To the Editor:
What has happened in Bayonne over the last couple of months is pretty much uncharted territory. What I mean by that is that there is a strong, positive feeling of community starting to build.
In the past three weeks alone, there have been many positive community events. There were outdoor meet and greets sponsored by two council members in an effort to meet the community and say, “Hey, I am here for you” and there were also a Community Town Hall where the mayor and other members of the administration spoke about recreation in Bayonne and future plans. The mayor practically has an open door policy to field questions from the public and I applaud that openness. I believe this is a pretty good start. This includes also the settling of the teachers’ contract.
I see more and more people attending Council Meetings and asking some very good questions. I hope to see this continue in the future of our town. What everyone should understand is that our government should be fully transparent in every way possible. Some may think that it may not be possible, but indeed government can. The key is to continue to ask questions and play a part in the process. Our taxes pay the salaries of all who work for our city, and all city workers should be held to the highest standard and lead by example. No one person should be above the law. Let us all work hard to rebuild and rebrand our town and keep government honest and open.
I also look forward to what may be next for the Military Ocean Terminal. One thing that I hope not to see are any tax abatements for prime waterfront property. I am hoping it becomes the next destination port with retail, a ferry, high-rise hotels, convention center and parks for our kids. I am confident that our Mayor is working hard on building and putting together the right vision for our city and that includes Broadway and every vacant waterfront property in town. Bayonne will become once again the vibrant community we all want it to be.
JOHN MILAN SEBIK