Dear Editor:
On May 1, 2010 Mr. Angelo Palombini a lifetime resident of this community wrote a letter in this responsible newspaper and clearly he questions my loyalty to past political administrations. I have been actively involved in politics in my community for the last thirty (30 years) years. In these last thirty years I have only supported two administrations and our mutual friend former commissioner (1970-1974) James Lagomarsino who unsuccessfully ran for Mayor in nineteen ninety-four (1994). Since nineteen eighty there have been seven mayors in this community. In 1980 the late William V. Musto was the mayor of this town: in 1982 the mayor was Robert Botti; in 1983 Arthur Wichert; in 1986 US senator Robert Menendez; in 1992 the late Bruce D. Walter; in 1998 Raul “Rudy” Garcia and in 2000 to the present Brian P. Stack. I have explicitly named all former mayors because I need to get the record straight with Mr. Palombini. Who stated I’m not a team player.
First and foremost, I respect that Angelo Palombini decided to stay and live his entire life here in Union City and unlike thousands of Anglos who in the late 70’s began to move out because the Latino population was immigrating to Union City. In 1982 Union City at this particular time I felt we need it a change in local government.
As a Cuban American and lifetime resident of this charismatic community I’m proud that I was part of history. In 1986 US Senator Robert Menendez became the first Latino mayor in the state of New Jersey. Today US Senator Robert Menendez is in a position where he can help all these immigrant in the state of Arizona that are being pushed out by racist elected officials. Today I’m walking the streets of my community for someone very special to all the residents of Union City. In 1997 on the outside I walked the streets for Brian P. Stack and he defeated Abraham Antun a hand pick by the late Mayor Bruce D. Walter and I publicly supported and I continue to support Brian because Brian has always fought for the rights of tenants in Union City. I advise my community that if you have an issue regarding your rights as a tenant, make an appointment with the mayor and he will give you an attorney who understands the problems that many tenants face throughout the entire city.
In closing, I would like to express how thankful I’m of the press in this democratic country. If we need to go back and search information of the above history of Mayors, I’m confident that this newspaper have kept records of what has been written in this newspaper since its existence.
Respectfully,
Oscar Cordero