For the second year in a row, the West New York Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a modest consulting contract for a firm owned by Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner. 
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
During the public portion of the meeting, the board of commissioners confirmed that the contract amount for Innovative Government Consulting, Inc. was $17,500 – the same as last year.
When this reporter asked Mayor Felix Roque, the incumbent since July 2011, why he felt it was necessary to continue to pay Turner for his services, he said his experience and expertise was worth every penny.
“Very simple: when you’re a doctor, you always want that person who gives you extra knowledge to have. And that’s why: all the knowledge that this guy has, and all the experience,” explained Roque.
The mayor added that he typically interacts and asks for advice from people who have a lot of government experience including Public Affairs Commissioner Cosmo Cirillo, who is also the business administrator in Guttenberg, North Bergen Mayor/state Senator (D-32) Nick Sacco and U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-8).
Turner was the West New York business administrator under Sires’ administration and currently serves as his congressional district director.
He could not immediately be reached for comment.
The contract specifically asks Innovative Government Consulting Inc. “to perform special projects,” which Roque previously said included building a military academy and doing road improvements.
Earlier this summer, the town announced paving would be underway on 60th Street from John F. Kennedy Boulevard to Bergenline Avenue, 51st Street from Bergenline Avenue to Broadway, all of Gaw Place, Palisade Avenue from 62nd Street to 54th Street, Hudson Avenue from 67th Street to 54th Street and from 52nd Street to 49th Street.
