Hudson County View
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“In light of Essex County’s movement to try to get out of their ICE [contract], it’s making me change my tune on how we want to stand on this as a county, and where we go from here,” Board Chair Anthony Vainieri (D-8) said about 45 minutes into the meeting.
“I’m open to suggestions, I’m open to speaking with the county executive’s administration and our federal representatives … to find a path to exit … I’m looking to try to mirror Essex County.”
Vainieri’s comments are similar to what he told several media outlets including HCV after Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo announced plans to get out of their ICE deal by taking inmates from Union County, whose jail operations are mostly closing in the coming months.
Wait, is this a farce? | Jersey Journal editorial nj.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nj.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Hudson County View
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Board Chair Anthony Vainieri (D-8) said the raises were an annual routine, with these pay hikes retroactive to July 1st, 2020.
“[They’ve] been working through the pandemic. A lot of these directors have been working seven days a week, 24 hours a day,” he said, noting he would likely take the increase so the next board chair can take home the $50,616 salary.
County Administrator Abe Antun indicated that the amount of salary increases totaled about $76,000 and that the board last approved one effective for July 1st, 2019.
Other notable increases include bumping the county executive’s salary from $166,826 to $170,997, while new commissioners will see a salary increase of $46,151 to $47,305 – along with annual pay of $49,513 for the board vice chair – currently Anthony Romano (D-5).
In rarely seen vote, Jersey City Council OKs resolution to abolish HCDO line with only 2 yeses
By Daniel Ulloa/ Hudson County View
Ward E Councilman James Solomon, the sponsor of the measure, was joined by Councilman-at-Large Rolando Lavarro in voting yes.
The remaining electeds in attendance, Councilman-at-Large Daniel Rivera, Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey, Ward C Councilman Rich Boggiano, and Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh all abstained, with Council President Joyce Watterman, Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley, and Ward F Councilman Jermaine Robinson absent.
“It is a big conversation. It is an extraordinarily important conversation as a state we simply have not had until the last year,” Solomon said prior to the vote.