Dear Editor:
Dear friends and neighbors: my name is Greg Lincoln, and I am running for City Council in the 3rd Ward.
I am running for City Council because I want to bring the representation to the 3rd Ward that is long overdue. I believe that everyone in the 3rd Ward needs to be represented – not just those who benefit from the system and want to maintain the status quo.
I am running for City Council because I’m a homeowner and taxpayer who loves living in Hoboken. My wife, two sons, and I have lived here for almost six years and love the vibrant, diverse, and welcoming atmosphere of our town. Over the past 18 months Hoboken has been moving in a positive direction, yet my opponent seemingly does nothing but put up obstacles to impede this progress.
For too long, the 3rd Ward has been represented by a councilperson who is unwilling to properly do his job. A councilperson who submitted, without consulting his council peers, a temporary budget scribbled in pencil. A councilperson who, as the Chair of the Finance Committee, “lost” almost a million dollars in parking meter funds and called it a “mistake.” Meanwhile his friend, the former Parking Utility Director, has been indicted for stealing approximately 55 tons of quarters.
For too long, the 3rd Ward has been represented by a corrupt family dynasty that has been more concerned about their own finances than the interests of our city. We all know about the father, Anthony Russo, who pleaded guilty to accepting bribes, served jail time, and still owes our city over $300,000. There’s also the mother, who while serving as Parking Commissioner, was named in FBI documents for demanding $5-a-tow kickbacks. Despite these illicit gains, the family occupies affordable housing units that should go to people who actually need them.
For too long, the 3rd Ward has been represented by a councilperson who has deceived his constituents. A councilperson who lied to the 3rd Ward about the municipal garage supposedly coming to the Pino site at 7th and Jackson. A councilperson who lied to the Hospital Board, telling them they don’t have the authority to sell the hospital and release Hoboken from the $52 million dollar bond liability.
I am running for City Council because we are at a critical juncture. The Mayor and her supporters on the council have taken firm stands on fiscal responsibility, nepotism, and pay-to-play; they have improved transportation and infrastructure, making Hoboken a better place to live. My opponent has resisted most of these positive changes.
I am running for City Council because the 3rd Ward deserves to have an honest choice.
Greg Lincoln