Hoboken To Reopen Constituent Services Office, Hire Coordinator

HOBOKEN, NJ — The city of Hoboken is reinstating the Office of Constituent Services and says they'll look at resumes for the next director.

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Mayor Ravi Bhalla this week signed an ordinance officially reestablishing the Office of Constituent Services, which will open next year to provide day-to-day assistance to Hoboken residents on a variety of issues.

The Office of Constituent Services had been eliminated in 2020 when the then-City Council majority voted to adopt an ordinance abolishing the office, overriding a mayoral veto.

At the time, the council majority said they were floating the idea because layoffs were looming for dozens of other city workers.

Bhalla said, “When this office officially reopens next year, I know it will once again help increase efficiencies and the speed in which residents have their concerns and questions addressed."

The city is now seeking qualified applicants for a Constituent Services Coordinator to head the office. Those interested can learn more or apply at www.hobokennj.gov/jobs or
email a resume and cover letter to Personnel Officer Michael Kraus at Mkraus@Hobokennj.gov.

Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher said Thursday that the Bhalla administration's refusal to open City Hall to the public, in person, is contributing to the need.

She also said the mayor wants to hire someone "so his own staff of soon to be three personal aides can focus 100 percent of their time on him…paid for by taxpayers.”

According to the city, the Office of Constituent Services will coordinate inquiries and requests with city departments and agencies on behalf of residents on topics including the handling of counseling and referrals for social services, tenant assistance and education, housing and employment inquiries, various quality of life issues, violations of city codes and general inquiries regarding available city services.

This post will differ from the new affordable housing job that Councilwoman Vanessa Falco will assume in the new year.

The city says that during its almost two years of operation, the office serviced approximately 2,500 requests from residents, assisted with 50 cases in coordination with the tenant advocate, oversaw 1,050 requests through the Hoboken 311 system,and sent more than 6,000 emails and correspondence on behalf of constituents.

Councilmembers Jim Doyle, Michael Russo, Emily Jabbour, Vanessa Falco, and Phil Cohen voted in favor of the ordinance to reinstate the office at the meeting.

The council members also voted on Wednesday for raises for the council, and numerous other agenda items.

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