For those who are Beth Mason supporters don't be too upset with me. I am trying more Onion-esque headlines to give my website a little more editorial flair. It is just a little joke.Once again Beth Mason's timing on the press release is in such politically poor taste. This announcement could have easily waited until next week when the buzz of Peter Cammarano's resignation and Dawn Zimmer's swearing in had cooled a bit. Or was there fear of losing her chance at the limelight like Sarah Palin?
Now I have a good degree of respect for Beth Mason's accomplishments in transparency and some of her legislative efforts as a City Council person. She is hard working and honest but her doctrinal shift right before the Mayor's race cost her a good chuck of her base. That coupled with a series of really poor strategical political decisions really cost her political capital that will be hard to completely recoup.
I hope this isn't a sign of more of the same behaviors that I witnessed myself of her on the last campaign. With that said, Beth's proposal for the North West area has some merit even if you don't like the idea of a minor league ballpark. At least it is not all condos with very little affordable housing like the last 16 years under Roberts and Russo. I encourage anyone who would like to know more to reach out to her staff to get more information about her proposal for developing that area.
In lieu of running for Mayor, Beth Mason could bring her experience in crafting resolutions for open and accountable governement. If she so chooses she could be a key player in helping Dawn achieve a better run Hoboken Government. Both women have invested a lot of time and energy to get the coveted prize that Peter Cammarano held and squandered for a mere 30 1/2 days.
With politics being anything but certain in Hoboken anything could happen. Beth Mason certainly has a right to run as well as anyone else of a certain age and Hoboken residency. It could indeed be a large field of candidates so let the best man or woman win.
In conclusion: Couldn't this press release at least wait until Monday?
Here is her press release on a possible run:
Statement of Hoboken Councilwoman Beth Mason on resignation of Peter Cammarano
(Hoboken- Friday, July 31, 2009): ““While this is certainly another sad day for the City of Hoboken, Peter Cammarano did the right thing this morning by offering his resignation. This City deserves to move out from under this black cloud of alleged corruption and get on with the people’s business.
I wish acting Mayor Dawn Zimmer the best of luck and pledge to work with her in getting our local government back on track as we tackle the issues most important to our residents.
That said, many of my supporters from across the city have asked me whether I intend to run for mayor in November’s special election. In a time of crisis, people are clearly looking for a viable alternative who can unite the people of Hoboken to fix the city’s problems. As a person who has been a corporate executive living here for over 25 years and who has been a good government advocate all of my life, I am confident that I have the experience and vision this City needs to move forward. I am taking this opportunity to discuss my future plans with my family and I plan on making a final decision announcing my plans in the near future.
- 2nd Ward Councilwoman Beth Mason ◦
