I believe we have an opportunity to help Hoboken reach its full potential as one of the best cities in America to live, work, play, and raise a family.
I envision a place where newcomers are as welcome as long-time residents, tax dollars are spent wisely, open space and recreation facilities are plentiful, and housing is affordable. We should expect city government to work efficiently, listen to its residents, and provide the best education possible for its children.
Seem like a dream? Actually, it is much closer to being a reality than you may think, IF we take action to make it happen.
Hoboken has all the key ingredients for success. We have an abundance of smart, diverse residents who are interested in making the world a better place for themselves and their families. We have a robust tax base due to an influx of new residents and businesses and a rich 150 year heritage we can be proud of. Imagine what is possible if we work together to embrace change, rather than fighting to maintain the status quo. We should be spending our energy on making this a better city for ALL our residents whether they are newcomers, long-time residents, wealthy or less fortunate.
The only missing ingredient is the leadership the City needs to make this a reality.
Scott's top agenda items are:
Growth of open space and recreational facilities
Smart development
Balanced budgets, approved on time
World-class education system
Better parking solutions
Honest, transparent government
Business friendly
Positive solutions, not political positioning.
Require developers to contribute to a "Green Fund" to be used specifically for the purchase and development of open and recreational space. This will generate millions of dollars without impacting taxpayers. Create a long-term plan for funding the acquisition of open space which includes Federal and State grants and potential bonding.
Create an open space inventory system to monitor potential open space acquisitions and report progress in real time over the Internet. Regularly report progress to City residents so they are no longer in the dark.
Install a City-wide recreational space and league management system to better organize today's available recreational space and allow for easy access to information for parents and players. With more efficent and trasparent management, we should be able to better utilize recreational space by 10-20%
Reduce the number of councilpeople from nine to five. This will save taxpayer money and reduce the time the council wastes "politicking". Pass cost savings on to taxpayers or invest in "Safety First" or open space initiatives.
Conduct an "energy audit" of the City's energy use. Identify ways to reduce our impact on the environment and save costs
Hold city government (and my council performance) acccountable by issuing a report card on our successes and failures.
Enforce campaign finance reform
Construct a budget which will no longer rely on one-shot revenues. I will not vote for the use of one-shot revenues to pay for City operating expenses.
Require taxi cabs to be clean, efficient, and safe
Improve the quality of our schools and success of our students by instituting a community-wide mentor program ("Big brothers, Big Sisters")in partnership with local businesses for our High School students
Make our streets safer by having our police officers enforce City speed limits
Launch a "Safety First" program to educate drivers, kids, and pedestians on the safest ways to navigate our City's streets
Streamline city inspection processes so small businesses can open their businesses sooner and homeowners can move into their new homes quicker
Continue to broadcast City Council meetings on the Internet and cable so working adults, Seniors and families can more easily stay involved and informed
Allow temporary parking passes to be downloaded off the Internet rather than requiring a visit to City Hall
Update and upgrade the City's website to make all government documents readily accessible
All these things and more are possible at little or no cost to taxpayers. All it takes is a little ingenuity and desire to focus on solutions rather than politics. I hope you will join me in my quest to improve and modernize City government.