Hoboken 6th Ward Councilwoman Jen Giattino is expected to be named council president again at tomorrow’s reorganization meeting, sources, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, told HCV.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
This will be Giattino’s fifth time as council president since 2016, with 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos named in 2018 and 2021, 3rd Ward Councilman Mike Russo serving in 2022, and Councilwoman-at-Large Emily Jabbour filling the leadership post last year.
Meanwhile, Councilman-at-Large Jim Doyle is expected to serve as vice president as part of a deal to quell the tension between Mayor Ravi Bhalla and his allies on the council and their opposition on the governing body, sources said.
Now serving in her fourth term, a fairly rare feat in Mile Square City politics, Giattino easily defeated Ian Rintel and Lauren Myers, who was backed by Bhalla, in November, securing nearly 66 percent of the vote.
With administration critic Paul Presinzano succeeding Councilman Mike DeFusco in the 1st Ward, Russo again remains the swing vote, though he is unlikely to back Bhalla in many instances since he is likely to announce his own bid for mayor sooner than later this year.
Russo had hoped to be council president for the second time in the past three years, but he was unable to find the votes this time around.
Wednesday’s reorganization meeting will convene at City Hall, 94 Washington St., at 7 p.m and will also stream live on the city’s Facebook and YouTube pages.