Dear Editor:
I have lived in Hoboken for 19 years. I have never been politically involved, until now. Although I vote in every election and have even donated to a candidate here or there, I have never volunteered for a campaign before. This year changed all that. As a parent of four children (two in Wallace) I felt so strongly about the Kids First ticket that I agreed to become their campaign manager. What was I thinking?! It was a huge job made easier by a core group of concerned parents and hundreds of volunteers, the majority of which were parent like me who desired a change in the Board of Education.
One of my duties as campaign manager was to reach out to various groups seeking support for the Kids First ticket. Although all were asked, only one Mayoral Candidate, Dawn Zimmer, stepped forward to publicly support change in the Board of Education. She put aside her campaign to help the parents, children and constituents of our community to give hope for improving our school system.
Dawn Zimmer’s conviction, voting record and actions have earned her my vote. Dawn voted NO to the extension of the PILOT for Church Towers, as it did not protect tenants from the owners charging market rents. She brought a resolution to the table which would make public (30 days before a vote to approve a PILOT) the loss of taxable revenue from a PILOT-to ensure transparency for the taxpayers. Dawn has been fervent fighter for open space and pedestrian safety. Dawn and her family are active in the Hoboken community, participating in local schools and sports activities.
The Zimmer for Change Council Slate share the same vision. We’ve had years of mismanagement which have led us to the current economic state. It is time for a change. Carol Marsh brings years of public service with at great voting record. Ravi Balla, an attorney, is an expert in local government and is deeply committed public advocate for Children and constituents. Dave Mello, a NYC teacher with a law degree, has years of public service fighting for responsible building.
Dawn’s willingness to listen to and act on behalf of her constituents will make her a great mayor who will lead Hoboken to be the fiscally responsible, great city we all know it can be.
Liz Mulholland