Dear Editor:
For eight years, I proudly served as Mayor of Hoboken. During my time in office, protecting the public’s health was always a top priority.
Assembly Speaker Albio Sires (D-West New York), one of our own, has publicly stated the same; however, his actions do not match his words.
A promise was made by Assemblyman Sires to bring up for a vote a bill that would ban smoking in all workplaces throughout the state, including bars, restaurants and casinos. No such vote has taken place however, and as a result of Assemblyman Sires not following through on a promise he made to his constituents, workers in New Jersey continue to be exposed to cancer-causing agents found in second hand smoke.
As a former mayor, I can think of no better way to lose the trust of the people that put you in office than to not follow through on a promise made. As a former smoker and now two-time cancer survivor, I can think of no simpler way to spare people from hearing the words, “you have cancer,” than to pass a statewide law that would protect New Jersey employees from a Class A Carcinogen.
It’s time for Assemblyman Sires to be a man of his word, and do what’s right for the people of New Jersey. The residents of this state deserve nothing less.
Sincerely,
Anthony Russo
Former Mayor of Hoboken
Editor’s note: Endorsed by the American Cancer Society