Dear Editor:
I’m writing to support Mike Lenz – a true reformer – dedicated to the people of the 4th Ward and the City of Hoboken. I got to know Mike six years ago when I became involved in the Hoboken Public Schools, first as a volunteer and later as a candidate for the school board. Mike had been supporting reforms in the schools for more than 20 years, and during his four years on the board, championed the renovation of Connors School and implemented innovative programs like reading recovery. Although no longer directly involved in the school board himself, he’s always backed those who seek to move the district forward. Mike has never wavered in his support of me and the Kids First team.
With Mike as the deciding vote, the council majority supports Mayor Zimmer’s agenda and is poised to lower taxes, solve flooding, ensure balanced development, and create open space and ball fields. They will improve the quality of life for all 4th Ward residents. The families of the 4th Ward were promised many things over the past decades. Promises broken. Now is the time to move forward, to achieve, and to get what they were promised! I agree with Mike that the 4th Ward is the forgotten ward; the question is, forgotten by whom? Forgotten for the last 30 years by the same people backing his opponent. Mike is working hard to change that!
For example, the awful flooding endured by the 4th Ward residents for decades. Everyone has a story from back in the day, but no one has ever managed to stop it. All those years! Didn’t anyone think the residents were worth it? Mike did! He took immediate action and demanded that the 4th Ward pump get built first. Now! If that pump alleviates even a portion of the flooding, that is more than anyone else has ever done for the residents.
Another example is fair, balanced development with a fair, open process. No longer will the developers call the shots without consideration of those living in 4th Ward. The residents have endured decades of missed opportunities to provide affordable housing, middle-income housing, senior housing, a community center, and a long promised pool. Mike promises a fair, legal Zoning Board process. There will be no more handing out of variances to the detriment of the residents and taxpayers.
Connors School has also been a shared concern of ours for years. Mike will continue to lobby for the construction funds or explore bonding to ensure the children have a safe, state-of-the-art facility to learn. The children of the 4th Ward have waited too long!
Mike’s commitment to reform has endured over 20 years through many defeats and some recent victories, but he’s never abandoned his reform ideals and goals. He is a patient, tireless, and dedicated reformer, and I am proud to call him a friend. On Nov. 2, please vote for Mike Lenz.
Thank you for your consideration.
Theresa Minutillo