Dear Editor,
This Tuesday I am hiring for Ryn Melberg for Mayor of Hoboken, and I am urging my fellow Hoboken voters to do the same. I chose to be Ryn’s campaign manager because I know she is the best qualified candidate to fix Hoboken’s finances and get us back on the path to independence and stability.
Ryn is the only candidate in this election who understands finances and budgets. As an experienced financial manager, she has the skill and experience to get us out of current economic mess and ensure we are not back here in five to 10 years.
Ryn is the only candidate with a comprehensive plan to fix Hoboken’s finances that goes far beyond cutting the budget. She will seek out new sources of revenue for our city so our budget won’t be so dependent on property taxes. Right now, property taxes fund 73% of our budget. Next year that number will rise to 75%! In healthy cities, only 50% of the budget comes from property taxes. That’s because healthy cities use economic development and grant and foundation moneys to pay the remaining 50%.
Ryn will develop a strategic economic development plan and create new revenue by having our city named an Urban Economic Zone (UEZ). Contrary to popular belief a city does not need to be blighted to have a UEZ. Ryn has all ready met with officials from the state who told her we can qualify. Only Ryn has a solid plan to bring $10 to $100 Million in revenue to Hoboken.
Ryn’s plan also addresses our infrastructure and open government. She is the only candidate who has committed to holding a monthly town hall meeting when she is mayor. You can read details from her plan on her website: www.hirerynformayor.com and/or on her Facebook candidate page. You can also listen to her on the issues on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/rynmelberg
Ryn deliberately chose not to run with a slate. If you look at those mayoral candidates running with slates, you can see all the promises that were made. As an independent, Ryn owes only the people of The Mile Square City. Hoboken voters have elected independent mayors before and can do it again this year.
We all know that Hoboken is in the worst economic shape in more than 20 years. We cannot afford another politician for mayor. We need to hire a mayor who has the skills, experience and judgment to fix our budget, retain services and reduce property taxes.
Ryn Melberg is that person. That’s why I am urging readers to join me and “hire” Ryn Melberg as our next Mayor on Tuesday, May 12th.
Sincerely,
Patricia Samperi