Dear Editor:
First, I would like to applaud our Union City elected officials for finally taking a strong stance against slumlords. I hope the city is successful and Feisal Abdul Rauf is held responsible for the misery he has caused many of the people who reside in his building.
However, I must question the timing and the actions of Union City Mayor Brian Stack. Although his intentions seem noble on the surface, my question is this: Why did it take the man who claims to be the 24/7 mayor 10 years to take such aggressive action? Based on all media reports, the conditions of these building have been an ongoing problem for many years. Yet, it took national media attention for Mayor Stack to get serious and go after a notorious slumlord. Only after the media got involved did the City of Union City file legal action to address the problems. Now that this is national news, Mayor Stack is personally appearing in court, holding press conferences, forming task forces, issuing press releases, and appearing to be a strong advocate for those poor people who have suffered at the hands of a slumlord.
Mayor Stack, I for one am glad to see that you are finally taking a strong position. However, these people needed your help for the last 10 years you were in office. My only question to you sir is: What took you so long to come to their aid? Could it be you are too busy with other issues and you’re holding too many positions that you have lost sight of your main objective, Union City?
I hope your intentions are sincere and you are not simply using this opportunity to gain some national exposure. In the future, could you please take action before the media gets involved?
Jorge Cruz