Dear Editor:
At this time, when simmering anger, disrespectful public behavior, and pointless political posturing are exhibited in the conduct of some members of the public and some members of the council at our city council meetings, I find it notable that the five reform members of the city council are the members who behave with respect, decorum, and reason. I am pleased by the council’s ability on the whole to steer a reasonable and well-considered course.
I am impressed with many of the programs and changes the present administration has introduced into the city. Among them, dealing with sewer and flooding issues, The Hop, added bike lanes, Muni meters, Connect by Hertz, putting the Zoning appointments in the hands of the council, cutting the budget, presenting an on-time budget, and working to reclaim local control. Not everything has gone smoothly; it is the real world.
To further the accomplishments of the administration, I feel it imperative that a majority of five reform councilpersons remain on the council. As a 30-year resident of the Fourth Ward, I am grateful for the forward thinking and well-thought positions Mike Lenz puts forward in the city council meetings. Mr. Lenz’s financial knowledge is critically important to the council. I think that his cogent presentations have many times led to seven or eight councilpersons voting in agreement on difficult matters where we might expect a 5 to 4 split. His analytic thinking married to a patient and generous temperament stands out in the council meetings.
In terms of practical matters, I reached out to Mr. Lenz when an absentee landlord sought to open an illegal bar my neighborhood. He listened to my concerns and helped communicate with and coordinate activities among several Hoboken departments. Ultimately, the zoning office, the fire department, the police department, and the mayor’s office, legal staff, and others acted together to see that local codes and laws were enforced. It was, to me, the city working as it should.
I have lived here long enough and paid enough attention to local politics to have seen Mike Lenz’s insights into this city’s finances and other issues be proven right many times. From my interactions with him, I know his affection for this city to be deeply felt. I do therefore, without reservation, urge my Fourth Ward neighbors to cast their votes for Mike Lenz in the Nov. 2 special election.
Scott Madison