Dear Editor:
Carmelo Garcia is running for City Council in the 6th ward, my home. I have a unique perspective on his qualifications as a Commissioner for the Hoboken Housing Authority. Last year I, and my fellow Commissioners, removed Garcia as the HHA’s director. Firing Garcia was a clear choice. For 2014 HUD declared the HHA a ‘troubled’ authority. This designation is shared by only 40 authorities nationwide. Under Garcia, HUD reports, the HHA’s physical stock was substandard for five years running. Recent audits revealed millions of improperly contracted services and the 2014 budget was overspent by nearly a million dollars.
I believe the Authority is recovering from Garcia’s leadership but it will take years. The kindest explanation for Garcia’s performance is gross incompetence. Others have looked at the information released publicly and pointed to how the mismanagement benefited his political backers. I supported Jen Giattino long before Garcia decided to run for council. I like what she has done as councilperson and she has a healthy attitude towards public service. I ask that you support Jen on November 3rd and at the same time reject a relic of the bad old days of Hudson County politics.
David Dening
Treasurer, Giattino for Council