Hoboken Hires Public Safety Spokesperson

HOBOKEN, NJ — Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced on Friday the appointment of Marci Rubin to serve as Hoboken's new senior public information assistant for the city’s Department of Public Safety.

Rubin, a 15-year Hoboken resident, previously worked as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor for News 12 New Jersey.

Hoboken city spokesperson Marilyn Baer said the job is full-time and will pay $80,000 per year.

“Marci’s passion for the city of Hoboken and her wealth of experience and knowledge made her the ideal fit for the position,” said Bhalla. “She will be a tremendous asset to the city who will work tirelessly to keep residents informed of the department’s ongoing efforts to protect our community."

“I am thrilled to be taking this next step in my career and to be bringing more than 25 years of experience in journalism, media relations, and communications to the city of Hoboken, my home for over a decade,” said Rubin. “I am particularly excited to be working with Mayor Ravi Bhalla and Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante, along with the heroes who protect and serve the Hoboken community to continue to expand public engagement and increase transparency.”

The city said that Rubin will work with the city’s public safety divisions, serving as media liaison and social media manager for the Hoboken Police Department, Hoboken Fire Department, and Office of Emergency Management, "allowing the police officer currently filling the role for the police department to focus on law enforcement."

Rubin will also provide communication support on a variety of other public safety matters, the city said.

Baer did not respond by press time when asked whether she would handle the city's Nixle communications, which range from public safety advisories to community announcements.

The City Council approved the position in October, but three council members questioned whether another hire was needed when the city already had a full-time city spokesperson, new public safety director, and new part-time public safety advisor.

The city also announced on Friday the hiring of two social workers to help connect people with resources for homelessness and other issues.

The pair will work under the Office of Constituent Services.

The City Council approved those positions in September, with officials saying homelessness is on the rise in the area, according to an article in Hudson County View.