Dear Editor:
As the campaign comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many voters who have welcomed me into their homes to discuss the issues facing the Fifth Ward. Although I take great pride in the fact that I am a full-time councilperson, I welcome this time as a way to visit as many households as possible.
Despite the recent attacks made by the Campaign Manager and Treasurer of my opponent against me, I am proud to speak to my record as your Councilman: I have never voted for a tax increase nor will I ever vote for one, I have fought against high rise type development, and I have advocated for additional open space throughout the city. As a public servant, I have worked tirelessly to protect the interests of our ward and have struggled to keep the character of this ward intact. The Fifth Ward has no new buildings over six stories. This has not occurred by accident, but rather as a result of my persistence in objecting to any massive projects proposed for our ward. My record in office has been one of achievement and bridge building. I have been accused of working with two administrations. Some make that statement as if this is a bad thing. How ridiculous it is to accuse me in a negative way of doing exactly what I have been elected to do. My job is to serve only one master — The People of the Fifth Ward! I will build as many bridges as may be necessary to serve the needs of our ward.
I have been offended throughout this campaign by the accusations that the Fifth Ward is no longer a ward of neighborhoods and families. The Fifth Ward is a ward of families and emerging neighborhoods. Are my opponents saying that the young professionals heading toward Clinton Street and Grand Street are not part of our neighborhood? Neighborhoods take on a variety of shapes. How dare someone tell me that our neighbors who walk to our stores, shop in our shops, attend our Houses of Worship are not part of our community. Hoboken is an amazing mosaic of old and new, and it is my job to preserve this artwork for all time — for us and our children’s children.
Hoboken is a wonderful town. We are seeing major additions planned for open space, parking and recreational improvements. We can now walk down Ninth Street on safe streets and see a wonderful new supermarket being built. We see garbage strewn lots and chemical plants disappearing and safe, clean neighborhoods emerging.
I know that it is easy to be negative. It is appealing to blame others for problems that may exist, but Hoboken is an urban area that has addressed its problems head on.
We live in a changing world. A world where our concerns are of Global implications. I cannot address a recession, but I can promise you that I will continue to address our local struggles with only your interests in mind. I have made public service the cornerstone of my life, and I ask you to allow me the privilege to continue to serve you.
Sincerely,
Michael T. Cricco
Councilman, Fifth Ward