Dear Editor:
I am running for mayor of Jersey City because I want to prepare our city for a future that works for us and for our children. As a husband, father, homeowner, small business owner, and your neighbor, I want to bring a clear, commonsense vision and sound management approaches to solve our problems and build upon our opportunities.
We face tremendous challenges – starting with the unacceptable level and increasing fear of crime. In spite of a development boom of historic proportions, government spending, long-term tax abatements and rising school funding obligations mean that tax revenues fall short of expenses. Poorly planned, unsustainable development benefits a few without providing the jobs our residents need.
We can only solve our problems and face our challenges if the people of Jersey City participate in making the decisions and are truly represented in their own local government. Government should work for you.
We are a city of unique neighborhoods, each of which contributes to a diverse city. If managed properly, this city can be safe, financially sound, and provide a sustainable quality of life for its residents. We must come together as ONE Jersey City.
My experience as a small business owner, banking manager, community organizer, and leader provide me with the skills, insight, and understanding to listen to people, evaluate policy alternatives, and collaborate and build consensus to move our city forward. Over years, through participation in hundreds of community, government, and public meetings, I understand the importance of ensuring the public a voice in their own government. I am not a career politician.
Together with your support, I will BRING BACK community policing and cops on the beat, CREATE and IMPLEMENT a financial master plan, END double dipping, BAN campaign contributions in city offices, REQUIRE developers to disclose campaign contributions, ENACT a strict ethical standards code modeled on the state’s code, IMPLEMENT a formal and open process for citizens to apply for positions on municipal boards, commissions, and authorities, ACTIVATE the non-functioning Environmental Commission, and ENSURE fair and just code enforcement for cleaner streets.
I will SERVE the public interest, not special interests.
Sincerely,
Daniel Levin, Candidate for Mayor of Jersey City