Dear Editor:
As a kid from a broken home who worked three jobs to get through school, I never expected to be in a position of such honor. It is with the encouragement of so many residents and the enthusiastic support of my husband, children, and business partners that I made the decision to run for City Council in the 2nd Ward.
So, what brought me here? When the Babbio Center and the Stevens’ Athletic Complex were being proposed, there was no community discussion and no attempt to bring all of the concerned parties to the table. The hearing on the project showed just how a government body can bulldoze something to the detriment of both the community and the applicant.
This led me to spearhead a group of residents who sought changes. I soon learned that the problems between the residents, Stevens and ultimately the City were common throughout Hoboken.
The project never came to fruition but did have the benefit of having brought improved communications between Stevens and the neighborhood. As a result there is now a long-term plan for the school and Stevens has begun working with the city on educational programs.
After becoming the Mayor’s representative to the Planning Board, I continued to work for government accountability with successes like: 1) minor site plan and concept reviews that brought Hoboken up to New Jersey state standards, 2) reviewing professional charges that should have been billed to applicants and not to the public, 3) insisting on a legally-appointed Board, and 4) setting a standard for avoiding conflicts of interest by recusing myself on 720 Monroe, Stevens, and going so far as to give up my parking space at Maxwell House to eliminate any appearance of conflict.
As Chairperson of the Master Plan subcommittee I insured the community was involved by holding eight public meetings. I saw the process through the public phase and made sure it remained on budget even with limited City support.
I am not, however, into the cotton-candy approach to government. Cosmetic improvements for things like sidewalks, “no advertising” stickers and horses for image improvement are all extras. They should come behind the need to: 1) build our economic base, 2) reign in residential development by encouraging projects representative of the scale, style and quality to keep the city a great place to live and work 3) create a comprehensive parking solution-not a piece meal one that favors certain groups 4) hire the best professionals to insure we protect the residents not the developers. 5) re-evaluate agreements that might be changed to better fulfill the needs of open space and affordable housing.
I take great pride in the fact I have been involved, active, and successful in the constant struggle to balance the needs of all of our residents. I believe my greatest strength is my ability to build bridges and consensus between all of the groups in Hoboken. There is so much more I can do to continue the change to clean up City Hall. To serve as your City Council representative would be an honor and a pleasure. It is my way of giving back to a community that I have come to love. Please vote May 13.
Elizabeth Mason
Hoboken Alliance for Accountable Government
2nd Ward 1-C