Dear Editor: It’s with a great sense of humility and heartfelt appreciation that I thank the citizens of Hoboken who voted in this year’s school board election and, in particular, those who supported “Excellence in Education.” This election was about the future of Hoboken’s children. I’m confident that David Anthony and newly installed trustees Wanda Santana Alicea and Michele Russo will always have the children’s best interest at heart. Our team was proud to work on behalf of these law-abiding, tax-paying citizens. Unfortunately, the opposition ran a negative campaign by inserting in this race a multitude of irrelevant issues and innuendoes. They attacked and smeared countless individuals, myself included. They wanted desperately to make this election into a referendum to satisfy their self-serving, political agendas and neglected to engage in a meaningful dialogue on educational issues. The voters, however, can’t be fooled by such empty rhetoric. People know the difference between decent, hardworking individuals who pay their taxes and dirty desperadoes. Holding an elected office is a solemn trust with the people that should always be taken seriously. And when you betray that sacred trust, you pay a heavy price called defeat. Our candidates had a plan, they talked issues and above all, they are genuinely committed to putting children first. They were the best qualified and that’s why they prevailed. Hoboken United may have had all of the politicians on their side, but we had the people. It just proves what I knew all along. When you stand up for principle, conviction and demand respect you may pay a heavy price at first, but in the end injustice never prevails. Excellence in Education won the fourth ward, with our top vote producer there being Michele Russo. Our friends, neighbors and family sent a message loud and clear –lying to people, attempting to profit from their pains, using them and manipulating them will not work! It was an honor to work with a team who truly care and understand. In politics, some friendships are lost, others renewed and a few uncovered. David, Wanda and Michele, I drove you crazy, but I admire the enthusiasm and vision you each share, and I wish you luck. Mayor Anthony Russo, thank-you for believing in me, embracing me and standing behind me. City Council President Nellie Moyeno, for almost a decade we’ve been friends and politics has never interfered, I hope it never does. Thank you for proving what a best friend should and ought to be. Allisette, Deborah and Jennifer, I was truly a lucky man to work with three terrific, talented women like you! Elizabeth and Carmen Alicea, Jean Rodriguez, Arlette Braxton, Migdalia Perez, Millie, Margie Biart and all the wonderful ladies of the 4th Ward, you’ve been like surrogate mothers to me, some for countless years, thank you for treating me as if I were your own son. (Pa’lante, siempre pa’lante!) I’ll never forget how you’ve each touched my heart. Countless additional individuals lent their support and labor to us throughout this endeavor. Naming each person would be a lengthy task. Therefore, on behalf of “Excellence in Education” I sincerely thank you all. Onward to the future! George A. Ortiz Campaign Manager Excellence in Education 2000