Dear Editor:
I write to inform the residents of the City of Hoboken that I have decided not to seek re-election to the Municipal Council. After much reflection on my career in public service, I decided that it was time to focus on serving residents as a New Jersey State Assemblyman.
I was first elected to the Council in 1999 to work for the constituents of the Fourth Ward. This was an exciting time in my life as I was eager to represent the residents of my hometown. In 2001, I was elected At-Large Councilman. This offered a different perspective on working for the people, as I was able to represent the concerns of all Hobokenites.
Pondering my career on the Council, I was fortunate to have been part of numerous initiatives that led to positive change and created a higher quality of life for residents. It is with great satisfaction that I provided a voice for the tenants of the Hoboken Housing Authority.
Moreover, I am proud to have played a role in the following: the creation of ninety units of affordable housing, upgrading Madison Street Park as well as other recreational venues, the construction of Maxwell Park and bringing a world class hotel to our waterfront. Clearly, these achievements will leave positive impressions for future generations. There have been vast changes during my tenure on the Council and it is my honor to have been part of an effort to make Hoboken a better place to live, work and raise a family.
I am grateful for the camaraderie which I experienced on this journey of ten years. I was both privileged and fortunate to have worked alongside esteemed council colleagues, elected officials, government employees and residents whose mission it was to make Hoboken a stronger community.
Now, I look forward to continued service in the New Jersey State Assembly. It is evident that my experience on the council has offered insight which I will utilize while representing the citizens of the 33rd District in the Statehouse.
In closing, I offer my gratitude to a multitude of family members, friends and mentors who have shaped my life during my time on the Council. I am thankful for their knowledge, guidance and support.
Sincerely,
Ruben J. Ramos, Jr.
Councilman