David Liebler’s Myths- Part 2

11. Liebler: “Hoboken has never been dirtier”.

   Truth: This might be true, but mainly because Hoboken’s population increased by 35% since this century began. The main reason? Large scale overdevelopment. Who consistently voted for this? Ruben Ramos who David supports.

 12. Liebler: “Zimmer spent taxpayer’s money on a counter plan to NJ transit’s plan, but did not include any major community givebacks from the developers”.

Truth: NJ Transit has promised to renovate the Hoboken Train Station. Instead of stairs there will be escalators to egress from the PATH platform. Buses and taxis will be brought indoors so during inclement weather riders won’t get wet or shiver. An urban park will put in place of the current bus depot. A new Pier will be constructed on the southern side, with new shops and restaurants for commuters to enjoy. There will also be open space between the buildings so that Ruben Ramos inspired claustrophobia will be eliminated. 700-1,000 new parking spaces will be created. Funds will be provided to complete the transformation of Observer Highway into a more pedestrian and bicycle friendly boulevard. Improved storm water management to reduce and redirect runoff away from the city’s sewer system will also be provided.

 13. Liebler: “Did not put money into our crumbling infrastructure”.

 Truth: Absolutely false. Mayor Zimmer 3 times proposed various bonding to improve conditions at our police station, fire houses and new equipment for our Environmental Unit. Twice the side David supports voted down these needed funds. On the 3rd try only Terry Castellano joined the Zimmer Reform majority to pass the ordinance. Mayor Zimmer also tried to repave Observer and Sinatra Drive. The proposal also offered to repave Washington Street and to renovate, synchronize the lights and pedestrian signals and improve street lighting as well. David’s side voted this down. Hoboken spends considerable funds to repave street. Mayor Zimmer proposed striping asphalt on certain streets to reclaim the Belgian Blocks underneath. The Blocks were expected to last 70 years instead of 5-7 years, which over the long run would save taxpayers considerable sums. David’s side voted this down as well.

 14. Liebler: “Allows her husband to attend meetings (at least lunch meetings) for her”.

 Truth: What is wrong about a husband having lunch with his wife?

 15. Liebler: “Accepts donations and hands out patronage jobs to supporters”.

   Truth: Unlike David’s side, the Reform movement relies on (usually) small contributions from likeminded citizens. Not one of contributors has ever been hired for a paid job however. Some contributors do wish to serve the city on non-paid positions, but most are noncontributers. Mayor Zimmer and the Reformers also eliminated the requirement that Directors had to be Hoboken citizens. Not one Director under Mayor Zimmer has been a contributor or a relative, unlike David’s side. In the past this was usually political allies or direct relatives of elected officials. In fact Ruben Ramos’ mother held such a position as a Hispanic Outreacher. This is one of the first patronage jobs that the State Monitor Judy Tripodi eliminated.

 16. Liebler: “Basically backs a Republican governor – so in essence is not a real Democrat”.

Truth: As a Republican, I can only wish that Mayor Zimmer would switch parties and support my Republican candidates. Unfortunately she has not. It is also worthwhile to note that 50 prominent Democratic officials now support Governor Christie, including Brian Stack who handpicked Ruben Ramos to run for Assembly.

 17. Liebler: “Was not prepared for Hurricane Sandy”.

 Truth: David should enroll in Hoboken’s Nixle program so that he can receive emails and text messages like I and many Hoboken citizens do. He should also buy a TV so he could have seen Mayor Zimmer take the extraordinary step of going on TV to warn citizens of Sandy’s dangers. The Mayor urged all citizens to evacuate and to remove their vehicles form the streets. I guess if Ruben Ramos is elected he will give David duplicate keys for every Hoboken vehicle so the next time they can be moved in time.

 18. Liebler “will not give the Vision 20/20 project the time of day”.

   Truth: The City Council, not Mayor Zimmer controls the fate of Vision 20/200. Currently all we have is brochure and a concept, but nothing concrete.

 19. Liebler: “Backs a failing education platform of Kids First, which results in the worst HS in the state”.

     Truth: David pines for days of fat contracts, $1,200 dinners, skimming of public funds for personal use and 29 major audit violations being kept hidden at tax payer expense.

 20. Liebler: “We all know Stan; her husband is running the show, not Zimmer”.

   Truth: We do? Stan has a full time job that keeps him busy. Dawn Zimmer also has a full time job- being Mayor of Hoboken, a job she admirably performs.