Dear Editor:
To my surprise, over the past few weeks, there has been much speculation as to the political motives of candidates who have taken out petitions for the upcoming School Board and City Council Elections. As a member of the community who was considering a run for one of the three seats as an Independent candidate for the upcoming Board of Education election, I was included in this grouping and subjected to much public scrutiny. I’m in the business of community envelopment, dealing with the public and the youth of Hoboken. I have no time to get involved in the rhetoric that is involved in running for public office.
Now I would like to set the record straight. As youth recreation advocate, football and basketball coach to youngsters in the city, I feel strongly that I could accomplish much more and benefit the community as a school member, or in City Hall as a member of the Recreation Division. Those were the options I considered my most effective options to achieve my goals as a community leader.
Now I have made my choice, I have chosen to continue my direct involvement with Mayor David Roberts and Director Carmelo Garcia, whom are committed to my joining their team in the Department of Human Services, in executing an expanded recreation program. For the record, I am no longer a School Board Candidate, as I will have a direct involvement in supporting the Mayor’s Hoboken United for Education team.
I believe I can best serve Hoboken’s youth by coordinating and overseeing programs that will have an immediate impact in the coming years. Working as a Director and Youth Counselor with the Hoboken Boys’ and Girls’ Club, I saw the need for expanded recreational options in the 4th Ward as well as city wide. As a coach and a mentor I witnessed the need for volunteers and role models, in order to help shape the lives of our most precious resources, our youth.
I believe in following and implementing new practices and processes. Mayor Roberts along with his staff has made great strides in advancing this philosophy and implementing objectives promoting expanded recreational and open space initiatives for all city residents.
I look forward to serving the City of Hoboken and its residents as an advocate for expanded recreational programs. For those residents who know me and believe in me, I urge you to support my choice and understand my direct involvement with our children is in the best interest of the children and for those who I’ve just met. I implore you to understand that I have the children as well as the city in the best interest. I look forward to working with you.
Thank you.
Douglas Peterson