Dear Editor:
As we approach May’s election, we can expect the volume of political commentary to soar. The subject of debate isn’t what the issues are (parking, education, development, budget) or what the desired outcomes should be (more, better, controlled, balanced). The debate concerns how much progress we should have made by now.
The administration’s political critics insist that change isn’t coming quickly enough. They state that this administration, overwhelmingly elected less than two years ago, can’t keep its promises. On the other hand, Mayor Roberts’ many supporters believe that the direction and pace of change is sound, but understand that since our problems have had years to develop, ‘quick fixes’ are highly improbable.
As someone who has long fought for government reforms, I am squarely in the latter camp. What I see clearly, and what I believe most Hoboken citizens see, is an administration struggling to deal with our challenges across the board. No singling out of issues here.
This government has made real progress, and there is hope for more. Promises to reform the most corrupt city agencies have been kept. Education was a campaign priority, and despite severe state spending cutbacks, this administration secured over $100 million to rebuild our city’s school infrastructure. Hoboken’s homeless, never before a political priority, are getting much-deserved attention. There is far more evidence of measurable progress than I can squeeze into 350 words.
I’ve been an activist all my adult life. Some activists feel that, in order to maintain ‘standing’ in the activist community, they must consistently position themselves as administration critics. I don’t see the administration’s harshest critics delivering more parking or keeping homeless people warm this winter. I see only political posturing and positioning. That’s not helping our students learn or balancing our budget. What does help is determination to work for positive goals..
After years of speaking out for reform in government, I now have an opportunity to help bring positive change to my community. I am running for First Ward Council on Mayor Roberts’ ticket, and I expect to seize this opportunity with both hands.
Shelley Miller
Hoboken Taxpayer