Dear Editor:
As a lifelong resident of Jersey City I must take time and reflect upon the tangible and visible accomplishments of our Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham during the period of time from July, 2001 to the present. In this evaluation, we must note that in the government, a year is an extremely short period of time and there are many areas of municipal services that were permitted to fall by the wayside during the past administration.
There are several initiatives that Mayor Cunningham has commenced and one of the most notable is the issue of crime and his ability to move against the drug dealers. Since October, 2001 the police arrested over 1,800 suspected drug dealers and this crackdown has extended to the open air drug markets and the source of the problems. Further, the Mayor has concentrated on treatment and prevention of the drug abuse problem and violence in our streets. The focus on counseling and treatment in the rehabilitation process has been paramount in the overall program. The Second Chance Programs enables those who committed a single narcotics offense to become productive members of society through the opportunity of gainful employment and incentive.
The Mayor and the Department of Pubic Works have been able to improve the quality of life in the parks system and already have begun the extensive job of repairing the city streets that have been sorely neglected over the past years. A plan was announced to schedule the filling of the numerous potholes in the streets.
The Mayor has taken on the huge gun manufacturers attempting to place responsibility in this area for these companies’ contribution violence in our society today. He has also petitioned the federal offices of Drug Enforcement and Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to concentrate on Jersey City and relocate field offices within our jurisdiction.
The Mayor has provided a foundation for the youth of our city and certainly recognizes the importance of attention to this age group. Mayor Cunningham has conducted a myriad of visits to the elementary and high schools and was able to attend many graduation ceremonies to stress the importance of education early in life today.
Based upon the above circumstances in only a year, we must recognize Mayor Cunningham’s ability and more importantly his dedication to our fair city. Let us support, encourage and assist this great Mayor in every way possible.
Robert B. Knapp