Dear Editor:
After years of machine politicians dominating the Hoboken political scene, we finally have an administration under Mayor Dawn Zimmer that represents the best interests of the people of our city. On Nov. 2, I urge Hoboken residents of the 4th Ward to continue the positive movement that has begun in our city and elect Mike Lenz to the city council.
Mayor Zimmer came into office taking over the top position in town hall after one of the darkest periods in Hoboken history. Already with the city reeling from the poor fiscal management and backroom deals of prior administrations, Mayor Zimmer and her council majority’s reform agenda has been a breath of fresh air. No small piece of the puzzle, Mike Lenz has been a valuable ally for Mayor Zimmer on the city council, working closely with the Mayor on reducing our tax burden, finding creative and sensible ways to address the flooding problems, and providing a more open and transparent government, with the budget process being open to the public as a prime example.
Mike Lenz, as it is known, is the fifth and deciding vote on the council. If he should fail to be elected, progress as we know it in Hoboken would be stalled. The Mayor’s political opponents, as it is has been well documented and broadcasted, blindly oppose many pragmatic solutions offered by the Mayor and her team. From the council minority’s need to deflect blame regarding any problems in Hoboken, their refusal to work with others, or their necessity to constantly grab the headlines in a press release or newspaper clip, having yet another politico refusing to work with the Mayor on the city council will only be detrimental for Hoboken.
Fourth ward residents deserve to have a councilman who can turn to a friend in the mayor regarding any issues or projects underway in the district. If residents want more open space, better solutions to flooding, or more public safety presence in the area, they should support a council representative who is better positioned to get these results because of his working relationship with Mayor Zimmer.
The 4th Ward, Mayor Zimmer, and most of all, Hoboken as a whole, needs Mike Lenz to continue the positive change affecting our community. Let’s keep our city moving forward by supporting Mike Lenz on Nov. 2.
Vijay Chaudhuri