’s office.
A sign hanging in City Hall during his administration famously welcomed residents with the words: “Welcome to YOUR City Hall.”
The city will select 10 fellows to participate in the summer program. Fellows will gain practical experience working approximately 20 hours per week in municipal departments and divisions while learning firsthand how local government serves residents.
The program seeks Hudson County residents between the ages of 16 and 18 who are currently enrolled in school, or recent graduates with proof of college acceptance.
Applications are available here and must be submitted no later than Friday, June 19th, at 4 p.m. and include an original 250-word essay on the importance on civic engagement.
“I am thrilled to partner with Mayor Emily Jabbour in establishing the Vezzetti Fellowship Program. The Hudson County Summer Youth Employment Program creates opportunities for our young residents, allowing participants to explore different career options and develop crucial life and job skills,” added Hudson County Executive Craig Guy.
“I am proud of this vital initiative and excited to see the next generation of future leaders develop through the Vezzetti Fellowship Program.”
The fellowship program will run from July 6th through August 14th. Participants will work Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Selected applicants will receive additional information regarding onboarding requirements and program participation following acceptance into the program.
Participants may be assigned to divisions including:
• Engineering
• Resiliency & Sustainability
• Community Development
• Division of Housing
• City Clerk’s Office
• Division of Public Engagement
• Transportation & Parking
• Urban Forestry (proof of college acceptance not required)Fellows will assist with project research, data collection and entry, administrative support, constituent services, and other initiatives while collaborating with City staff and department leadership.
In addition to their daily assignments, fellows will participate in weekly “Lunch & Learn” sessions featuring conversations with municipal leaders and community stakeholders, including, and former public officials, including former confidential aide to Mayor Tom Vezzetti, Laurie Fabiano.
“Two things Tom was passionate about were community service and education. I know that above all else, he would be thrilled to have this important Fellowship program named after him,” she stated.
“Tom believed in democracy and loved kids, so there is no doubt that he would be exuberant to see young people learn about their government and he would have encouraged them to stay involved,” added former Councilman Joseph Della Fave, who served between 1985 until 1991.
Vezzetti died of a heart attack on March 2nd, 1988, before the his term had expired, at 59 years old, according to the New York Times.
For questions, please contact constituents@hobokennj.gov.
Mayor Vezzetti had a sign that welcomed residents to Hoboken City Hall
Mayor Bhalla installed guards, metal scanners and bullet proof glass
Tax going up 11 1/2%
Vezzetti was a “man of the people,” who we first met while eating dinner at East LA. He walked around the restaurant shaking hands and telling customers that he was the Mayor. We were new to Hoboken and thought it was a prank. While he was, shall we say, a bit “unorthodox,” he lived to serve the city and we were on a path to something better when he passed.
We are now following a path that Bhalla has created, and I am far less hopeful. Glad to see this program and tribute to Mayor Vezzetti taking shape…
Didn’t Joe and Lori send him out and have him rie the bus on the avenue all day as they were the real mayors?
Heard he has some stories… WOW. BOOM!
Mayor Vezzetti was the Frank Hauge of Hoboken.
To honor his legacy is to honor the corrupt, incompetent and racist vestiges of Hudson County’s past.
The narrow scope of the program hints that the “selected applicants” will either be the family of politicians or patronage selections (you can guarantee Russo connections).