Hoboken Mayor Taps Former Deputy Chief As Business Admininstrator

HOBOKEN, NJ — Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced Friday that he would appoint city Director of Operations Jason Freeman to serve as the business administrator for the city. The appointment will be up for a vote by the nine-member City Council.

Bhalla said, “As the Director of Operations, Jason has gone above and beyond to ensure a continuation of city services and personnel during the covid-19 pandemic. His knowledge of city projects and relationships with city directors is second to none, and I can think of no better person to continue serving Hoboken in this new role.”

Bhalla's political opponents on the council weren't pleased with the hire, calling him an "insider" and saying Bhalla should do a wider search.

Freeman is formerly Bhalla's deputy chief of staff, and is married to the head of the Hoboken Democratic Committee.

When Freeman was deputy chief of staff, Bhalla's critics complained that the mayor's office had too many employees. He eliminated the deputy chief of staff position. Freeman got the newly created position of Director of Operations.

“Why am I not shocked that for the most important role in the city, the person who all public employees report into, the mayor conducted no formal search to find the most experienced candidate and instead appoints one of his insiders," said 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher, "and one who is the subject of a political retaliation and discrimination complaint. When will the mayor start putting Hoboken first instead of his own interests? Hoboken deserves better and I will be a loud ‘No’ vote on this Wednesday night.”

First Ward Councilman Michael DeFusco said, “Just last week Hoboken taxpayers were handed a 7.5 percent property tax increase, largely at the hands of our mayor and inexperienced acting business administrator. Hoboken has gone nearly eight months without a permanent business administrator and instead of conducting an executive search, Mayor Bhalla has once again chosen to elevate politics over good government by filling this seat with his former campaign volunteer.”

Freeman said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the residents of Hoboken and I look forward to continuing to build upon the progress we have made over the past few years."

Prior to his time with the city of Hoboken, Freeman served as the director of development for the Anti-Defamation League. He attended Pennsylvania State University where he studied Political Science and Labor Employment Relations and is currently enrolled in a Master’s of Public Administration program at Rutgers University.

“Jason Freeman is the ideal candidate for the job of Business Administrator,” said former Hoboken Business Administrator Stephen Marks. “I got to work first-hand with Jason, and he is conscientious, responsible, and quickly became a key asset during labor negotiations, budget decisions and more. He has my full support and I wish him the best.”

To read about the most recent city budget, click here.

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