Dear Editor:
Sitting down to write this endorsement letter of Secaucus mayoral candidate Mike Gonnelli, I realize the effort it takes to say what has not already been expressed in support of him and his long, distinguished career as a public employee and public servant. What I think and feel boils down to this: as a 25-year resident of Secaucus, and his daughter, I have never in my life seen anyone work as hard for anything—fully dedicate his mind, body, and soul—as Mike for this community. Extreme personal and professional adversity could not crush his sense of optimism toward our town and humanity in general. Throughout his ordeal with the former town administration, he remained committed to battling with only above-board tactics.
Mike will be one of the greatest mayors this town will ever have. He shows how a person cannot be broken down if he maintains his convictions and has the courageous support of honest, loyal people.
He cherished the job when he was superior of public works. How many people do we know who arise at 4 a.m. almost every day of the week after almost 30 years (unassisted by an alarm clock), eager to get to work and make good things happen? He loved playing a major role in all the day-to-day essentials that keep a town alive and thriving—many of the things that we citizens take for granted. As superintendent of public works he used to color this town with his creativity as an artist would his canvas; his source of imagination and self-sacrifice seems boundless.
With all due respect to the Mayors and Council members that have served Secaucus in the last 25 years, Mike has been the heartbeat and life breath of the town. On November 3rd let’s all make it official and elect him Mayor. In his humble way, Mike will continue to appreciate the grass-roots support of all residents who love Secaucus and want it to flourish as it should. I know he’ll wake up before dawn each day, exuberant to serve his community.
Lauren Malanka