Dear Editor:
A wise person once wrote “there are no Republican or Democratic ways to pick up garbage” – a good idea is a good idea regardless of it’s author. Unfortunately, for the past few years, our local elected officials have decided to pursue what’s in the best interest of the current administration’s political agenda rather than the concerns of our neighbors and the residents of Hoboken. This has got to stop.
As a homeowner in the 6th ward, I have seen my taxes increase, while simultaneously witness a decrease in services. I can not possibly imagine, that an area of Hoboken, which pays a disproportionate lion share of the tax base, cannot do better. A casual walk around our parks is a wake up call, that should draw attention to the services not being provided, as one immediately notices the unkempt weeds, broken water fountain, unclean restrooms and rotted benches.
I am constantly bombarded by questions from my neighbors about how to get things done locally. Moreover, most of my neighbors feel disconnected from City Hall and have no clue who represents our 6th Ward. In a city like Hoboken, a City Councilperson should be highly visible and readily accessible to all of his/her constituents; not someone who only appears bi-monthly at a City Council meeting.
Whether by attending public events, using social media or simply walking my dog on our streets, I have made it my business to interact with all of my neighbors to keep a pulse on what’s going on. My passion for public service has taught me valuable lessons on how to get things done, which is why, as your Assemblyman I have sponsored countless bills that have generated bi-partisan support. It’s not enough to pay lip service to a problem, but to really roll up your sleeves and get things done.
I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in the State Legislature to sponsor common-sense solutions to problems we have all faced. Whether it was the Anti-booting legislation that inspired Hoboken to stop the illegal booting of vehicles for financial gain; the tax breaks we provided to local restaurants for donating food to our shelters or pantries; or the bill protecting animals from unnecessary tattooing, I have worked hard to make sure we provide solutions to everyday problems.
Benjamin Franklin once wrote “the funny thing about common sense, it’s not that common.” Were he around today, he would be describing the dysfunctional local government that we have in Hoboken. While 14 percent of the City’s $100 million dollar budget goes to legal fees, where are the services for the 6th Ward. The mayor and her majority council can no longer lead this city through litigation. Viscerally responding without much forethought only leads to expensive litigation and happy lawyers. To that end, I will work tirelessly to be an independent voice that can listen to both sides of each issue and use common sense to solve our problems.
Assemblyman Carmelo G. Garcia