Hoboken 6th Ward Candidate Profile: Jen Giattino

HOBOKEN, NJ — If you live in central Hoboken, including the Stevens campus and central waterfront, you're likely in the 6th Ward. (See the ward map here).

That means you'll get to vote for one of three candidates for 6th Ward council — 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 Councilwoman Jen Giattino is up for re-election. She's being challenged by political newcomer Lauren Myers, who's supported by Mayor Ravi Bhalla, and Ian Rintel, who has run for council before.

The questions and answers from Giattino are below. Compare them with the other two 6th Ward candidates' profiles posted on Hoboken Patch here.

NOTE: Got something to say? Post comments below or post letter to the editor on Hoboken Patch this way.

Name

Jen Giattino

How old will you be as of Election Day?

52

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

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

Democrat

Education.

Attended Fordham University

Current occupation, years of experience.

Real Estate Agent 13 years

Family information, if you're willing to share.

Married to Joe Giattino, 3 children Joey (20), Jack (19), Alex (17)

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.

6th Ward Councilwoman, serving 3rd term

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 running for a fourth term because I have an unwavering belief in our community's potential, and I'm committed to building on the progress we've achieved over my past three terms.
Serving the incredible residents of Hoboken has been a privilege, reinforcing my steadfast faith to bring about positive change.
It's easy to get caught up in politics and the allure of headlines. However, my focus has consistently revolved around you – the valued residents of Hoboken – and the issues that matter most to our community.
I'm not in this for personal recognition or media attention; my mission is to tackle problems and address your concerns.
I'm known among our community as the go-to person when it comes to solving problems, regardless of complexity. My reputation is built on relentless determination and the ability to navigate the intricacies of our city's bureaucracy.
My commitment extends far beyond political boundaries; it's rooted in delivering tangible results. During my tenure, I've made many tough decisions, protecting our citizenry.
Recent years have seen changes erode our quality of life, with decisions that don't align with our community's desires. This upcoming election is of paramount importance, and I humbly request your support to continue advocating for Hoboken.
Serving as a councilperson demands more than dedication; it requires adaptability, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to our community. I'm resolute in prioritizing Hoboken over politics and representing your best interests not outside influences or political agendas.
Together, we can continue to write the story of Hoboken's success.

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

The single most pressing issue facing Hoboken at this moment is the rat problem. It's a pervasive issue that affects the sanitation and comfort of residents in their homes and on the streets. To address this problem effectively, I believe my qualifications set me apart from my opponent(s).

Firstly, I have deep roots in our community, which means I have a strong connection with residents and local businesses. This unique connection allows me to bring people together to work collaboratively on finding solutions to the rat issue.

Secondly, my on-the-ground approach is a key asset. I walk the neighborhood multiple times a day, engaging in regular conversations with residents. This approach enables me to have a real-time understanding of the concerns and challenges that residents face daily, including the rat problem. I am in touch with the community's pulse, which is essential for effective problem-solving.

As a proactive measure, I am advocating for policies that will help eliminate environments conducive to rat infestations. For instance, I introduced legislation for Streeteries to be the standard moving forward, which would eliminate structures that rats often inhabit. Additionally, I am actively working with local schools and businesses to find better ways to store their garbage, which can be a significant contributor to the rat issue.

In conclusion, my unique qualifications, community connections, and proactive approach make me well-suited to address the pressing rat problem in Hoboken and work towards a cleaner, more comfortable environment for all residents.

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?

National political issues can indeed have an impact on local communities, and it's important for residents to advocate for representatives who align with their values at all levels of government. In the 2020 presidential election, I voted for Joe Biden. While national politics are relevant and can influence local policies and funding, the primary focus in local elections should always be addressing the immediate concerns and needs of our community. Local issues, such as property taxes, city services, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and quality of life matters, are the primary responsibilities of local government, and they should take precedence in local decision-making and elections.

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?

Yes because nothing brings me more pleasure than representing the heart of Hoboken, the 6th Ward.

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?

Maintaining a diverse and inclusive community in Hoboken is crucial to its character and vibrancy. The rising costs of living can indeed threaten the diversity and affordability of our city.
Hoboken's inclusionary zoning ordinance requires a 10% affordable housing set-aside in new residential developments greater than 10 units when a density variance is required. During my tenure Hoboken has gained nearly 200 affordable units. There are over 700 affordable units that are in developments that have been approved but not yet completed. Some of these are through redevelopment plans and some through the 10% set aside. As a councilperson, I am committed to working on these issues to preserve the diversity and vibrancy that make Hoboken a special place to live.

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?

I would not support removing the Rent Control Ordinance.
The issues with current ordinance:
Blurs the lines between base rents and surcharges under legal rent.
Eliminates the legal rent control "Update" that had previously provided to the landlord.
Declares the current rent the current tenant is paying to be the legal rent.
Allows the Rent Leveling Officer to decide if a CPI should be counted or not in any legal rent calculation if the registration form wasn't filed without providing criteria.
The Vetoed amended ordinance cured these issues.

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 voted No on the increase. I currently do not take benefits. I would not approve any raises for the City Council.

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?

The current Administration did an amazing job during Covid of keeping the residents aware of everything Covid.

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

Yes.

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.

I want to emphasize the importance of on-the-ground experience, long-standing relationships, and a proven track record of problem-solving. These are the qualities that define effective leadership, especially in city government, and they are what I bring to the table.
I’m a big listener, and my connections within our community have allowed me to truly understand your concerns, as well as your hopes and dreams for Hoboken. It's through these relationships that I've been able to collaborate effectively and make tangible improvements in our city.
But let me be clear, working with the mayor does not equate to being a rubber stamp. It means advocating for our community's best interests while finding common ground to move forward. I've demonstrated my ability to do this, time and time again, throughout my tenure.
As your representative on the city council, I will always put Hoboken's well-being first. I ask for your trust and your vote to continue the work we've started and to build a brighter future for our beloved city.
Thank you, and let's continue working together to make Hoboken the best it can be.