Dear Editor:
I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the recent layoffs that are affecting both uniform and non-uniform municipal employees. As a member of the City Council and as a concerned citizen before my election to office, I have made it my priority to expose the ineptitude of the current Administration. Our city is now faced with a managerial and financial crisis like we have never seen before.
I recently met with our State Fiscal Monitor Judy Tripodi to underscore my concerns regarding the financial well-being of Hoboken. It is clear that Ms. Tripodi is working diligently to right the fiscal mismanagement that is overburdening the residents of our community, but I strongly believe we need a more open and inclusive process that takes into consideration suggestions and analysis of department chiefs and rank and files members of our uniform services.
Public Safety is a top priority in our City and I will not support any layoffs that diminish the health, safety, and welfare in our community. This is the primary responsibility of the Mayor and City Council to our residents. If we reduce the number of police officers in our community it is an open invitation for criminals to take advantage of our weakened state. It is also important to have the law enforcement personnel necessary to keep gangs recruiting our young residents.
I, like many of our residents, have the highest regard for the men and women in uniform, along with the many good employees who work for Hoboken in other capacities. I watched the brave police officers and firefighters of our City battle two lethal fires in my neighborhood. Their devotion to duty was and is unparalleled.
Our community has weathered many financial storms over its 152 year history and has grown stronger. As we move forward, we must continue to work together to create long-term financial plans to ensure that the type of fiscal mismanagement conducted by the current Administration never happens again.
Councilwoman Beth Mason and Candidate for Mayor