STATEMENT BY MAYOR BHALLA REGARDING HOBOKEN PAY-TO-PLAY REGULATIONS

Below is a statement from Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla regarding a resolution introduced by Councilmembers Emily Jabbour and Jim Doyle on Hoboken pay-to-play regulations and campaign finance reform. The resolution is attached.

“Recently, my Administration had the opportunity to review a legal opinion prepared by outside counsel on the City of Hoboken’s pay-to-play reform and related campaign finance ordinances,” said Mayor Bhalla. “That opinion found aspects of our laws problematic and recommended the complete repeal of the City’s campaign finance legal framework.  I reject this throw the baby out with the bath water approach.  When I ran for Mayor, I abided by our City’s laws and I believe all candidates running should do the same. I remain absolutely steadfast in my commitment to honest government and I will continue to defend Hoboken’s elections from outside influence from developers and special interests.  I applaud Councilmembers Doyle and Jabbour for placing a resolution on the City Council’s agenda reaffirming our collective commitment to good government and I encourage the other Councilmembers to unanimously support this initiative.

With the election coming up in less than two months, we need to make sure that all the candidates adhere to the same set of fundraising rules–rules designed to protect our city. It is critical that the Council send that message loud and clear by voting for this resolution.  At a time when the integrity of Hoboken’s elections are imperiled by schemes that trade cash for votes, it is imperative we do all in our power to safeguard the democratic process in our City.”