Dear Editor:
With the war in Iraq causing so much concern and the ever present fear of terrorists striking our great country again, it is reassuring to know that Jersey City has a Chief Executive in office of the caliber of Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham. The residents of Jersey City are so fortunate to have him as Mayor at this perilous time in our lives. The Mayor has such an illustrious background and extensive experience in law enforcement and government that it can only serve to make Jersey City a much safer place to live under the conditions we are forced to endure as a result of extremists in other countries who hate and despise the United States of America and our democratic way of life. Whether it was fate or planned, Mayor Cunningham came into office at a most dramatic time in our City’s rich history. He has the expertise to make decisions and effectuate policies and programs that can only serve to benefit and improve our safety and avoid the hazards of complacency. His many productive years in law enforcement, his exemplary service in the military as a member of the United States Marine Corps and his long tenure as a municipal, county and federal official make him the ideal person to be leading the residents of Jersey City during these dangerous times.
Since the tragic terrorist attacks of 9/11, a few short months after he was sworn into public office on July 1, 2001, Mayor Cunningham has displayed a great deal of courage and has focused on making Jersey City a more secure and safer community. With our close proximity to New York City, we lie in harm’s way if another terrorist attack takes place here again. With so many historic landmarks located within a short distance of our municipality, Jersey City is very vulnerable to a terrorist attack and its devastating after effects. This is evident by the fact that the Metropolitan New York/New Jersey area has constantly been on high alert since the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
While there may be political battles going on that may distract from the seriousness of the situation all of our 12 communities face because of our collective proximity to NYC, it would be in the best interests of all elected officials in Hudson County to cast aside politics and work as a unified entity to address this ever constant and perilous situation. I respectfully suggest that all the elected officials in Hudson County seriously consider calling upon Mayor Cunningham’s expertise to develop a concerted and coordinated response to a terrorist attack, if it ever happens again. This is no time for petty politics. Nor is it a time to harbor political reprisals and allow an excellent opportunity to be well prepared to meet the perils of terrorism by maintaining an attitude and foolish position that keeps the Mayor of the State’s second largest city from sitting at the decision-making table. These are perilous times as I said previously, and we all should face the terrorist issue with the best weapons we have. Our tactics must be more potent than the terrorists. Hudson County has a potent weapon and a commanding tactic in the background and experience of Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham. I feel it would be unwise not to utilize his extensive expertise in law enforcement and government to meet the threat of terrorism.
The safety of all the residents of Hudson County is still at stake even though the war in Iraq is winding down and Saddam Hussein and his Regime of Mass Destruction are on the run. Unfortunately, for all of us, terrorists still lurk in our midst. And we must deal with this danger with the best that we have at hand.
Now is the time for all good people to rally round the flag. The time for all to rally around a man who can answer the call to duty. A man who has the credentials to lead in this time of crisis — Jersey City Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham.
Sincerely,
Anthony L. Grazioso