Tom is committed to making government as lean and efficient as possible, while delivering effective core City services.
A proponent of keeping our personnel costs under control,Tom believes that all public employees should pay a portion of their health benefits, and wants all City salaries kept within reasonable standards.
Tom is also committed to providing sustainable tax relief, and will push for an annual 5% tax reduction over the next 3 years -- with the goal of achieving a 15% lower tax rate at the end of that time period. An advocate for budgetary surpluses, Tom knows the importance of Hoboken having money in the bank, as well as for our City to maintain a solid bond rating. Accordingly, Tom favors the establishment of a 5 - 10% cash surplus so that Hoboken can meet unforeseen needs that may arise abruptly without further burdening the pocketbooks of our City's taxpayers.
Tom is committed to ensuring that the upcoming reevaluation is conducted in a timely and fair manner for all of Hoboken's taxpayers. Hoboken has not had a reevaluation for twenty years and this needs to be done.
Infrastucture
"Hoboken currently has a Master Plan for whats above the ground. Hoboken now needs a Master Plan for whats below the ground."
That's Tom's insightful take on the infrastructure problems that plague our town. Hoboken has suffered numerous road and pier collapses, and "sinkholes", in recent months, and Tom understands that we must tackle this issue head on.
Tom is committed to working diligently with local, State, and Federal officials -- as well as with private entities -- to rebuild our City's infrastructure, the "invisible lifeline" of our community. Tom knows that if Hoboken is to be both livable and business friendly, the sustainability and successful maintenance of our underground infrastructure is key. As Tom puts it, "We cannot allow our quality of life to deteriorate; we must act upon our infrastructure and update it for our future."
Tom realizes that the only way to achieve sustainable development above the ground is to renew the situation below the ground. To that end, Tom supports Mayor Zimmer's call to bond as a means to help repair our waterfront.
The Second Ward
Tom is running to represent the people of the Second Ward, because he is committed to serving the people of the Second Ward.
Tom will serve you as your Councilman for the full four year term. Its the only job he wants.
Tom is dedicated to providing the Second Ward with a full-time representative on the City Council, rather than just using the City Council as a stepping stone for higher political office, or to feed his ego. Tom's entire life in both the public and private sectors is testimony to his serious, trustworthy, and hard working commitment to getting the job done.
Tom wants to serve you. He is committed to reponding to your constituent requests within 48 hours, and he plans to hold monthly office hours on Saturday's to listen to your concerns. And that's in addition to holding four quarterly public Town Hall Meetings each year throughout the Second Ward.
You can count on Tom to respond to your needs, and you can count on Tom to help ensure that all of the Departments at City Hall are more responsive to the needs of all of the people in the Second Ward....because that's the job of a good Councilman.
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Government That Works For You
Tom is a no nonsense advocate for open and accessible government. Our local government must be responsible to the people, and responsive to our citizens.
In addition, City Hall -- its programs and its personnel -- needs to be easily accessible for the average citizen. It is crucial, therefore, that people with integrity who view public life as public service be given the opportunity to use their talents for the betterment of our community.
Tom will work hard to ensure that rampant political favoritism becomes a thing of the past, and that qualified professionals are hired throughout our municipal government. All of our residents deserve both equal treatment and capable consideration from all those employed on the local level. Needless to say, Tom will implement an "Open Door " Policy as your Councilman, and be available around the clock to listen to your concerns, to act on your needs, and to champion your requests.
Quality of Life
Tom knows that we need to implement creative parking solutions for business owners, so that their customers -- and all Hoboken residents -- can have easier access to stores and other commercial enterprises.
This will enhance our local economy, while also making the normal day-to-day routine of our citizens a little less hectic. In addition, new ways to ensure the safety of those who bicycle will be encouraged by Tom, who is an avid enthusiast himself. Bicycling, in general, should be made more accessible and safer. Tom also supports the Corner Car program and is working to ensure that it is a strong component of our overall transportation program.
Tom supports 1600 Park and looks forward to developing it in the interests of the people of the Second Ward, and all of Hoboken. In light of the fact that this location will be Hoboken's second largest park and the Second Ward's biggest recreation area, Tom is determined to see to it that all available State and Federal funding is secured, so as to maximize its potential for the benefit of our residents.
When it comes to Maxwell Park, Tom knows that we must maintain public access while protecting the rights and lifestyles of those who live in that area. Accordingly, Tom will take a proactive stance on behalf of those residents to ensure satisfactory results for our community.
Hoboken University Medical Center
Tom is playing an active role in the ongoing fight to ensure that an acute care hospital remains open in Hoboken.
Tom served on the Stakeholder Committee for the hospital, and spoke out forcefully on its importance to Hoboken, and the well being of all of our residents.
Throughout the process, Tom insisted that Hoboken taxpayers should not be held liable for the $52 million dollars in bonds that had been incurred. And the proposed agreement of our facility to the Bayonne Medical Center reflects that sentiment and alleviates that risk. The $52 million dollar bond obligation will no longer loom over our financial future, and the people of Hoboken will continue to receive "in town" quality medical care for years to come. In light of the progress made to date, Tom continues to support the leadership of the Independent Hospital Authority as they work through this process towards, what we all hope will be a positive resolution. ◦
