Dear Editor:
I have read with much interest and deep concern the articles and letters that have appeared in local newspapers criticizing the appointment of John Corea as Executive Director of the Hoboken Parking Utility. It pains me to read such negativism about such a fine young man whose family I have known for many years. Let me admit from the beginning that John Corea’s appointment was political, as were all of his predecessors. But the big difference between some of the previous Executive Directors of the former Hoboken Parking Authority and John Corea is that he is fully capable and very prepared to assume the position. Can that be said of the previous office holders? Mayor David Roberts is to be congratulated for selecting such an outstanding person to oversee this troubled agency. To untangle the problems it faces. The HPU has been in reverse for too long. John Corea can shift the gears forward and move ahead.
A graduate of Xavier High School, the Jesuit operated secondary school in Manhattan, as did four of his brothers before him, and Saint Peter’s College, John Corea has the intellectual ability and competence to more than adequately handle the responsibilities and duties of his position. He did run for public office last year on a platform calling for improvement in parking in the space staved Mile Square City. Now he has the opportunity to do what is needed.
John Cora has the vision, fortitude, determination and intelligence to do a commendable job for the residents of Hoboken, of which he has been a life-long resident. He is imaginative. Novel. Creative. Just what the HPU needs at this stage of development in Hoboken. Rather than criticize, those opposed to his appointment ought to give him the chance to do his stuff. Rather than make allegations and charges, they should offer assistance so that all the residents of Hoboken can benefit from a harmonious atmosphere instead of one filled with acrimony and strife. Parking is too important a resource to be short changed by political bickering and jealousies.
By the way, John Corea is following in the footsteps of his late father, Anthony (Bob) Corea, who played an instrumental role in developing the financial plan for the construction of the first public parking garages located on lower Hudson Street. And his late maternal grandfather, Anthony (Porky) Palmieri, was a most-beloved resident of Hoboken. John Corea’s roots in Hoboken go back for nearly a hundred years. He brings to his job a historical prospective that can only bode well for the City. I urge the citizens of Hoboken to get behind John Corea and help him help them.
I trust the criticism will be less charged and more constructive as John Corea puts his brand of management into effect at the Hoboken Parking Utility. He’s the man for this job! Now, let him prove it!
Anthony L. Grazioso