Dear Editor:
Enclosed is a picture of my dog Susie Q at age 14. While she was a loving faithful member of my family, this letter is dedicated to what is not shown in the picture.
It was taken during World War II in the Fifth Ward, residential neighborhood. Note the lack of trees. Today this tree-lined street is a credit to Mayor Anthony Russo and the six city councilmen. What a difference, the contrast is remarkable.
Our family first settled in Hoboken, NJ in 1890 and a city of cobblestones, tenements and trolley cars. My wife, the former Jean Hill and I raised our children Pamela, Deborah, Charles and Stephen. Years ago, Hoboken was noted for its saloons and waterfront piers “On the Waterfront.”
Today the city of Hoboken, NJ is ranked number one as the place to live in the state of New Jersey. The new modern police headquarters is a monument to former Chief of Police George W. Crimmins and dedicated to the public safety of all its residents.
I recently toured the city and was amazed at the tremendous improvement and progress made by Mayor Anthony Russo during his tenure in office. Years ago, Castle Point was the place to take family pictures in Hoboken. Today, one does not have to go far from home to find an environment conducive to good picture taking.
Keep up the good work Mayor Russo and God Bless You.
May time and your future aspirations run a dead heat.
While I am no longer a resident of your beautiful city, I am proud to call Hoboken my hometown.
Charles T. Smith
Stroudsburg, PA