To the Editor:
It is not often that I write to praise a public official, but in this case it is indeed the exception. I am writing to tell you and the citizens of Bayonne what I feel. This past month I have seen “changes I can believe in.” These changes are being made by none other than our mayor, Mark Smith. In the past month, I have seen three “good changes” happen.
First, he has kept our overall property tax increase at 3.9 percent. This is good considering these hard economic times, and it is unlike our other cities to the north of us in this county (Jersey City at 11.5 percent, Hoboken and West New York almost 50 percent).
Second, as for the appointment of Charles D’Amico as our city corporation counsel (law director). I have personally known Charles and his wife Kathleen for over 25 years, as well as their parents. He comes from a family who is loyal and dedicated to government service in this county. I first met Charles and Kathleen when they were assistant prosecutors in the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and I was an officer in the Sheriff’s Office. Charles later went to work as an assistant corporation counsel to the Hudson County Law Department. I also have dealt with him there professionally. Again, I must unequivocally state there is no person that is fair and just like Charles D’Amico. Kudos, Mark! You picked the right person for the job.
Third, I am glad to see that the City of Bayonne and P.B.A. Local 7 of the Bayonne Police were able to settle their contract amicably without going to arbitration. You and the union officers and members of the P.B.A. Local 7 are to be commended on having settled a fair contract considering these hard economic times.
Finally, in your announcement at the Aug. 12 meeting in the City Council Chambers, you proposed to streamline city government. I can’t wait to see this change and know it will probably be great!
You truly brought “change I can believe in” to Bayonne. Keep up the good work and God bless!
CHRISTOS M. GENES