Dear Editor:
My name is Blair Ridder and I am a neophyte in local politics. Recently I made the internal decision to get more involved in the community that my wife and I have decided to settle our lives in. With a fresh set of eyes and ignorant bliss towards the political landscape of Hoboken I dove into Hoboken politics. I analyzed the proposed budget for SY 2010, posed questions and comments to my council representative, and watched the council meetings where that budget was debated and eventually passed. I believe we saw a step in the right direction.
A budget was passed that from all accounts was disappointing in the depth of tax savings to residents, but I find it hard to believe that anyone could have rationally expected much more. For each individual resident’s personal agenda this budget process could be something entirely different but for us, the collective Hoboken, this is a step forward. Based on the opinions I have heard the process is more transparent, maybe not perfect, but better. It seems the groundwork for future success has been laid. For this I applaud the council, they as a unit did not let perfect become the enemy of good.
At the May 5th Council Meeting there was continued banter about a 25 per cent decrease. If you want to point the finger at an administration that failed to reach their campaign promise I would ask “what purpose does it serve?” (Aside from your own political grandstanding) Dawn Zimmer did not do what she promised, let’s move on and spend our time improving our community instead of bickering like children.
Changing the fiscal year to match the state year makes sense. The true savings year over year are limited; however timing of cash flow adds value, interest on accounts and the ability to manage a budget from a funded position instead of from an uncertain perspective is certainly of value.
Onward with next year’s milestone, tax reductions through budget rationalization.
Blair Ridder