Dear Editor:
My support is solidly behind Beth Mason for 2nd Ward Councilwoman. I’ve
known Beth as a friend and neighbor for several years, but truly got to know
her intelligence, creativity and commitment to the community when I saw her
in action as she helped guide a coalition of neighbors against what were
considered impossible odds in opposing the out-of-scale Stevens Athletic Complex
slated for the corner of 8th and Hudson Streets in the midst of a residential neighborhood.
She lead the Coalition (which included Nino Giacchi, David Roberts and Tony
Soares) in raising money and hiring the appropriate professionals, and
helped rewrite the zoning laws that impacted this development.
After winning this battle, Beth took her energy and ideas to the Planning
Board as Mayor Roberts’ special appointee. In this capacity she was
instrumental in leading the new Master Plan that began with opening up the
bidding process to include the public and the press. She spearheaded eight
public outreach meetings, something never done before in Hoboken. She also
voted to increase the Board’s revenue by bring the fee structure up to the
level of similar cities in the rest of the state. This included charging
for special meetings in order to cover the City’s cost of staff and
utilities.
Beth has lived in Hoboken for almost 20 years. She knows the ins-and-outs of
the zoning and planning processes, understands both the expense and revenue
sides of the city budget, and has the expertise to improve the workings of
our government. She favors balanced development that will be good for all
the citizens of Hoboken, not just the developers. Beth cares passionately
about Hoboken and its future. I feel very fortunate that we have a woman of
her dedication, character and experience living in Hoboken who is willing to
donate her time to making our City a better place for all who live here.
Sincerely,
Caroline Carlson