Last year, Hoboken Councilwoman Beth Mason supported three individual candidates for Hoboken Board of Education, but declined to support the slate that was endorsed by the Dawn-Zimmer-esque reformers, helping widen a political schism between the two female “reformer” councilwomen and their groups of supporters. The divide continued through to this year’s mayoral election, where both councilwomen are competing for mayor, as well as Councilman Peter Cammarano and three independents.
Now there’s a new school board election to choose sides in. Zimmer has endorsed the “Kids First” slate against the board incumbent slate. The other candidates have held off on endorsements.
Late Monday afternoon, Mason explained in a letter on the eve of the school board election why she has declined to endorse a slate.
Here is her letter:
“Dear Friends,
“Education is one of the long-lasting gifts we can provide our children. Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21, your vote can determine the direction our schools will take to offer the best public education possible. It is important to involve yourself in the decisions that affect the future of our children and our city.
“I seek to make decisions I believe are in the best interest of those I represent. The future of our students, teachers, taxpayers and ultimately our country is very important and candidates should stand individually on their involvement, experience and the dedication toward creating a school district that works for all our children.
“I respect the fact that both slates have advocated keeping politics out of school board elections. In a Mayoral election year it is particularly important to keep city politics out of the Board of Education race.
“The focus of the Board of Ed elections should be on what is best for the schools, for the kids who attend them and for the parents and taxpayers who support them, and not on which Mayoral candidate is tied to which slate. Too much politicization of the Board of Ed race has already occurred during this election cycle, and I do not wish to contribute to what, I believe, is an undermining of the Board of Ed’s purpose.
“I encourage everyone to exercise the privilege and responsibility as citizens to vote in tomorrow’s school board election.
“Beth Mason, Councilwoman 2nd Ward”