Hoboken Councilwoman Beth Mason calls for transparency in sale of University Medical Center, criticizes $600,000 severance package for resigned hospital CEO

August 10, 2011 - Jersey Journal

Hoboken Councilwoman Beth Mason spoke out about the $600,000 severance package the former CEO of the Hoboken University Medical Center received after resigning.

"This morning the Star Ledger and Jersey Journal began to shine a light on what is really going behind the scenes as the sale of our hospital moves forward," Mason wrote.

"Financial records reveal that the hospital's former CEO was awarded a $600,000 severance package shortly before the hospital's management company filed for bankruptcy. This golden parachute was approved by Mayor Zimmer and the members of the Hoboken Municipal Hospital Authority...The parachute is an absolute disgrace and should be terminated immediately," she wrote.

"While a politically connected CEO is being rewarded, our nurses are on the brink of losing their healthcare benefits. In addition, the hospital failed to make almost $2 million in payments to pension and healthcare funds for its 1,100 employees. Instead of standing up for taxpayers and treating other stakeholders fairly, the Hospital Authority is using this sale to benefit Mayor Zimmer's political allies," Mason wrote.

Mason called on the Zimmer administration and the HMHA to be more open.

"It is time for the Zimmer Administration and the Hospital Authority to stop operating in secrecy. The people of Hoboken deserve an open, inclusive, and transparent process. Together we will stop these backroom deals and continue to stand up for good government and the rights of everyday people."