Ravi sent the constituents of Hoboken this note about the passage of the budget...
Dear Friends,
I hope 2012 has been
treating you and your family very well. I write to share some exciting
news regarding our City's financial condition and recent progress in
delivering more parks and open space in Hoboken.
2012 Budget Passed
For the fourth consecutive time, under the steady leadership of our Mayor Dawn Zimmer, Hoboken taxpayers have benefited from a tax decrease
in the municipal portion of our tax bill. In this rough economic
climate, this accomplishment is virtually unprecedented in the State of
New Jersey. And we did it without having to lay off a single police or
fire officer. The New Jersey Star Ledger has recognized Hoboken as
standing out among all other towns in Hudson County in achieving a
double digit decrease in municipal taxes from prior years.
We were able to achieve
substantial tax relief despite the best efforts of some members of the
City Council to obstruct Hoboken's progress towards fiscal honesty and
responsibility. Over the last few Council meetings, some of my
colleagues have been kicking and screaming in protest. But what
constructive ideas have they put on the table? None. All I have heard
from them is that we need to hire more police officers and other vague
platitudes. But I ask you: how will increasing the size of our police
department reduce the size of the budget and offer tax relief? It will
only obstruct, not advance, this objective with no guarantees of
enhanced public safety. The hypocrisy of those who want smaller
government but a larger police and fire department is nothing less than
astounding.
So how has Mayor Zimmer
achieved this success? I quote my esteemed colleague, Vice President
Peter Cunningham, who recently stated, "We are proud of the way we did
it. Honestly. Sustainably. No tricks or gimmicks. We cut taxes while
preserving needed services and reserving 3.6% of the budget for
unexpected costs."
My friends, this is
honest and effective government at work, and we should all commend Mayor
Zimmer for the stellar results she has produced so far. I also wish to
commend her entire financial and legal team, Vice President Cunningham,
and my council colleagues David Mello, Carol Marsh and Jennifer Giattino
for working together to move Hoboken forward.
Parks & Open Space
Mayor Zimmer has called
2012 "The Year of Parks" in Hoboken, and we are making substantial
progress in delivering more open space and park space for both children
and adults. The Sinatra Soccer Field construction has begun and is
anticipated to be completed by the end of 2012. The City of Hoboken
recently filed a lawsuit to stop the Monarch project, an offensive
development initiative to build 12 story residential towers on a
crumbling pier in the northeast part of Hoboken. Just last week two new
parks, Legion Park and a pocket park on Jefferson Street were renovated
and opened to the public. The Jackson Street Park was also recently
re-opened for use. Finally, we are also moving forward on developing
1600 Park and the Hoboken Cove in the northern end of town. There is
much more that is being done, but I can assure you that we are doing
everything we can to preserve and develop more open space in Hoboken for
the use and enjoyment of all of our residents.
Personal Notes
You probably have not
heard from me for several months because of some significant personal
changes in my life. My wife and I recently moved from the Shipyard
community, where I enjoyed living for about 12 years, to a home on
Garden Street near the Brandt School. Most significantly, earlier this
year we had our second child, a beautiful baby boy named Shabegh Singh
Bhalla. It is truly a joy to have a new little addition to our family.
As always, if you have
any concerns, questions, or require assistance, I am only a phone call
or email away. You can reach me at 201-647-6090 or rbhalla@hobokennj.org I hope to hear from you soon!
All the best,
Ravi S. Bhalla
City Council President
City of Hoboken
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