Symbols vs. Actions

Dear Editor:
Wednesday night, Feb. 18, Hoboken city council votes donating 10 percent of their council job salary to be given to Hoboken charities; to this action I join many of the public in commending. However, what followed was an empty wasteful debate whether to take a 10 percent salary cut to which the only unanimous agreement with the public was that it was a symbolic gesture. “A symbol”, said Nino Giacchi, Council President.
A symbol of what, it’s too late. What amazed me was the reference comparison to the American Flag which too, is a symbol but one of great strength, determination and leadership amongst the world.
This miss-matched analogy is like day and night, oil and water… a rational person would never compare the American Flag, which our forefathers died for to the negligent actions of our city government – losing control of Hoboken’s spending over the past few years which had brought us to where we are today.
Our forefathers fought for this nation; they were accountable to the people, exhibited sound effective leadership and effective management that led to the development of these 50 United States. The proud symbol of their grand achievement is that very flag we respect and proudly recite the Pledge of Allegiance to, qualities that our city government has not exhibited, and I am not just writing about the City Council but all of our Hoboken governing leadership. It is disgraceful where you have led our city.
The current financial state of our city is a symbol of your inept leadership and lack of fiduciary management oversight has wrought… now that’s a symbol you can compare your accountability against.

Brian Wagner
Disheartened Hoboken resident and disgusted taxpayer

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