Dear Editor:
Two letters in the Hoboken Reporter of November 21 clearly illustrate to me the gulf between the “old guard” and the “reformers.”
Mayor Dave Roberts, of the “old guard,” uses the space allotted him to rant about his former allies. Full of vindictiveness, Dave calls them hypocrites and worse for allegedly having bathed with him years ago in the waters of pay-to-play. He then suggests the public will agree with him in next year’s election for mayor and the at large council seats. In a clear contrast of leadership styles, Councilwoman Carol Marsh, a “reformer,” judiciously uses her space to address one of the many issues of critical importance to our fair city, the imminent financial collapse of the ferry system. Carol wisely cautions against the effected municipalities joining with the Hudson County Improvement Authority to bailout the system. She then proposes a thoughtful approach to finding a solution that involves the public and reaches out to an institution with a proven track record of successfully running transportation systems.
Personally, I am tired of the whiney “old guard,” fixated on rewarding its patrons and righting the perceived wrongs of yesterday. I prefer the “reformers” approach, a sincere interest in a future that involves both the public and qualified individuals and institutions in devising sound, long-term solutions to our many pressing problems.
Earlier this month on the pay-to-play issue the citizens of Hoboken voted 9 to 1 for reform. With a track record like that, I bet reform trumps vindictiveness come May. Carol Marsh for Mayor. It has a reforming ring to it.
Sincerely,
James D. Vance