Dear Editor:
Last week Joseph Mendez, a Weehawken resident, responded to my letter published the previous week in this paper about creating a political think-tank in Hudson County to inspire fresh ideas to energize the Democratic party. Mendez liked the idea of the think-tank, but said he thinks it should be non-partisan. A big part of Mendez's rationale for keeping the think-tank separate from the Democratic party, was his assertion that Hudson County's Democratic "machine" is rife with corruption.

In response to Mendez, I'd like to cite an article about congressman Bob Menendez in last Sunday's New York Times. (1/16/05) The article reminds us that Bob Menendez began his career by breaking away from the corrupt Musto machine in Union City, a brave action that even got him death threats. So, yes, while several lower-level public figures have been tainted by scandal over the years in Hudson County, the rise of Bob Menendez can be seen as a sign of hope.

The Times also says that despite his being an articulate new voice in American politics, Menendez's run for Senate could be hampered by the achilles-heel of Hudson County's reputation for roughneck politics in the rest of the state. With this in mind, could a think-tank for politics -- where new ideas are incubated, and innovative solutions to vexing problems are developed -- be part of the project to rehabilitate our political reputation? Call me an optimist, by when I look around Hoboken I see a public-sphere brimming with civic life. I don't know what goes on up in Weehawken, Mr. Mendez, but you ought to come down the hill some day and take a look around. If you come when the weather is warm, you can ride around town on a free bike -- courtesy of the Symposia Bookstore, which has launched one of only a handful of free bicycle programs in the country. Speaking of Symposia, its famous conversation nights (opportunities for people to gather and discuss relevant topics, and make friends) have been so successful they've even expanded the project to New York City. So if some small town in New Jersey wants to take a pot-shot at us, my challenge to them is: Have you created a community project so innovative it's catching on in Manhattan?

The Hoboken Family Alliance, a creative network of families with young children who support one another in the best "it takes a village" fashion, is another fine example of how at least Hoboken is taking the lead in re-inventing community in the 21st century. These are the kinds of things Bob Menendez should be proud of if he chooses to run for Senate. So is a cutting-edge political think-tank that.....o.k. Mr. Mendez, could be non-partisan: but will most likely appeal to the progressive wing of the Democratic party. Once again, anyone interested in participating in this new political think-tank can call me at 201-792-0085, or email me at jfbredin@hotmail.com. Thank you for your time.

John Bredin