Dear Editor,
In recent issues of the Hudson Reporter I’ve had the pleasure of reading interesting letters, particularly from State Assemblyman Ruben Ramos who spoke of sustainable ideas for healthcare, and local activist John Bredin who spoke of sustainable politics.
Both are former teachers of mine in the Hoboken school district of many years ago, and I wish to add my own perspective to those ideas.
I am a big fan of “sustainable” and eco-friendly economics, politics, healthcare, and development, not because I support a particular Party but because I support what makes sense for the earth and for most people, rather than simply a short-term benefit for a small handful of people.
Hence I propose that local political, business, citizens and academic leaders get together to launch a new era of sustainable policymaking locally, which can become a model for the national scene as well.
Though great strides have been made, cities like Hoboken are still choking with parking scarcity, while more high-density developments are being created rather than low-rise homes that make sense. Local hospitals are being acquired by ‘for-profit’ corporations while fewer services are being covered by charity care than before. Tunnel congestion into NYC from NJ is unbearable many times, while population grows. And, many folks graduating our local public schools still lack proper English grammar skills, which erodes the quality of our workforce and is creating “2 Americas” rather than one.
As a local resident and entrepreneur, I have personally experienced all of the above, and it all points to decades of the wrong vision or simply lack of one. No society in history has lasted long by simply focusing on the short-term gain.
It is about time we collectively take the initiative needed to implement a long-term vision of sustainable parking, sustainable healthcare, sustainable transit and infrastructure, and sustainable education that is earth-friendly and promotes a “green” future for many generations to come.
It is not time to point fingers at rich or poor, blame Republican or Democrat, or simply brush our collective problems under the rug. Hoboken should not have to choose between the interests of business and the interests of humans and the earth… I believe through compromise we can serve the needs of both at the same time. We can be the generation that truly turns Hudson County into a green and sustainable mecca, in a society that lasts.
Respectfully Yours,
Albert Anthony Bozulic