Dear Editor:
As a taxpayer for the past six years, I have seen my taxes whipsaw due to gross and corrupt mismanagement at city hall from prior administrations. In regard to the police and municipal layoffs, I stand behind Dawn’s decision to reduce costs to keep her pledge to reduce taxes. It is a tough decision, but the right decision.
The economy has been in a recession – and possibly a double dip recession – and everyone on Main Street is being affected. Residents have been pushed with the recent tax increases and have suffered in the new economy where 9.5-10 percent unemployment is plaguing the nation. The police audit done by a retired police chief from Maplewood called for a reduction from 158 to 112; however we are laying off 18 officers. The report brings to the attention that there are too many chiefs and too few indians. The report suggests that there should be civilians working the desk jobs and put more police on the streets. Hoboken police officers work 35 hour weeks, while the average work week is 40 hours. Hoboken taxpayers lose 38,500 hours or the equivalent of 18.5 officers per year. Hoboken police officers receive opportunities to live in subsidized housing within the city. Hoboken had a major scandal with the infamous trip to Louisiana and a cop arrested in drug ring probe. The major scandal cost the town a considerable amount of legal costs.
I support the police and have family members who are in law enforcement; however, we all must live with less and be more efficient and effective. The antiquated system allowed the department to grow. I applaud Mayor Zimmer as she looks for other areas to reduce costs and improve standards and create best practices for all departments. Hoboken has a chance to be innovative and prudent in their ways to adjust to the external economic conditions.
Concerned taxpayer