Dear Editor:
I would like to address my neighbors in the Fifth Ward and encourage them to participate in the local election that is taking place this Tuesday.
I moved to Hoboken in the 1980’s and quickly immersed myself in the music and art scene here. My apartment building housed an art gallery on the ground floor, and I was dating a fellow who was a musician. Tom Vezzetti had just been elected mayor, and the excitement generated by the political activists in town rivaled the excitement generated by the music and art scene. It seemed like we had to get out and vote on one issue or another every few months. I realized that there were many people here who felt passionately about this city and wanted to help shape her future. It was a turning point in our city’s history, and people were directly involved in making decisions that determined much of what Hoboken is today.
Almost 20 years later I find myself at another critical time in our city’s history. Hoboken has become one of the most desirable communities for living in our region. While Hoboken’s success had benefited many, we feel every day the bad side effects of our growth. We need to reclaim this city for the people who live here now.
If you choose to live here, you should feel like you belong here. It should not matter where you were born, how much money you have or how long you have lived here. These United States were founded on principles that guarantee equality for all once we arrive on these shores. Over the years people have fought hard to preserve these values and to preserve the right of people to determine their future with their vote.
In the past weeks I have been introducing myself to many of you. I married the musician I met back in the 80’s, we love our home and have made a commitment to the two children we are raising here to make Hoboken a better place for all who share with us this urban gem. After years working as a volunteer in a variety of community groups, I salute the people who encouraged me to run for office. Our campaign has highlighted the issues and generated much excitement. If the voters of the 5th Ward give me the privilege to serve as councilwoman, I promise to work just as hard as I have as a volunteer in the organization where I have met so many people dedicated to the preserving the good and fixing the bad things about our city. If you want to find out more about me, please visit www.hobokenalliance.com or www.hobokenreporter.com for profiles on the 5th Ward candidates. I hope you give me the opportunity to represent you by making column 1B your choice on May 13. Thank you.
Inés García Keim