Gonzalez: I Will Work to End Divisiveness in Local Government

Dear Editor,

My name is Eduardo Gonzalez and I am running for City Council-At-Large because I want to continue making Hoboken an even better place to live.  I am a first generation Cuban-American and ever since I was a child, I was taught to give back and participate in my community. My family escaped a tyrannical and oppressive regime for an opportunity at a better life for themselves and their children.    

Hoboken and her people have a lifestyle that is inclusive, caring, and welcoming, and I have experienced this firsthand through my years of volunteer service in the Mile Square City. As a member of the Committee for a Green Hoboken and Quality of Life Coalition, I work hard to learn the needs of the community and foster change, whether it be advocating for more open space or organizing debates to help the public learn more about major issues. I am also a commissioner of the Hoboken Housing Authority, a member of the Elks Club, and a trustee of my son’s school, Elysian. These experiences have provided me the privilege to meet so many members of our diverse community and hear their concerns. I am well versed in the needs of our city, and would work as a councilman to end the divisiveness in local government and bring better results in a timelier fashion.  

For me, taking the next step in a run for City Council was not an easy decision.  But as I became more and more involved in our community and spoke to residents young and old, I realized we were moving away from the Hoboken we all fell in love with.  The incessant and childish fighting on the City Council is completely unacceptable.  We are all professionals and should act accordingly.

I also feel that it is my duty to help a city I’m proud to call home. In addition to my volunteer experience in Hoboken in the education, quality of life, and affordable housing sectors, my career in finance will allow me to be a valuable asset in helping the city manage its finances to lower your taxes. 

The city lacks a clear vision under the current administration.  Even though flooding is an act of God, the Mayor has not properly planned for it and needs to be held accountable.  Sinatra Field is another example of failed leadership, as it has taken more time to repair Sinatra Field that it did to build the Empire State Building.

What I will bring to the City Council are the values that were instilled in me of community giveback, true inclusiveness, common sense, and hard work. These are the values that have made Hoboken such a great place to live.  On Tuesday, Nov. 5, I’m asking for your vote for our team, Ruben Ramos for Mayor, 3J, and Laura Miani, Joe Mindak, and myself for City Council-At-Large on ballot positions 1K, 2K, 3K.

Your neighbor,

Eduardo Gonzalez