To the Editor:
Bayonne has a very diverse community which is something that we all should be proud of. Everyone adds to our city, whether it is through amazing food, spectacular holidays, motivating celebrations, beautiful languages or their generous hospitality. People from all over the world have come to Bayonne, and you don’t need a history book to know that. All we simply need to do is look at our own family, neighbors, and friends. We come together because we believe in our city and want nothing but the best for ourselves and one another. I live on 9th street, and I can say that I have some of the most wonderful neighbors in the world. They saw me grow up and they have seen me fall off my bike as a kid. Today, we can talk for hours about anything. We care and we look out for one another. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Bayonne.
This is the heart and spirit of Bayonne, but sadly things are changing. Families are leaving our town along with businesses, and it breaks my heart seeing a neighbor leave, or the closing of a business that was there since my childhood. Some members of my family have moved out because they simply cannot afford to live here anymore, and that is the general answer I get when I ask people why they are leaving. It really does sadden me because we potentially have one of the greatest cities in New Jersey.
It shatters me that those on our city council do not understand this. My father always tells me, “actions speak louder than words,” and the actions of this council scream volumes. They do not see the same Bayonne how we see it, but rather, they see our town as an opportunity to personally benefit from their position of power. They mistake the kindness of our residents, their open arms and their generosity as weakness, when it really is a unique quality that is rarely found in any city.
At this very moment, we are at a crossroad. We can either continue to go down the path we are now, or we can honestly make a difference, not just for us, but for the future generations to come. After speaking with many Bayonne residents, I am certain that we can turn this around. It is known that I am seeking the office of city council in the first ward, and many residents are ready to support me. To all those reading this, whether you are a student, a teacher, a worker, a resident, or someone who is simply interested in rebuilding our community, I know we can do it. Let this serve as a promise and a commitment to everyone that I will not give up until I reach my goal.
DANIEL HERRERA
Candidate for Bayonne’s First Ward