Hudson Reporter Hoboken council rejects fine for blocking on social media Council members won't pay $500 fine × The ordinance, sponsored by Councilmembers Phil Cohen, Emily Jabbour, and Michael Russo, failed by a 4-5 vote. A new ordinance that would have fined Hoboken elected officials $500 for each resident they blocked on social media failed on first reading with a 4-5 vote. The legislation, sponsored by Council members Phil Cohen, Emily Jabbour, and Michael Russo, came about after the council members said they received complaints from residents who were blocked on Twitter and Facebook by Councilman Michael DeFusco. The trio said the ordinance aimed to protect the First Amendment rights of constituents and ensured that council members would hear multiple opinions on any matter.