This Thursday, a severe wound was inflicted upon the City of Hoboken. In the wake of this shocking news, I have tried to respect the complex feelings that both supporters and opponents of Peter Cammarano must be experiencing, by initially limiting my comments on this matter. However, having read the criminal complaint against our Mayor many times, and having had time to reflect upon what has occurred, I must insist that Mr. Cammarano resign from his position as Mayor of Hoboken immediately.
Mr. Cammarano has rightfully stated that he deserves the presumption of innocence; all Americans facing a criminal charge do. Yet, any public servant must put the needs of their constituency ahead of their own wants. Given the very serious criminal charges that are confronting Mr. Cammarano, coupled with the numerous pressing problems that Hoboken faces, I see no scenario under which a public servant could defend themselves against charges of this severity while simultaneously providing the level of service that Hoboken deserves. Mr. Cammarano must resign.
I ask that Mr. Cammarano speed the curative process in Hoboken, and that he put the needs of the thousands of people who voted for him, and the thousands more whom he represents, ahead of his own. What our City requires now is a government that it can trust, led by a Mayor whose sole focus is upon leading Hoboken to a more fiscally responsible future where corruption is never tolerated. Public service is a selfless calling, and Mr. Cammarano must be selfless in the wake of this controversy. Only then can this wound begin to heal.
David Mello
Hoboken Councilman at Large ◦
