Dear Editor:
I want to thank the 4th Ward residents for their support and words of encouragement over the past few weeks. The highlight of collecting signatures to get on the ballot has been listening to my neighbors and getting to know them better.
Throughout the summer, we paid attention to the campaigns of Mr. Lenz and Mr. Occhipinti and the issues that confront our community. Sometime in August, not hearing a message that spoke to me as a voter, I explored the possibility of joining the race to offer my neighbors a third choice. Unfortunately, my desire to serve must be balanced with my work responsibilities. Several weeks of business trips affected my ability to reach out to residents and give them the time they deserve.
I want to be an effective representative and leader in our community. After careful consideration, I concluded that the remaining time before the election is not enough for us to truly learn and get to know each other. The 4th Ward deserves more. Therefore, I decided that now is not the time to seek a seat on the city council.
After many years living abroad, studying, and traveling I am happy to have found a home in Hoboken. As a new home owner, I share many of my neighbors concerns. As an increasingly active citizen, I look forward to working with residents and our elected officials to help identify solutions for our community.
I wish Mr. Lenz and Mr. Occhipinti luck in the coming weeks before the election and success for the winner in solving the many issues facing our ward. However, if we find that our needs remain unfulfilled, I will be open to reconsidering my decision in the spring.
Lastly, I have learned of many creative – and, at times – entertaining theories surrounding my candidacy and background. I would like to thank the media and members of the blogging community for their open mindedness and restraint. It is the hallmark of responsible journalism.
I am 27 years old, born and raised in New Jersey. My father is from Wisconsin and my mother is from Hong Kong. I graduated from Berkeley College with a degree in accounting.
Currently I am a procurement manager at T-Systems North America, Inc. I dispute, negotiate, and resolve billing errors, thus far winning approximately half a million dollars, in favor of my employer. It is a privilege working at an international firm with people of diverse backgrounds where respect and integrity are part of our guiding principles.
Community service is an important addition to my life. From 2002 to 2004, I served as President of the Paterson Rotaract Club. I was awarded the 2004 Paterson Rotary Club Community Service Award. Presently I serve as District Rotaract Representative for Rotary District 7490, representing clubs throughout Northern New Jersey and functioning as an international point of contact for members throughout the world.
Again, best wishes to Mr. Lenz and Mr. Occhipinti. I look forward to working with both men and learning more from them during the debate.
James Sanford
4th Ward Resident