Dear Editor:
On June 8th, an ugly reminder of the “us” versus “them” politics of personal destruction indulged by some, was unfurled in the following e-mail sent out by none other than, Hoboken City Council President, Peter Cunningham:
“Dear Friends, Family and Neighbors,
It has been brought to our attention that the standard bearers of corrupt Hoboken politics are trying to mount a ‘write in’ campaign against our democratic colleagues in Column B. This is their last stand, and as thought, they will not go quietly…
They are NOT wanted and there’s NO place for them in Hoboken politics anymore. It is most critical that you find the time to cast your vote (at the very least Democratic Committee) for candidates under Column B.”
Thanks, Peter.”
What in the world was Cunningham’s motivation in authoring such a pernicious, polarizing, missive? While many theories abound, I feel confident it was a reaction to the following letter I distributed on June 7th:
“Herman is a very hard working Democratic Committee Man. Peter Cunningham is seeking to replace Herman. Peter Cunningham admitted that he voted for Chris Christie. Christie, a Republican, screwed Hoboken out of $33,000,000.00!…On Tuesday I am writing in Herman.
You should too.
Perry Belfiore”
At the June 16 City Council meeting, Councilwoman Castallano questioned Cunningham’s letter’s authenticity and identity of “they” and “them” referenced. The Council President acknowledged authorship but demurely declined to identify his targets.
Since losing the 5th Ward run-off election, I have refrained from taking pen to paper criticizing Peter’s failure to implement any of his campaign pledges, or for supporting a litany of broken promises made by Dawn Zimmer including her infamous fabricated plan to cut taxes twenty-five percent.
Hoboken has many problems from a lack of transparency and poor planning as exhibited in the sale and placement of the Municipal Garage to a looming multi-million dollar budget deficit, the product of increased County Taxes and decreased state aid. Vilifying opposing views to suppress participation serves only to exacerbate suspicions and intractability.
On June 7, I broke my self imposed embargo expressing my opinion that Peter Cunningham was not the best candidate for Committeeman. Cunningham’s rejoinder reveals a deep seated intolerance bordering paranoia. Rather than solicit divergent views to further problem-solving this Administration has circled the wagons while unleashing sycophantic leukocytes to savage dissent.
I am a child of the 60s and believe that the power for positive change lies within each of us, and have lived accordingly. No Peter I am not “Corrupt,” but like many in the growing opposition abhor vacuity, demand transparent ethical government, recognize hypocrisy when I see it and will not soon disappear to make your life easier…
Thank you for your many courtesies.
I remain,
Perry Belfiore