Russo Grabs the Chair!

You can't say Mike Russo isn't real good at the game of politics, and speaking of games...

Imagine last night's Council meeting as a game of Musical Chairs. One empty seat, the 5th vote, was circled by 4 minority members: Mike Russo, Terry Castellano, Beth Mason and Tim Occhipinti.    Round and round and round...

Round and round the mulberry bush, 

The monkey chased the weasel. 

The monkey stopped to pull up his socks 

And Pop goes the weasel.

Well, guess who grabbed the chair?  

Mike Russo!

Here is what MSV reported today:

Councilman Michael Russo stunned the City Council and the public when he pivoted on a decisive vote approving a design vendor for Sinatra Drive: Kimley Horn and Associates in a 5-3 vote.

Yup, when the music stopped, he was all over that chair.  Me, me, me!  It's mine! Back off, Timmy, Terry and Beth!

The question is, WHO was really in the game?  Did any other others want to grab the chair?

The next meeting in 2014 will have Jim Doyle, Reform's 5th vote, so Musical Chairs will commence only when a 6th vote is needed.

That chair holds power. The Dark Sider who gets it is relevant, and on the same side  as an Administration that swept City Hall and the Board of Education, and will appoint a new Zoning Board and HHA Commissioners.
    
What savvy politician wouldn't want to be on that side?  Mike Russo is a savvy politician.

But, to my Reform peeps who believe this is some kind of epiphany, or choice to do what's best for Hoboken, hop back on the turnip truck and go home to the farm.

Last night was a Power Play.  Russo was staking out his turf, with the message, "that chair is mine."  We all heard it, loud and clear.  But, don't get used to it; when it is no longer politically expedient to have the chair, he'll walk away.  And turnip- farmers with trembling lower lips will sniffle, "But, but... I thought he changed".

No, he didn't.

So, GA says, take it for what it is and enjoy it while it lasts.

Now, if Russo has real competition in his game of Musical Chairs-  that weakens the leverage Russo thinks that chair might give him with the Zimmer administration.