Dear Editor:
I’m compelled to respond to an article that appeared in the Jersey Journal on Tuesday, July 6, 2004 in the editorial section, titled “Good idea, but wrong meeting hall.”
The article was critical that Mayor Brian P. Stack held his monthly commissioner meeting in the Islamic Education Center at 47th St and Cottage Place.
The article criticized Mayor Stack for holding a meeting in this Islamic place. Furthermore the article feels there should be separation of the church and state.
I totally disagree with this article for the simple reason that this Islamic place has helped the community tremendously when people of our diverse community as needed help. For example on numerous occasions houses have been burned down and the management of this education church have allowed fire victims to stay at their place.
The philosophy of the people that run and attend this temple is to be an integral part of our entire community.
I commend Mayor Brian P. Stack for including every ethnic group to be part of our community, and I feel the intention of this article was dividing and absolutely not inclusive.
Mayor Stack is holding commissioners meetings in different sections of the city trying to reach everyone in the community. This method of having monthly commissioners meetings in different sections of our community is the reason why Union City is more united, more informed of what is taking place and also in the near future, numerous free entertainment events will be attended by thousands of Union City residents.
I’m the kind of person that feels gratitude for individual who try to keep their city in harmony and informed, and Mayor Brian P. Stack tries very hard so the people of his community have a better way of life.
With respect,
Oscar Cordero