Three letters to the February 17, 2007 paper caught my attention: One, from 'Anonymous,' mentioned my sister Linda Petrozelli. Linda had several tumors removed on Thursday, and I am sure your wishes for a speedy recovery are appreciated. However, your invective about those less fortunate may require an intervention.
The second, from Chris Clark, asks whether the Hoboken Housing Authority's "One Strike" policy is being observed. As a HHA Commissioner, I can assure all that the Board is working aggressively to improve the quality of life for all Housing residents, and that the "One Strike" policy remains in effect and is vigorously enforced. As for publishing the accounts of hearings held to enforce HHA policies: Although the presumption of innocence is suspended during "One Strike" hearings, the right to privacy is strictly enforced. I invite you to contact me or attend an open public meeting of the HHA, where your input will be solicited and your concerns addressed.
Lastly, we have a letter from Michael Lenz. To bring this issue to closure, all that's important is that despite significant opposition from a so called "reform" group, the children at Connor's school were remembered and the building was rehabilitated. As to my lifelong friend Ed Duroy, his accomplishments in Hoboken and Paterson were impressive, so no defense of his record is needed from me.
Truly, I hope this letter ends the Hatfield-McCoy-esque relationship I've found myself in with Michael. We do have many things in common. I too have worked and fought to improve Hoboken government at all levels and advocated and campaigned for passage of Hoboken's pay to play legislation. At the Housing Authority I put theory to practice, taking archaic HUD procurement procedures, opening the process and exposing millions of dollars in over expenditures, which had sapped Housing Authority resources. This ultimately resulted in a Federal Investigation and convictions. I don't just write letters complaining about Hoboken's governance but attend council meetings, regularly chiding the council for ineffectual oversight of an administration, which rapidly devolved from a philosophy of, spend no more to one of spend no less. I have spoken as a disillusioned supporter against this administration's excessive reliance on the next behemoth edifice as a substitute for actual economic development and ardently for it when it has shown glimmers of spontaneous creativity as in the rescue of St. Mary Hospital..
At a time when trust in the elected has never been lower, Hoboken has seldom seen greater need for effective leadership. Rehashing the 90s is vanity. It should not be confused with consensus building or problem solving. Rather than another "blast from the past", I would much rather begin a dialogue leading to elevation of our city's condition. Nostalgia has its place in parlor games. However, now all residents are needed to work together and look ahead to address the pernicious politics of self-enrichment caused by dual job-holding, ensure the success of our hospital, and make wiser use of City assets so that we need no longer depend upon the kindness of strangers for vital open space. Hey Michael, answer the phone - it's me!
Thank you for your many courtesies.
I remain,
Perry Belfiore
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