Dear Editor:
We all know the frustrating feeling of taking two steps forward and one step back. Examples of this phenomenon exist in sports, businesses, schools, and families. Unfortunately, it also exists in politics. Recently I was approached by a neighbor who inquired about my Oct. 10 letter to the Hoboken Reporter concerning 4th Ward pedestrian safety, tax relief, and open space. During our friendly exchange, he pointed out two specific facts that I was unaware of prior to writing my letter. Hoboken’s 2010 budget is a transition year budget and, as such, the city is only legally allowed to provide a 5 percent municipal tax cut. The second point involved upcoming planned improvements to the pedestrian crossing at the corner of Monroe Street and Observer Highway. I was extremely skeptical when I heard this news, but I am happy to say these lines have been freshly painted. Many of the crossing lights in this general area still do not function properly, but hopefully this is just the beginning.
However what struck me most from our conversation was his final parting question. Has Hoboken’s political environment improved over the last 12 months? The answer to that question is simply, yes. Is Hoboken where it needs to be? Absolutely not. But are we heading in the right direction? I believe we are. We averted police layoffs through departmental partnership and creative thinking, we have a diverse zoning board that deals fairly with all applications, we have measurable progress on flood relief, and, for the first time in years, we have a gimmick free city budget. Our current leadership is not perfect. The municipal garage situation, outdated property valuations, non-existent southwest park space, excessively high taxes, and Hoboken’s outrageous litigation expenses are just a few examples. But based on what I have seen, read, and heard, I believe Hoboken has turned a corner and is slowly moving in the right direction. It’s infuriating and quite wasteful when individuals, families, businesses, schools, and cities take two steps forward and one step back. In these difficult and uneasy times the 4th Ward cannot afford this outcome and as I prepare to vote on Nov. 2, this fear will weigh heavily on my mind.
Rich Skalski