Dear Editor:
On November 6 there was an election for the Fourth Ward Council. Some will tell you that this election was a referendum on the “accomplishments” of the Roberts administration. They will tell you that it was a repudiation of anyone who is not in lock step with Hoboken United. I don’t see it that way.
I opposed their candidate because I felt both he, and the Hoboken United team, were not sufficiently committed to the promises of May. I ran because I felt I could make that case to a majority of the voters in the Fourth Ward. In that I failed — Chris Campos won with about 60 percent of the vote.
But I am not sorry I ran. It would have been unconscionable for someone out of touch with Hoboken for the last seven years to be given this position without any test by the voters. By running, I forced Chris to publicly commit to stop overdevelopment, reduce taxes, improve parking and clean up City Hall. Now he has his chance to deliver.
I found support from places never expected and from people I have known for years. I found those proud to support me publicly and those angry that this administration — too much like the last — seemed to divide the world into “us and them.” And I made many friends. To all of them I give my thanks and give my commitment to stay involved.
I see Chris’ election as an expression of hope. Hope that a kid from the projects could come back to his boyhood home and make a difference. Hope that years of neglect in the Fourth Ward could be overcome. Hope that the politicians who always make promises on election day will be there when it is time to deliver.
In all of those goals I wish him only the best.
Michael Lenz