Public Meeting Over Fate Of STD Clinic Postponed
By Matt Hunger • Feb 1st, 2012 • Category: Blog, NewsA public meeting to address the fate of Jersey City’s Preventive Medicine Clinic that was scheduled for today has been postponed according to City Spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill. The meeting resulted from news that the state had approved the city’s plan to transfer STD clinical services to a private facility.
“The purpose of the meeting between the administration, council members and staff of the STD clinic is to ensure that all parties are in agreement on the nature and scope of services that will be provided by Horizon and that those services are better or equal to what city is presently providing,” said Morill.
The move is a cost-saving measure that will save the city $525,000, an important step for Kelly as he works to temper the year’s expenditures.
No new date has been set for the meeting, nor was a reason given for the postponement. Regardless of state approval, a vote is still required by the Council to authorize the transfer. It is unclear whether enough votes will be there for the move, as some on the council such as At-Large Councilwoman Viola Richardson and Ward E Councilman Steve Fulop have previously expressed interest in seeing the city-run clinic remain open. The vote can also test the new majority faction on the council — which narrowly failed to remove Council President Brennan from his leadership position after Mayor Jerramiah Healy promised to veto the move. That crucially needed sixth vote to override Healy’s veto will surely enter into the conversation as well, as questions arise over whether Ward F Councilwoman Michele Massey can shake accusations that she’s already in the Healy Administration’s pocket.
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Matt Hunger is a staff writer for the Jersey City Independent.
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