FACT CHECK - Zimmer Only CROSSING GUARDS - ZIMMER Clain Dawn Zimmer has said she’d fire all crossing guards. Status ? False Realit Dawn Zimmer supports crossing guards and believes they are “an integral part of pedestrian and public safety and essential to our quality of life.” Source Rumor spread by Cammarano supporters to parents of school age children and crossing guards. CLOSING HOBOKEN UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (HUMC/ST. MARY’S) - ZIMMER Claim Dawn Zimmer would close HUMC/St. Mary’s. Status ? False Reality Dawn Zimmer is completely committed to keeping a top quality hospital in town to serve Hoboken residents. Souree Possibly related to Zimmer’s concerns that the bond obligations to the Hospital are threatening to cause even higher taxes. Zimmer does believe the loan guarantee was poorly negotiated, and does support finding a way to spin off the hospital to a private entity if continued service could be ensured. HOBOKEN PUBLIC LIBRARY - ZIMMER Claim Dawn Zimmer will close the Library. Stal ? False Realit Dawn Zimmer is a strong and vocal supporter of the Library. Giving children, adults and seniors access to the learning and activities that go on in the library is essential to maintaining our quality of life and retaining the families that make up the fabric of our great city. Wr Possibly a distortion of Dawn’s commitment to bring true fiscal responsibility and accountability to City Hall, so no future budget issues threaten the library.CROSS TOWN BUS - ZIMMER Clair Dawn Zimmer shut down the cross-town bus. Stat ? False Reali Dawn Zimmer fully supports the cross-town bus and once elected will reinstate it because it serves its riders and gets cars off the street. Dawn did NOT support the SFY 2009 budget which cut the money for the cross-town bus. Source False Cammarano claim. LAYING OFF CITY WORKERS - ZIMMER Claim Dawn Zimmer will lay off 10-25% of city workers. Stat ? False Reality The Zimmer administration will only use layoffs when the operational audits are fully evaluated to ensure that any cuts will not adversely affect public safety. Layoffs are a last resort, and if required will not approach even 10%. Sour Possibly related to Zimmer’s oft stated concerns that 80% of the city operating budget is personnel and healthcare expenses. No plan to seriously cut the budget can avoid addressing the out of control personnel costs and Zimmer has said so.UNION NEGOTIATONS - ZIMMER Che Because she has been willing to consider some lay- offs Dawn Zimmer will not able to negotiate effectively with unions. Status ? False Realit Dawn Zimmer is the only candidate who will be able to negotiate with unions from a position of strength. Dawn sponsored 15% pay cuts to the council and Mayor, as well as sponsoring a resolution for the council to pay premiums on its own health insurance, setting the example for our labor negotiations. Further, a Zimmer administration will leave all options on the table to ensure that we get the best possible outcome from labor negotiations. Souree Peter Cammarano, as justification for his unilateral rejection of premium co-pays, pay cuts for the Mayor and council, and the possibility of lay-offs. PRIVATIZING DEPARTMENTS - ZIMMER Claim Dawn Zimmer will privatize all (or even most or many) city departments. a ? False Reality The vast majority of city employees are hard working people who, if well led are perfectly willing to do their jobs well, and when required, go above and beyond. Dawn Zimmer has every intention of using city employees to effectively and efficiently perform public functions. ureY Rumor being spread to scare city employees.