Dear Editor:
Last year I began to dialogue with JoAnne Perkins about her getting involved in local government. JoAnne is a busy woman with two jobs, three children, and commitments to many organizations including Wallace School, the Little League, HHS Football, Hoboken Catholic Academy activities and other endeavors. Yet with all these commitments, JoAnne did consider running for the Third Ward City Council election this upcoming May. It was only at the “11th hour” did JoAnne decide to sit it out this year and become more knowledgeable about issues affecting the residents of the Third Ward and our city in general. Joanne is going to run for the position of Committeewoman for the 2nd district of the Third Ward in June, and I wish her well.
The present Councilman, Michael Russo, while outwardly charming, represents, in my opinion, old-school politics at its worst. This is most evident if you analyze his actions at our most recent City Council meeting on April 18, 2007. At approximately 11:30 pm under our New Business section, Michael Russo orally dictated a resolution to the City Clerk attempting to cancel all “professional and legal contracts” that the City of Hoboken is involved in. Although Michael will pompously argue that this action was in the best interest of the taxpayer, the reality is that the action was ludicrous and improper in the way it was orally presented. The only interest Michael is trying to protect is his reelection bid. What is most frightening about this action; however, was how most of the City Council members were led astray by Michael Russo.
Michael’s opponent, Frank Raia, and I have not always agreed on matters affecting our city. When I ran for a City Council position in 2005 with Mayor Roberts’ slate against a ticket lead by Raia’s slate, I learned something about Frank’s character. Frank is very confident in himself and his knowledge of what is best for our city – sometimes to the point of appearing like a know it all. But what I have also learned about Frank since then is that he sincerely loves Hoboken and honestly believes he can impact the City Council in a positive way. Frank has extensive experience as a member of the North Hudson Sewage Authority, a member of the Hoboken Board of Education and experience as a builder of dreams for many people who otherwise would not have been about to continue to live in our town.
Although I am a proud resident of the Fourth Ward who positively supports Christopher Campos and his reelection bid, my heart and soul and roots are in the Third Ward. I urge all third ward residents to reject the Russo politics of the past and vote for a redirection in the Third Ward. I urge all my friends, my political supporters and even those who may, at times, disagree with my some of my legislative actions, to vote for Frank Raia for Third Ward Councilman.
Sincerely,
Terry La Bruno
Vice-President
Hoboken City Council