"I supported Tony Soares for the North Hudson Sewerage Authority appointment because I believed and still believe he was the strongest candidate among several qualified choices and will do a superb job as a commissioner. I thought and think Tony’s years of outspoken advocacy on flooding issues and his record of service on the Hoboken City Council and Zoning Board support this conclusion. I was aware that the appointment included a small stipend and believed at the time that it included health benefits as well. I recognized that every applicant for the position, including Tony, might have considered that compensation as a factor in deciding to apply for the position.
While I disagree with those who believe that individuals should not be permitted to serve on more than one board, I recognize that this is a genuine issue deserving of an open and honest debate. With 20/20 hindsight, I also recognize that the events of last Wednesday have raised an appearance issue that is troubling to many of my friends and supporters. I want to assure everyone that while I continue to believe that my vote for Tony Soares’ appointment will well serve the people of Hoboken and in particular the residents of the 4th Ward, I hear their concerns and will consider them carefully in future decisions.
Finally, let me put on the record that I am now fully aware that Mayor Zimmer – who I support and deeply respect – and I disagree on the one person/one board issue. To this I say: “it had to happen sometime.” In over six months on the council I cannot bring to mind another issue where she and I have not seen eye to eye. This should be no surprise. Mayor Dawn Zimmer got her political start as 4th Ward Councilwoman Dawn Zimmer, a champion of reform throughout the city and for fairness for the forgotten Fourth Ward. I proudly serve in the seat she won. That we usually agree is a testament to our shared commitment to Hoboken and to the Fourth Ward. That we can disagree respectfully is a testament to her character and to the esteem in which I hold her. "
My comment: While I will have to agree to disagree on this one issue I will note that I agree with Mayor Dawn Zimmer's emphasis on the importance of Mike Lenz's accomplishments as a City Council person as instrumental in bringing forward Dawn Zimmer's reform agenda. Mike is the fifth vote at City Council and still remains the best option to ensure Dawn Zimmer has the votes for her initiatives IMHO. The dialogue was perhaps a bit pointed this last week over the blow back on his selection but I am looking forward to moving on and seeing where Mike and the other candidates stand on the issues. The bottom line is that Mike Lenz brings a lot to the table. I do agree with poster Guest II in that the bigger picture must be looked at in the context of these selections. Given my interview with Dawn Zimmer that I just posted today I think I see that notion more clearly now.
I still stand by my political analysis on the effects of those votes and the negative impact of Tony Soares being on his campaign. I will not sugar coat that. There is time to mend fences and moved forward on a united front for reform. ◦
