Dear Editor:
Dear neighbors and friends: I believe in the greatness of Hoboken and I believe in you! I also believe that our city deserves leaders with passion and vision, whose only special interest will be the residents of our great city. Whether you chose to live in Hoboken, one year ago or over one hundred years ago, the future belongs to all of us.
I am proud to announce that I will be asking for your support, and vote, to become an independent Councilperson-at-Large representing our entire city.
In a little over 100 days, residents of the great community of Hoboken will through the ballot box determine the next chapter in Hoboken’s history. Nov. 7th’s election will have an enormous, lasting impact on the future of our city.
Recent decisions are challenging the Hoboken quality of life that we all cherish. There is a war on residents who use automobiles and this war has to stop – immediately.
We are now invading our beautiful residential community with parking meters that are just wrong at every level. We are taking away traffic lanes and parking spaces and causing our neighbors and friends to spend hours each week in traffic and circling blocks to find a space that not in a yellow, red, purple or orange zone. If you drive a car you know exactly what I mean.
Our restaurants and retailers are concerned as well, as we now have a reputation among visitors as the town with a tow away sign that has replaced the welcome sign. There are some who look at our public streets as yet another veiled way to tax our already overtaxed tenants and homeowners, and now our children, and grandchildren.
We also have a town with very few cultural and recreational facilities to enjoy in return for the high rents and taxes we all are paying. It’s time we refocus our attention, our money and efforts on building facilities for our residents of all ages. It’s time to put the people of Hoboken first, and not the politicians who are losing sight of the cherished vision you and I share for our city.
Hoboken’s infrastructure needs immediate attention. Our community is fortunate enough to be the home of one of the most prestigious engineering schools in the country, Stevens Institute of Technology. It is time we partner with Stevens to develop practical solutions to protect our residents in those sections of town that are in dire need of flood prevention initiatives.
Hoboken has experienced unprecedented development that generates millions of dollars in new taxes annually. It’s time that condo and small home owners start seeing real tax relief.
Over the next 100 days I hope to share in person with each of you my plan and vision for Hoboken’s future. A vision for Hoboken’s future filled with hope and bold new innovative plans that will bring our community together – with the primary goal of improving the quality of life for every resident, while bringing efficiency and innovation to our government.
Now the naysayers and skeptics will say that these plans, our shared vision, and more importantly my promise to each of you cannot be achieved….to all of them I say: Watch Us! Because together, with your support, and vote, there is nothing that we can’t accomplish.
Angelo Valente
Independent Leadership for Hoboken’s Future
