Dear Editor:
With the climax of the May 13th election just around the corner, the speculative anxiety associated with any election is slowly starting to build around our City. In the First Ward, where there are six "election hopefuls" seeking voter support, predictions of possible runoff scenarios are the main topic of street corner gatherings. Tensions are "definitely" mounting.
Since I am not a veteran politician, I try not to "draw" conclusions, and have "decided" to remain focused in getting my message out to the voters. At the risk of sounding naïve, I still believe, people chose a political candidate based on his ideals and the "distinguishing" goals outlined in his platform. "Truth in Government" defines my campaign and the emphasis those three words place on the conduct of elected Officials¼ . "define" me, as well.
I am a candidate that, if elected, will fight like hell to ensure the voice of my First Ward constituents is heard loud and clear. I am a simple man who believes in transparency in Government¼ no deals, nothing to hide. I believe that with the resources available to us with today’s technology, public meetings should be readily online not only as a source of information, but also as a vehicle to "diminish" the possibility of "deception" and hurried "deals." Ending special treatment of contributors and "demanding" full "discloser" of campaign contributions for all those who do business with the City are also part of my "Truth in Government" campaign. I further believe that our City needs to adopt a "distinct" and "disciplined" code of ethics not only for City officials but for city employees as well. We teach our children to behave respectfully; in my opinion those in public service should do the same.
In an effort to sum up the issues encompassed in my "Truth in Government" platform let me just add that the many problems facing the First Ward, as well as the rest of the City are not new. Irresponsible overdevelopment encouraged by weak zoning codes and the frequent granting of height/density variances have resulted in "dreadful" traffic congestion. Noise pollution, the lack of affordable housing, children’s recreation, cutbacks in senior programs, the safety of our streets, and the unprecedented 64 million are common concerns that plague all Hoboken residents. These are the issues I am "determined" to resolve, if the voters in the First Ward give me the opportunity to do so.
So with the final outcome just days away, I leave the choice to the voters. But I caution¼ . "Politics" is a beast of many faces¼ the smiles, handshakes and endless promises of "utopia" quickly fade after the campaigning adrenalin settles. Since, at one time or another we have all fallen prey to this cunning, self serving predator I ask that before casting your vote on May 13th, you take an "in-depth" look at the many faces associated with your voting options. This year’s multiple choice ballot is a clear indication of our City’s political instability and Hoboken’s future rests solely in your hands.
Always a Pleasure,
Edward Mecka
First Ward Council Candidate