Dear Editor:
Better political minds than I have already begun sifting through the entrails of Tuesday’s election to divine messages and lessons for the future. I wish them well. As for my part, there’s a neglected life here that needs tending so I will be busy catching up with projects and chores while trying to convince my clients that I haven’t left town in a fast car with loose women and trouble in mind. My girlfriend will also be pleased to know this isn’t true.
Chief among the things that need tending is expressing my appreciation to all those who signed my petition, or helped, donated, advised, chalked, encouraged, and ultimately voted for my campaign. I am humbled and grateful for your good work and generosity. I’m also proud of what we accomplished. On March 19th, the day petitions were due, I had nothing but ideas, the beginnings of a web site, and sore muscles from collecting signatures. Through conversations with thoughtful people, research, and help from a few very informed sources, I was able to assemble viable solutions for some of Hoboken’s most pressing problems which in turn became the foundation for my campaign. The initial response was so encouraging that getting these ideas out to the voters became the enormous task that would define the following weeks.
To that end, I’d like to congratulate the sponsors of the four forums in which I participated. Regardless of size, each campaign was treated with equal respect and I was impressed with the level of professionalism every time. In chronological order, The Stevens Political Awareness Committee, People for Open Government, The Quality of Life Coalition, Our Lady of Grace, The Jersey Journal, and Cablevision Channel 18 all have much to be proud of in the way they produced and presented their forums. As a rookie, let me tell you this: those things are tough enough. It’s nice not having to fight for equal treatment.
The Hoboken Reporter also remained fair-minded and provided equal opportunities for all of the campaigns as did Hoboken Now, and Kurt Gardiner’s Hoboken Journal has maintained journalistic standards rarely found among online forums. The candidates themselves always treated me with friendly respect and dignity.
For all of the pressure and frustrations involved in running an out-manned and out-gunned campaign, I feel privileged for having had the opportunity to have a minor voice in a major election. Good luck to the survivors, Dawn and Peter, and let the games begin again. And good luck to the remaining council candidates who have their own set of challenges ahead. Also, and most importantly, let your voice be heard and vote in the runoff elections on June 9th.
Tom Vincent