Dear Editor:
As the former Campaign Manager for six of the current nine Board members, I write to encourage participation in this year’s School Board election. As a product of the Hoboken public schools, I understand the challenges our students face. As the first student elected to sit on the Board, I understand the financial constraints and tough choices it confronts. The School Board is critical to the success of our children’s future. Thanks to countless teachers and administrators, I was able to attend and graduate from an Ivy League institute, Cornell University. Many other Hoboken students have attended similar peer universities. I recognize, however, but for the involvement and commitment of many such achievements would not occur alone. We must all, therefore, do our share to ensure these opportunities are afforded to even more.
Sadly, Mayor Roberts overlooked the importance of the African American community’s contributions to our schools. Had he recognized the need of a Board diversity that reflects the student population, he would have supported an African American. But he did not. For those reasons, I am asking my neighbors and citizens alike to vote for Tammy Goodwin. Tammy Goodwin has demonstrated time and again her commitment to our children. Her activism is nothing new; it is genuine and rooted in the belief that our children deserve our strong support. Tammy’s presence on the Board will ensure the voice of a key segment of society is heard. While I respect many of the other candidates, I believe Tammy deserves our support. She stands out amongst the rest, and I am confident Tammy will fight to ensure that our students do too.
George A. Ortiz