Update 10/20/2009:
In response to my post yesterday showing Beth Mason's endorsement of Dawn Zimmer for Mayor in the June 2009 runoff, Ines Garcia-Keim sent me this link to remind readers that Dawn Zimmer supporter Frank Raia for freeholder back in 2008. Frank Raia was running against Ines as well as Dave Robert's backed Anthony "Stick" Romano.
Here is Dawn's previous endorsement of Frank for Freeholder in the Hudson Reporter:
In the interest of keeping things as balanced as possible (I still reserve my right towards editorial perspective) here is Ines' note to me suggesting that I post that prior endorsement from Dawn Zimmer which I have.
"Kurt, I don't know if you are hurting for content on your site or if posting Beth's letter endorsing Dawn in the spring runoff is meant as satirical (you have expressed a desire to do "The Onion"-like stuff). May I remind you that last year Dawn thought Pupie Raia was the best choice for freeholder and said a lot of nice things about him. Do these things still apply as he seeks to be elected mayor? Perhaps your readers would like to see that as well, in the spirit of equal time or more satire. Just a thought. -Ines "
Now for my rebuttal:
No I am not hurting for content. I am a part time blog. I select when I post and a lot of ideas just stay where they are.
Here is a key passage from Dawn's Endorement of Frank Raia for freeholder 16 months ago:
"For too long, Hoboken has given the County much more than it has received. Frank Raia understands the past and the future of Hoboken, and will work to benefit all of Hoboken. He knows the "players" at the County level and has a good working relationship with them, but he is independent and not beholden to them or to the political agendas of others. " -Dawn Zimmer
At that point in time, Dawn has her reasons for backing Frank Raia over Ines and had more to do with Frank's ability to to wheel and deal at the County level more than anything else. When it came to the school board this year Dawn took a big political risk and endorsed Kid's First over Frank Raia and his school board ticket. Beth Mason, who Ines supports was forced to sit on the sideline as Beth refused to support the ticket officially. Dawn is this example has showed the progression I like to see in candidates where once they have more information, the choices they make get better.
After four years of condescending Peter Cammarano and his hidden agenda Ines still chose him over Dawn in the runoff. Ines for sure had her reasons and stated them in her endorsement of Peter Cammarano. Was one of the unstated ones Dawn's lack of support for her Freeholder race? I encourage readers to draw their own conclusions.
Here is Ines' endorsement of Peter Cammarano for the June runoff on Hoboken Now :
http://www.nj.com/hobokennow/index.ssf/2009/06/ines_garciakeim_endorses_peter.html
Here are two key passages from that endorsement:
"After observing the way Peter Cammarano has conducted himself during this campaign, and especially after hearing the way he articulated his vision for Hoboken during the mayoral debates, there is no doubt in my mind that he has the judgment and skills necessary to lead Hoboken into the future."
......
"I do not agree with Peter on every issue. I am convinced, however that with Peter Cammarano as mayor, dissenting voices will not just be heard, but their opinions will be respected, taken seriously and will become part of the decision making process."
That is not the Peter Cammarano that I knew. He never respected the opposition when you caught him in one of his more real moments campaign or otherwise.
For the record, I supported Ines in the 2008 Freeholder race. Ines in her email to me expressed her gratitude for my previous support.
Original Post 10/19/09:
Here is an endorsement letter from one of the current candidates for Mayor endorsing Dawn Zimmer for Mayor in the June 9th runoff against Peter Cammarano. Peter Cammarano, as many readers know had a disgraceful exit from local politics with Federal Corruption charges levied against him just 23 days into office. You will have to read to the bottom to figure out who the endorser is.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I would like to take this opportunity to ask everyone to join me in voting 1A for Dawn Zimmer for Mayor on Tuesday June 9th. This election offers the people of Hoboken a unique opportunity to vote for real change or continue business as usual.
I have worked with Dawn as a council colleague for two years, and although we do not always agree, she has proven to be an outspoken advocate for holding City Hall accountable. She has been fighting to put an end to bad business practices such as inside deals, blotted pensions and pure mismanagement that led to a 70% municipal tax increase (47% overall) and a state takeover that was years in the making. She will cut taxes by balancing the budget and eliminate wasteful spending so more of your hard earned money stays in your wallet.
Dawn will implement a smart and viable economic-development plan geared toward enhancing Hoboken residents' quality of life, improving public safety, securing more open space and creating jobs. She has been an advocate for smart growth that will improve our environment, reduce traffic and end Hoboken’s over-reliance on excessive residential development that is choking our city.
Dawn cares about the future of our kids and their health and education. She will build an administration that will listen to you,the people of Hoboken, and not be driven by special-interest groups.When you step into the voting booth on Tuesday, June 9, ask yourself,"Do I want a Hoboken that is a better place to live and raise a family, or do I want a Hoboken that puts politics before people?" If you ask yourself this question, you will realize that only one candidate can deliver a brighter tomorrow for Hoboken, and that candidate is Dawn Zimmer.
Now is the time to take a stand and send a message loud and clear throughout the state that the people of Hoboken have had enough and want to end business as usual. I urge you to vote for Dawn Zimmer.
Sincerely,
Councilwoman Beth Mason
My Comment: This is a well written endorsement of Dawn Zimmer that was applicable both in the runoff and now.
