Dear Editor:
Last week I met with the Hoboken Hospitality Association to discuss the 2010 St. Patrick’s Parade and festivities. The Hoboken Hospitality Association and member organizations are a key contributor to our local economy and serve to promote our community each and every day of the year. They are a key component to the success of the parade and day long festivities.
As I mentioned at the meeting, as the March 6th parade date approaches I feel it important to reinforce my belief that all parties work as a team to ensure a pleasurable and safe event. I know that we are getting a late start to this process as a result of all that has transpired in our community over the last nine months, but my Administration has already started building the framework for a committee that will be addressing the issues surrounding the parade for next year.
I am in complete agreement with the Hospitality Association that we must begin that process now and not wait until the last minute as has been the practice for many years. That is why I have asked both Eugene Flinn and Joe Branco to spearhead the committee and immediately begin the work for next year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
But, nevertheless, we must also ask for help to offset the cost for the 2010 St. Patrick’s Day Parade and festivities. I am asking all members of the Hospitality Association to contribute to the City’s effort to pay for the considerable public safety and other costs associated with Hoboken’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Per their suggestion, I am also reaching out to all the other businesses in the City that will benefit from the festivities on March 6. The City of Hoboken needs everyone’s help.
Any business or organization wanting to make a contribution to defer the costs to the City should make a check out to the City of Hoboken and note in the memo section of the check the St. Patrick’s Day Trust Fund.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions or comments at 201-420-2033.
Sincerely,
Mayor Dawn Zimmer