Dear Editor:
Recently, I have been the subject of several nasty letters by my political opponents, which is not surprising. This is politics, and it’s easy to write an attack letter without offering any constructive criticism.
Early in my administration, I made it a point to offer to meet with representatives of all citizen groups and this has provided for a citywide dialogue and a defined agenda on crucial issues facing our city. To this day I continue to meet with groups and individuals to ensure that every position is heard.
While my detractors seem obsessed with micro managing my staff appointments and my governmental decisions as mayor, I am proud of my accomplishments during my first year in office. We are creating and refurbishing city parks and recreation areas; improving the quality of life by strong enforcement of litter and noise laws. Crime is down 16 percent and my administration has saved over $1.4 million in fees from lawyers and accountants and a strict reduction in overtime.
While my opponents quibble with policy on this letters page, I have forged a dynamic alliance between the city, the Board of Education and Stevens Institute to create a state-of-the-art academy of arts and science which will likely be a national educational model, and have forged ahead with the city’s first Master Plan in 16 years to develop a “smart growth” approach on our city’s future.
Negative letters are part of the game and I accept that fact. However, I do not believe it is in the best interest of our city to begin pitting old Hoboken against the new, or making subtle ethnic remarks in an attempt to prove a point.
I stand by my policy and by my appointees. I’m not afraid to take a hit, but in the interest of our community, if you want to be critical, try to offer a solution.
Mayor David Roberts