Dear Editor:
Last week, I wrote a letter to introduce myself and my candidacy for the one year term on the Hoboken Board of Education.
Our community encompasses just one square mile from the PATH Station to the North Hudson Sewage Authority and Elysian Park to the Housing Authority. Within that area is a rich diversity with many different needs and opinions. Travelling that area, I have met two people who share my desire to build on what’s good and make it better for our children and the community.
Therefore, I have made the decision to campaign with Kyelia Colon and Frank Raia. We reached out to each other and found a commonality of interests and beliefs. They represent communities that I know, but their depth of knowledge of those communities provides me insights that are extremely valuable. Together we represent much of Hoboken diversity and have already helped each other to a greater understanding of its many common needs.
Kyelia, like me, is the parent of Hoboken Public School children. Despite our very different backgrounds, our families have had similar experiences in the schools. We participate and advocate; we listen and we suggest; we are sometimes puzzled and often pleased. But most importantly, we believe in the public schools and their future.
Frank Raia is a friend for my entire twenty-two years in Hoboken. Our sons went to school together and played in rec leagues with each other. Additionally, Frank and I have served together for over a decade on the Board of a local community action program, which provides millions of dollars of community assistance especially to senior citizens and young children. I have admired his passion, persistence and management skills. I have also enjoyed our many disagreements, because our strong and divergent opinions always help shape equally strong action for the agency.
Our candidacies provide the combined experience that will bring dynamic leadership to the Board of Education. In the next few weeks, I will be campaigning with Kyelia and Frank, and urge everyone to familiarize yourselves with the issues that will shape the future of not only our children, but all of Hoboken. My belief is that three strong individuals can make an even more significant impact in one year.
Feel free to email your comments to ken@hobokensuccess.com.
Ken Howitt