Jersey City's History
Jersey
City's was well known by the reputation of the late Mayor Frank
Hague. But Hague never saw the development money
that entered politics starting in the 1980's, the start of the waterfront
development when developers donated generously to political
campaigns. The developers, their lawyers, and spouses gave
repeatedly. Former Mayors McCann and Schundler played the
development game well. McCann also awarded many non-bidding
contracts. Schundler, privatized the Water Dept and other functions
of government. Private contractors give generously to
campaigns unlike municipal workers. Of course, water and the
cost of government increased tremendously but Schundler to able
raise enough money to run for governor and developers receive
generous tax abatements on valuable waterfront properties.
The political game changed somewhat when the State adopted laws on pay to play in 2005. These laws were finally adopted by ordinances after tremendous push from activist Dan Levin and Councilman Steven Fulop in 2007. Some developers felt these laws violated their free speech. However, politicians are still funneling money through a process called "wheeling."
Mayor Healy campaign contribution for 2005 and 2006 against the phone book for Jersey City, Hoboken, and Bayonne.
Layoffs and Raises
Taxes increased nearly 85% in five years under the Healy Administration. Since there is no bailout from Trenton under a Republican governor, Healy was forced to layoff personnel. This layoff list is from Opra, it shows low-earning personnel getting axed. Shortly after that happened the city gave 3% raises to non-union personnel.