Cammarano Condemns State Monitor’s
Plan to Lay-off Police & Firefighters
‘This is Not About Cutting Fat From a Budget…
It’s About Keeping Our Families Safe’
HOBOKEN, NJ – In light of the State monitor’s recently announced plan to lay-off public safety officers, Peter Cammarano last week strongly came out against firing Hoboken’s police officers and firefighters. “No task is more important in government than the protection of public safety. Nothing is more important than the safety and security of Hoboken’s families,” said Cammarano. “I am entirely in favor of cutting waste, nepotism and cronyism to bring about a leaner, more efficient government. And that is exactly what I will do as Mayor. However, this is not about cutting fat from a budget. It’s about keeping our families safe.”
Unfortunately, the City of Hoboken is powerless to stop the State monitor from laying off public safety workers, because last year the City Council abdicated its financial responsibility to the State when a majority failed to pass a budget and instead voted for a state takeover.
Peter Cammarano is the only candidate running for Mayor who did his job last year by voting to pass a City budget – which would have stopped the State takeover and prevented the 47% tax increase. This past week, Cammarano again was the only candidate who did his job by approving this year’s budget, in order to get Hoboken back on the path of regaining control of the City and working to decrease taxes.
Council-at-large candidate Angel Alicea joined Cammarano in condemning the State monitor’s plan. Alicea currently serves as an Internal Affairs Officer in Union City and is a decorated police officer with over 25 years of experience in law enforcement. He is also a former Chair of the Hoboken Housing Authority.
“While we need to be fiscally responsible, we cannot and must not sacrifice public safety,” said Alicea. “From my experience both in law enforcement and on the Housing Authority, I know firsthand how we need police and firefighters to keep our City safe for all the families who live here. Our public safety officers need to know they have the support of the City’s leaders, and just as importantly Hoboken’s families need to know they will be safe.” ◦
