Dear Editor:
Three years ago Union City was entangled in a fierce political battle. The long lasting effects of this struggle and the economic policies of the Garcia administration brought the city to a $16 million deficit, higher taxes and the traditional abuse of machine politics.
Four months ago, Union City residents got a fresh start. During this short period, Brian Stack has been able to implement some of the changes he promised in his 1998 campaign. There are more police officers patrolling the streets. The city is scheduled to receive up to 11.3 million dollars in state aid. Finally something has been done to alleviate the suffering wallets of property owners. The opposed factions have joined forces putting Union City first. The traditional implementation of political patronage has been eradicated as proof. Since Stack is mayor there is a hiring freeze in City Hall and possible political jobs awarded by the past administration at institutions like the Union City Day Care Center are being examined and evaluated by the Union City Board of Education with full support from the new mayor. New developers are encouraged by the mayor to invest in the city. These initiatives will bring better living conditions and valuable tax dollars. Union City is on the right track.
Most importantly, the residents have a full/over time mayor working up to 18 hours a day, dealing directly with the community, solving problems, never closing the door to anyone who asks for help, never declining a challenge. At the end of his working days and Saturdays, Stack works incessantly from his Civic Association on 12th and Summit. At night he personally returns his telephone calls. He is a man whose mission in life has become a passion for helping others. It is hard to find a politician with his dedication and work ethic.
Today, most of those who opposed him three years ago have joined him in his goal of putting the city’s interest first. Others who bitterly fought against him organized fund raisers and appear in local newspapers with a big smile on their faces with their arms around the mayor. Stack has converted many, persuaded some, and has sent a clear message for those who are seeking in the shadows his demise. He is not going anywhere and he is not changing.
During the short time he has been in office he is already changing the course of the city.
Commissioners Tina Yandolino and Michael Leggiero’s support have been fundamental in Stack’s work. Commissioner Rafael Fraguela has joined forces with the mayor in a commendable gesture to rescue the city from financial disaster.
For those of us who in 1998 confronted Hudson County’s most formidable political machine, losing a tight election and never wavering our support for the man we believe is the most dedicated mayor Union City ever had, it is a matter of pride and a sense of accomplishment to see how Brian Stack is about essence, not image.
Rafael Marten