Last month I was proud to support a City budget that put politics aside and Hoboken residents first.  In doing so, we prevented an astronomical tax increase while still making investments in our infrastructure and city services. Checks and balances in any form of government are essential to hold those in office accountable, even when it’s not easy and requires standing up to the mayor to get there. So at tonight’s City Council meeting, I will be sponsoring a comprehensive ethics reform law that will ensure taxpayer funded resources are being used responsibly. 

Politics should never be permitted to run out of City Hall which is why it’s concerning that our current law allows for city owned computers, phones and other taxpayer funded services to be used for personal and political gain.  The law I am introducing tonight prevents anyone, including myself, from using City Hall resources for anything other than official City business.  Those who work for the taxpayers should be focused on providing the best possible services for all of Hoboken, not advancing their political careers. 

I’ve always fought to make our local government more transparent and, quite frankly, strengthening our dated ethics laws is personal for me. The mayor has handpicked his own aide, a City Hall insider, to run against me for Council and we’ve already seen this administration abuse the power of executive office. For example, Hoboken residents subscribe to our Nixel alert system to receive emergency alerts — like last night’s severe storms. Instead, the mayor has used this important communications platform to take cheap political shots at those who have the courage and confidence to speak up and push the administration to do better. 

Now is our chance to take a stand against the misuse of taxpayer dollars and I hope you will join me in supporting this reform to begin restoring a sense of accountability to City Hall. Hoboken deserves leaders who aren’t afraid to speak power to truth and that is exactly why I am continuing the push to make our local government operate more transparently and efficiently. 

When I began advocating to build this park two years ago, I proposed commissioning a mural for the side of the garage to beautify the rusting parking structure. Now that we’ve accomplished the dog run we need to continue activating underutilized space in Hoboken. With the new arts commission forming, I’m excited to continue engaging local artists and hope to soon activate this piece of municipal property. Let me know what you would like to see painted there!
 

This Fourth of July I enjoyed watching the Macy’s Fireworks in Manhattan, but as the sky lit up over the East River I couldn’t help but fondly remember when Hoboken had a front row seat to a spectacular show. The day once brought visitors from across the tristate area to our city, helping boost sales for local businesses and adding to our cultural cache.

Tonight, I will be introducing a resolution outlining a plan for Hoboken to engage Macy’s, Jersey City, New York City and other public and private sponsors to bring a fireworks display back to the Hoboken waterfront next year at minimal or no cost to taxpayers. 

On Tuesday night I had the pleasure of bringing my good friend and renowned cellist Daniel Lelchuk to Hoboken to perform at Columbian Towers, an affordable senior living community in my district, the First Ward. Embracing the arts in Hoboken is essential to create a diverse community and it’s important for us to include people from all walks of life and backgrounds in culturally enriching programs.

Daniel is the assistant Principal cellist of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the seniors really enjoyed learning some of the history behind the classical works. I’m looking forward to bringing more quality music and arts to our seniors and entire city in the years ahead.