Councilwoman Fisher Opposes Misguided Non-Binding Referendum on EScooters

HOBOKEN, NJ — The Hoboken City Council voted last night for the second time against Mayor Ravi Bhalla’s plan to put a nonbinding referendum regarding Hoboken’s nascent EScooter pilot program on the ballot in November.  The six month pilot program has brought an innovative and efficient transportation alternative to Hoboken and proven to be incredibly popular. At the same time, it has suffered significant community backlash from the botched rollout and insufficient safety, education or enforcement plans in place. Rather than pass the buck to residents as suggested by the mayor and by her Council opponent, Councilwoman Fisher is demanding real solutions to immediately determine how to make EScooters work in Hoboken.

“As a council member I was elected to listen to constituents, lead and legislate, not to pass the buck and delay making important decisions even when they are politically contentious,” said Councilwoman Fisher. Waiting until November to collect feedback from our residents to address the problems with the EScooter program is completely irresponsible.”

The referendum would have further delayed addressing the issues with the program until the November election, despite leadership being required immediately.

“It is too little, too late.  As a result of what we have observed already and have heard from constituents who feel unsafe walking along Hoboken’s beautiful waterfront, I sponsored an ordinance that passed 8-1 last night to ban EScooters on our waterfront and was one of the co-sponsors of earlier legislation that passed unanimously to establish a fee structure for EScooter violations. It is important issues like this where we need immediate action and real decisive leadership, not a wait and see approach like my opponent and our mayor have proposed. Now, not November, is our opportunity to continue working together to address both public safety and economic concerns and either make EScooters work for Hoboken or discontinue the program.”

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