Dear Editor:
I grew up on First and Jefferson, and was very fortunate to embark on a 29-year management career at one of the world’s largest insurance companies. In 1997 when the Mayor asked me to volunteer my services to give back to the community I love, I took on the challenge.
Now that I’m running for City Council as part of The Mason Team for One Hoboken, my sincere efforts and record of accomplishment have been twisted into false charges in unsigned midnight fliers and internet smear campaigns. Please allow me a few moments of your time to set the record straight.
When I joined the Hoboken Housing Authority board in August of 1997 it was a neglected agency sorely in need of professional management and oversight to address over a decade of neglect.
The board hired Alvin Steingold as Executive Director in September 1997 and on my recommendation changed the meeting times and locations to encourage more resident participation. We also doubled the number of meetings to put in the hours necessary to hear from the public and get things done.
In February 1998, Steingold recommended the board hire Troy Washington as Controller (similar to a CFO). The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the HHA was ranked last in Hudson County. This score was for a period of time that preceded my appointment. A downward revision to the score put the HHA into “Troubled Agency” status.
In May 1998 I was chosen the new volunteer chairman. This newspaper reported, “Pasquale… has taken much time during his first year to ask detailed questions about whatever matters were on the agenda.”
Steingold announced he was looking to leave in October 1998. After consulting with HUD personnel who came to Hoboken to help fix the mess we inherited, HUD recommended the board hire Washington as Executive Director.
After much hard work, the HHA emerged from troubled agency status in August 1999. HUD left the premises and listed seven positive improvements and accomplishments, including: upgraded telephone systems, implementation of an apartment inspection program, additional community outreach, increased safety, improved lighting/signage, a maintenance department reorganization, renovation of 598 bathrooms, a window replacement program in senior buildings, new fire alarms, sprinkler systems, washer/driers and elevators.
In August 2000 I left the HHA on an upswing. I stepped down because I took on greater responsibility at my job and could no longer dedicate the time necessary to serve.
Washington was later granted a new contract, but left the HHA three years after I resigned and was never charged with any wrongdoing. Allegations of financial mismanagement occurred well after I left and I was not a party to any of them.
I’m running for City Council because enough is enough. The Mason Team for One Hoboken will set our city on a new course of accountability and transparency. Please vote for Beth Mason for Mayor (9A), Vinny Addeo, Raul Morales II, and me, Anthony Pasquale for City Council (positions 5B-6B-7B) on May 12.
Anthony Pasquale
Candidate for City Council