New Corporation Counsel Starts Work in Hoboken

City Council appointed Mark Tabakin as interim Corporation Counsel for the coming month in an 8-0 vote during Wednesday night's council meeting. Second Ward Councilwoman Beth Mason abstained, because she said she did not have ample time to go through Tabakin's resume and other background information. 

Tabakin will be paid $6,500 for the coming month, and will be in city hall every day, he said. It's still unclear what will happen after that time, but before a permanent corporation counsel can be appointed, city council will have to vote on it. 

Tabakin works for Parsippany-based firm Weiner Lesniak, which was named the number one most powerful lawfirm in the state by politickerNJ. 

Tabakin comes in after former Corporation Counsel Michael Kates resigned last week. 

First Ward Councilwoman Theresa Castellano said she hopes for the best. She added that she was "certainly disappointed with Mr. Kates' performance here."

According to a press release about Kates' resignation, he wrote in a letter to Mayor Dawn Zimmer: ""After sufficient period of time to assess the matter, I have come to the conclusion that my part-time service to Hoboken is insufficient, and is jeopardizing your ability to address your daunting tasks."

Among others, the city is currently facing two law suits related to the municipal garage.