Council President Mason Responds to Released FBI Tapes; Expresses Disappointment

A day after that showed Third Ward Councilman Michael Russo talking about zoning variances and the 2009 mayoral elections to FBI informant Solomon Dwek, Council President Beth Mason issued a statement saying that she is "shocked and disturbed by the brazen way Councilman Russo conducted himself."

Russo, who is the council vice president, and Mason are both part of the council majority and usually vote alike on issues. Both are highly critical of Mayor Dawn Zimmer.

On the video, Russo can be heard saying that in turn for his support to Mason, she allowed him to pick the three council at large candidates during that election.

In her statement, Mason denies that, saying "nothing could be further from the truth."

This is the first statement Mason has made publically about the video footage of Russo's meeting with Dwek. The meeting was first reported in The Jersey Sting, a , which also brought down former Mayor Peter Cammarano.

Russo was not available for comment. Beth Mason did not return a call for comment.

"Fortunately for the residents of the 3rd Ward this video was released before the upcoming City Council election," Mason said in the statement. "They can now judge Councilman Russo’s actions for themselves and cast their votes according to the totality of his service as 3rd Ward Councilman and the issues that their Ward and the city as a whole face today."

Mason also calls for the U.S. Attorney General to release any other footage it may have of Hoboken politicians who met with Dwek. Mason also met with Dwek in 2009.

"It is time to shine the light on this situation," Mason said in the statement, "and allow the people of Hoboken to judge all of the video and audio recordings for themselves."

Russo was also heard referring to pay-to-play laws, which set limits to the amount of money developers can donate in return for money or contracts, with the word "nonsense."

Mason, one of the founders of , said in Monday's statement that "the very essence of the meeting between him and Dwek is the exact reason that Hoboken needs such strong pay-to-play laws."

The City Council will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m.