Mayor Responds to Reported Quarrel With Priest

Mayor Dawn Zimmer got into a bit of heated discussion with Father Vinny Fortunato of the church of St. Ann, according to a story on local blog Hoboken411. The incident reportedly happened at the annual Blue Mass for Police and Firefighters at the Church of St. Ann on Jefferson and 6th Streets on Sunday morning. 

According to Hoboken411—the blog is edited by Perry Klaussen, but the stories are published without the author's names—Zimmer went up to the priest after he delivered his homily, which focused on integrity of politicians, priests and policemen. The mayor is currently in a dispute with the police union over her plan to lay off some 17 Hoboken police officers and demote another 18.

In a short phone interview on Monday morning, Zimmer said that she had not read the article on the blog, and that after the service, she "spoke with (Father Vinny) briefly." 

Councilmembers Michael Russo and Michael Lenz were also there, as well as Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Romano.

The story on Hoboken411 states: "According to witnesses, Mayor Zimmer angrily confronted him, saying she was offended by his sermon, making it loud and clear she was not happy with his choice of subject in her presence."

"I attended the service on Sunday to show appreciation for all the hard work," Zimmer said. Adding, "I'm not going to respond to any accusations 411 is making about me."

Fortunato, in a quick phone interview on Monday afternoon, said that he had no comment about the incident. 

"It was not that big of a deal to me," he said. When asked if there were any hard feelings between him and the mayor, he answered: "absolutely not."

Third Ward Councilman Russo, part of the council minority and a known critic of the mayor, said he stood about four feet away from the interaction between the mayor and the priest. 

"I'm very disappointed that anyone would ever talk to a religious leader that way," Russo said. "I would hope she issues an immediate apology."

Zimmer said also that she will be meeting with the priest. "I look forward to working with him in bringing our community together," the mayor said. 

Fourth Ward Councilman Lenz said he did not take any offense to the sermon.

"I thought it was a call to all of us to look inside ourselves," Lenz said. "A call to all of us to rethink our positions a little bit." According to Lenz, the priest acknowledged the mayor's presence only after he finished the homily, probably because he hadn't seen her in the crowded church.

"The sermon was very beautiful, I don't know what people are talking about," said Romano. 

The service in honor of the police and fire came roughly six days before the city is planning to lay off 18 police officers and demote 19 others. Zimmer said she will be meeting with Police Chief Anthony Falco to complete the redeployment plan, before Friday's layoffs. She said also she has been meeting with representatives from the Hoboken Police Benevolence Association, who have been opposing the layoffs with protests. 

Although Zimmer said the layoffs are scheduled to happened as planned, the city and the PBA are still in "ongoing negotiations."

The last day for the 18 officers is Friday, Sept. 24.