Dear Editor:
Where’s the budget? It’s a simple question that the City Council often asked former Mayor Roberts. So why hasn’t Acting Mayor and Council President Zimmer introduced the 2009-2010 budget to the city council and the public to discuss and consider? At the city council meeting on October 7, Ms. Zimmer defended her proposal to advance an additional $17 million dollars to run the city until after the November election. The resolution stated that since July 1, Hoboken’s spending exceeded $55 million dollars. At this rate, Hoboken’s budget will be larger that last year’s when we suffered a 47 per cent tax increase.
During the past spring’s campaign, candidate Zimmer promised a budget within six weeks of taking office that was to include a tax decrease. So why won’t Acting Mayor Zimmer release the budget now? Is she trying to hide our tax increase until after the election? We don’t know because Ms. Zimmer is either blaming others or refuses to answer.
Beth Mason has a clear plan to get the city’s finances back on track. During the Roberts budget debacle, it was Beth who called for more transparency including council hearings, a forensic analysis, and a greater effort to collect non-tax revenues due to the city. Beth Mason also has a plan for cutting the budget to $90 million.
Last year, Councilwoman Mason’s suggestions were ignored and she voted “no” on the final budget and tax increase. Councilwoman Zimmer offered no suggestions and abstained on the final vote. Now Acting Mayor Zimmer is continuing the same wrong direction for Hoboken and we simply can’t afford it.
I am convinced that of all the candidates for mayor, only Beth Mason has the skills and experience to tackle our city’s difficult financial situation. Beth has been a fierce advocate for taxpayers and has an unmatched record of achievement in her two years as councilwoman. For over a decade, Beth has shown her dedication to our community and especially to the principles of fair and open government.
On November 3, let’s put Hoboken on the right track. Please vote Beth Mason (11D) for Mayor.
Ines Garcia Keim