Dear Editor:
I was disturbed to read recent letters in your newspaper which attacked the character of Carmelo Garcia and insinuated that his actions on the Board of Education were motivated by anything other than a genuine desire to help the children of the City of Hoboken. I have known Carmelo for many years and can personally attest to the fact that he is very much supportive of our children. Over the years, he has developed many programs designed to benefit our youth, including the Hoboken Martial Arts Club (HMAC).
HMAC is an after-school program designed to instruct children in the basics of karate while developing their character and teaching them values which can be applied to everyday life. As the head instructor of HMAC, I would like your readers to be aware that this program has helped many Hoboken students to improve not only their physical abilities but their academic standing in our public schools. I am proud to say that each of my students achieved the honor roll at the end of this past school year, and Carmelo should be acknowledged and commended for bringing such a program to our City.
Programs like HMAC are just a few of the things that Carmelo has done to support our youth but for which he has not received appropriate recognition.
Sincerely,
Sensei Matos