Hundreds of observers stood in blazing heat last weekend to see new Mayor David Roberts begin a new era in Hoboken politics. With some of the brightest political stars in the state present, Roberts promised to open up government, protect and produce new open space in town, moderate new development, hire qualified personnel, ensure that affordable housing is given out to the people who need it most, and vastly improve the quality of life for Hoboken residents.
“We can not solve all of our problems overnight,” said Roberts from the podium Sunday. “But we can seize this very moment right now, and make the commitment as a community to meet each and every challenge we face with integrity, honesty and respect for one another. We must preserve the character of our community and restore what has been lost.”
In his speech, Roberts praised Hoboken’s diversity and heralded it as the city’s greatest strength. “This administration will do more than voice appreciation for diversity with words,” he said. “We will honor diversity with our actions. It makes no difference whether someone has lived in Hoboken four months or four decades. I don’t care if you own a luxury condo or live in affordable housing. There is a place for everyone in our city, and everyone in our city will have a voice in City Hall.”
Roberts also promised to open up City Hall to the public and hire personnel on the basis of professionalism, not political bias.
“For too long, those with political connections have advanced in our community while those with strong qualifications have been left behind,” he said. “From this day forward, Hoboken City Hall will be an epicenter of progressive government. This will be an administration that rewards performance, not politics.”
Roberts then directly addressed development issues facing the city. “Let me be clear on one thing,” he said. “We are going to protect the character of our neighborhoods from out-of-control development. And when the choice is between shutting down a construction site or keeping a neighborhood park where our children play open, I will choose the park every time. There will be no more secret agendas that will conjure up massive, out-of-scale development projects at Planning Board meetings.”
With that said, Roberts added that within the next 30 days, his administration would begin to construct a new master plan to outline development goals in the city.
According to Roberts, an aspect of that plan will be a new approach to affordable housing.
“We will concentrate on families,” said the new mayor, pledging to do a comprehensive study on available affordable housing in the city. “We will review and revise our affordable housing policies to ensure that families who need access to affordable housing receive it. And under my administration, not one family will be displaced from affordable housing if I have anything to say about it.”
Roberts closed his inauguration speech by proposing an intensive look into the effectiveness of Hoboken schools.
“Once again, we must root out politics from where it does not belong,” said the Hoboken High School graduate as his three children, Amanda, David Joseph, and Christopher looked on. “Too many times, the best teachers and administrators in our schools have been overlooked for promotions they deserve in favor of a political agenda.
The worst sin of political contamination is when it interferes with our children’s future.”
Sworn in with Roberts that day were the mayor’s slate of running mates in this past May’s election: Council members-at-large Ruben Ramos Jr., Carol Marsh and Tony Soares. Ramos was the former 4th Ward councilman who switched to an at-large seat. Soares won re-election, and Marsh is a newcomer to the council.
The three new council members gave speeches, too.
“When I first moved here, I thought Hoboken was nothing more than a bedroom,” said Soares, after being sworn in. “But I quickly found out it was not the location that made it special, but it was its people and its charming buildings. For the next four years, you have given us the chance to do a good job, and we will be fair and honest and bring government to you.”
On stage joining Roberts were: Democratic gubernatorial candidate James McGreevey, U.S. Sens. Jon Corzine and Robert Torricelli, state Sen. Bernard Kenny Jr. and keynote speaker Rep. Robert Menendez (D-13th Dist). Freeholder Maurice Fitzgibbons was the master of ceremonies.
“It’s been a long dark night that has turned to into a bright tomorrow,” said Menendez, as he introduced Roberts. “Let a new day dawn on this grand old city. Let the winds of change break down the doors to City Hall and usher in a new era of reform, opportunity and respect for Hoboken residents.”
Following the ceremonies, some onlookers decamped to Pier A Park for free food. Others crowded into the City Council chambers for the new council’s reorganization meeting.