Dear Editor:
Although I don’t know the motives of the writer, I am responding to a letter entitled “Is Mayor Stack Too Busy…” because there are residents genuinely committed to our community who would benefit from my response. Mayor Stack is very busy, but never too busy to return phone calls, talk with residents, or do other work essential for improving this community. Mayor Stack oversees many city departments, including the police department, and develops policies that will achieve his vision for the city. He tirelessly works to ensure that those policies are carried out effectively. Mayor Stack has an infinite supply of energy, an abiding love for the city, and the kind of insightful vision that allows him to be successful where others would fail.
Mayor Stack and I continue our close working relationship which benefits the community. I take my responsibilities very seriously and make every effort to ensure the efficient and effective operation of my department. With four competent police captains, we have made significant progress. Therefore, I am justified in saying that residents have ample reason for their confidence in their Police Department. Although we resist attempts to sensationalize events in the city, we forthrightly recognize the issues that require greater attention. Union City is an urban area with the second largest population in Hudson County. It’s not Mayberry, but violent crime is by no reasonable standard “out of control.” In fact most crimes including robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and motor vehicle thefts are down this year.
We want residents to have the facts and don’t want the reputation of our town sullied by exaggerated statements and misinformation. Mayor Stack and I have taken many steps designed to improve public safety and the quality of life. Information is shared with residents during quarterly public safety community meetings. These meetings are well publicized and held in the various neighborhoods throughout the city. An example of this is a meeting we scheduled for Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. on 44th Street between Bergenline Ave. and Kennedy Blvd. to answer questions regarding a recent crime in that area. The hard work and investigative skills of Police Detectives and Investigators from the Prosecutor’s Office have resulted in this case being solved and the offenders arrested.
We in the police department want to foster an environment where criminal acts of violence are less likely to occur. We deployed newly hired police officers to walking beats throughout the city. We’re augmenting our force with Class II Special Police Officers, and we’ll be installing security cameras throughout the city. We have an effective gang unit and an anti-narcotics/vice squad. We run youth programs including a junior police academy and youth fitness program. The police department continues to meet changing trends with innovative policing strategies. I invite all residents who truly care about this wonderful community to attend one of our public safety meetings where they can be better informed. Mayor Stack and I will be there to answer questions.
Chief Charles Everett,
Union City Police