Hoboken 1st Ward Candidate Profile: Paul Presinzano

HOBOKEN, NJ — If you live in the southeast corner of Hoboken, within walking distance of the train station, you're likely in the 1st Ward.

That means you'll get to vote for one of three men as the 1st Ward council candidate — but even if you don't live there, the election will affect you. Hoboken has nine voting members on its City Council, and each one can sway a vote.

Current Councilman Michael DeFusco, who once ran for mayor, has decided not to run for re-election on Nov. 7. Thus, the seat is open.

The contenders are Paul Presinzano, who has run for council before and been outspoken about changes he'd like to see in the city; Hoboken Rent Leveling Board Chair Rafi Córdova, and former Hoboken Human Services Director Leo Pelligrini.

Córdova has the backing of Mayor Ravi Bhalla.

Both Córdova and Presinzano answered Patch's questions, but Pelligrini did not. He did confirm receipt of the questions. Pelligrini resigned from the city earlier this year and appears to be at odds with the current administration.

The questions and answers for Paul Presinzano are below. Compare them with Córdova's profile, linked here.

Name

Paul Presinzano

How old will you be as of Election Day?

51

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://www.presinzano4hoboken...

Party affiliation, even though Hoboken elections are non-partisan:

Democrat

Education.

BA Economics/Finance Minor Spanish

Current occupation, years of experience.

Finance 27+ years

Family information, if you're willing to share.

Wife and son

Does anyone in your family work in politics or have a government position, either volunteer or paid? Where?

No

Previous or current elected or appointed offices.

Kutztown University Alumni Foundation Board then elected to the Executive Board.

Why are you seeking a spot on Hoboken's City Council? Please keep these answers to 250 words or we WILL automatically truncate your answer.

I'm seeking a spot on Hoboken's City Council to enhance our community's well-being. Hoboken, my home for years, faces pressing issues like the current rat crisis, clean and safe sidewalks/streets, runaway spending, and affordability. I'm committed to finding innovative solutions for all residents.

My professional career gives me a unique skill set missing from the City Council. In my professional life, I have collaborated with diverse groups worldwide, which required strong communication and listening skills. Qualities like these are necessary to be an effective Councilperson. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. I prioritize open, honest communication with constituents, ensuring Council decisions align with our community's needs.

I seek a Council spot to foster growth and well-being, making sure the City government works for the people, not the other way around. I'm ready to work diligently, listen intently, and make informed decisions for our city's benefit. Hoboken is unique, and I'm dedicated to enhancing its quality of life for all.

What is the single most pressing issue facing Hoboken, and what makes you more qualified than your opponent(s) to solve it?

Quality of Life Issues. Experiences in my professional and personal life have honed my communication and problem-solving skills, essential for finding innovative solutions. Additionally, my commitment to transparency, accountability, and open, honest communication with constituents ensures we can collaborate to bring attention and solve QOL issues.

Do you believe national political issues are relevant to Hoboken? Whom did you vote for in the 2020 presidential election? Do you believe it's relevant or irrelevant, and why?

I did not vote for Trump. National political issues can have relevance to Hoboken significantly when they impact our community directly. However, it's essential to prioritize the local problems that directly affect our quality of life. We can accomplish more by working together than apart.

Some believe that running for local office serves primarily as a stepping stone, particularly in Hudson County. Are you willing to take a pledge to remain on the council for all four years rather than taking any other political job or paid government position?

My primary goal is to work on behalf of the 1st Ward residents during my tenure on the council.

Several of our readers and others have said that Hoboken is becoming unaffordable to the middle class, particularly with monthly apartment rents seeing increases between $500 and $1,000 in some cases, and other costs spiking. Yet, Hoboken boasts of being an artsy town and a diverse community. Do you think something should be done to keep a mix of people in all parts of town? If so, what?

It is hard to digest the recent rent increases in some buildings. The City Council tried to pass a common sense ordinance for a compromise between landlord and tenant advocates. This would have helped most of the town. However, Mayor Bhalla vetoed this.
Now, there is rumbling about a referendum in the dead of winter that will change rent control as we know it. Vetos are not a solution to a problem. Everyone needs to be at the table to work together for a compromise that can benefit the whole community.

Do you think Hoboken's current rent control ordinance is working as is, or does it need adjustments, and what kind? If there's a referendum to remove the Rent Control Ordinance, as has been talked about in the past, would you work to keep it, or remove it?

The 2nd Rent Control Ordinance that the City Council passed was a great compromise, and I favored that.

Six weeks after the 2021 council race, a majority of council members voted to give themselves raises of more than 30 percent, bringing the part-time salaries to $35,000-$40,000 each, plus benefits. Will you be taking the full salary and benefits if elected? Will you approve any raises for yourself during the next four years if you are elected?

I will not increase the salary. When you run for political office, you serve others, not yourself. A City council position should not be considered a job but a labor of love.

If you are running with the support of the current mayoral administration, what is something you think it hasn't done well in its eight years that needs improvement? If you are not running with the administration's support, what is something they've done very well?

They have done a great job focusing on headlines while our quality of life has suffered.

Do you plan to vote in Hoboken's school board election in November? Which three candidates are you supporting?

I would like to hear more about where candidates stand. I look forward to a debate.

Please feel free to share anything else you think needs to be said, but keep answers to 250 words. Note that any longer answer will be truncated. Also, if you decline to answer a question, that will be noted.

Hoboken is a fantastic town to call home. In any aspect of life, we can always do better. Quality of life issues in our city have been neglected. I want to make sure headlines don't dictate the priorities.
Local government is supposed to be there when you step out the door. It is not supposed to be a stepping stone for personal ambitions.
Our tax dollars must be spent wisely, and make sure the city addresses the community's needs. The only way to do that is by listening and ensuring residents have a seat at the table. As your councilperson, I work for you, not the other way around.