Dear Editor:
Being a young professional today in a city so diverse can bring many rude awakenings. I have come to understand the need for malicious, disrespectful examples of leadership from some public officials and chairpersons. When we the people recognize these actions we absorb that negative fuel and exude that same fuel into a positive outcome during meaningful elections. Even though every election is important some voters have become apathetic in the voting process. However, I will share a recent story that demonstrates the insult and discourteous act by our Democratic chairwoman that will have a reactionary effect in May of 2001.
As a loyal Democrat and Latino voter, I am extremely upset at the actions (or lack thereof) by Hoboken’s Democratic Chairlady and wife of the Mayor, Mrs. Michele Russo. For years the Russos have courted the Latino vote and quite often we responded favorably. However, those days are over!
A few weeks ago Mrs. Russo handed the Latinos of Hoboken its biggest insult ever! She endorsed various Democrats in letters but declined to endorse our three term Latino Congressman Robert Menendez. Not only is he a national role model for all Americans, he’s the fourth ranking Democrat in Congress. He is so well regarded that he made the short list of Vice Presidential hopefuls for Presidential Candidate Al Gore.
We are tired of seeing the Russos only come around with Nellie Moyeno and Robert Crespo during election time, offering promises of apartments, jobs and a great life. All sugar coated by extravagant pre-election community meetings by “The Circle of Life Committee” (a group that seems to really be a big zero). That group folded after the April election. The free salsa dances at the Elks and flowers on our doorsteps.
All of this is tolerated by the community since it’s painless to accept, and we vote the other way regardless now. This is no surprise however. Michele has abused the Hoboken Democrats for years. Then three years ago she used it to switch parties and endorsed Republican Governor Whitman! No matter how many low paying city jobs the Russos promise, and no matter how many dances they host, I know my community will see Russos through the smoke and mirrors they create.
I will make it my number one goal to make sure everyone is well-represented in City Hall in the future!
Carmelo G. Garcia
P.S. There is no education like adversity