LETTER: Here’s why I’m voting for Ruben Ramos to be Hoboken’s next mayor

In a letter to the editor, former Hoboken Councilman Michale Lenz explains why he will be voting for 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos for mayor.

Dear Editor,

Next Tuesday, Hoboken will begin voting to choose a new Mayor. I’ll be voting for Ruben Ramos. That may surprise some, since I’ve long been aligned with those classed as “reformers,” while Ruben has often been considered part of the “old guard.”

But as President Trump continues to hammer our economy, threaten healthcare, and undermine the Constitution, Hoboken needs a mayor with both courage and common sense — someone who will do what needs to be done. I believe Ruben Ramos can be that leader.

Of Ruben’s courage, I have no doubt. Facing down cancer wasn’t a choice. But giving up a seat in the state Assembly was.

When Governor Christie and his allies told Ruben that keeping his seat meant selling out teachers, cops, and other public servants who relied on the pensions they had earned, Ruben said no.

I trust him to say no again — to developers, to political insiders, and even to presidents, when the public’s interest is at stake.

I’ve known Ruben since volunteering on his first campaign in 1999. Two years later, we worked together to prevent then-Mayor Anthony Russo — Michael Russo’s father — from winning a third term.

Over the years, we’ve often found ourselves on opposite sides. But now, I strongly support Ruben Ramos for Mayor because he has grown into a practical, independent-minded leader focused on common-sense solutions.

Ruben understands how hard it is for small businesses to open and survive in Hoboken. He knows it takes too long and costs too much to bring life back to empty storefronts — and he’s committed to streamlining that process.

He supported Mayor Bhalla when he was right, as on the urgently needed affordable housing plan at Garage B. He opposed him when he was wrong, such as on the proposed red-light ticket cameras that data showed actually made our streets less safe.

I also respect Ruben for his integrity during the tragic aftermath of Councilwoman Jen Giattino’s death. While all three council candidates for mayor failed to fill the 6th Ward vacancy, Ruben stood ready to support a qualified replacement.

That failure of leadership deprived 6th Ward residents of representation and left Hoboken without a fifth vote to pause the reckless rollout of the automated ticket program.

Even so, I try to keep an open mind. My second choice would be Emily Jabbour — honest, personable, and hardworking.

She’s been a solid council member who could very well become a good, perhaps even excellent, mayor. If the runoff ends up between Ruben and Emily, Hoboken can rest easy knowing that we’ll have a capable leader for the next four years.

But my first choice is Ruben Ramos — because I believe he’s the only candidate who can stop Michael Russo. And Michael Russo as mayor would be a disaster for Hoboken.

Michael presents himself as a cleaned-up, friendlier version of his father, former Mayor Anthony Russo. Anthony was a talented manager and tireless worker, but also deeply corrupt — and his administration ended with multiple convictions and jail time.

Michael has never been charged with a crime, but he was caught on video years ago discussing the same kind of “arrangements” that sent Mayor Peter Cammarano to jail.

His physical therapy business is rumored to be in financial trouble and facing insurance scrutiny, and his campaign is heavily backed by developer money. That raises serious questions about whose interests he’d truly serve.

Those who remember Anthony Russo fondly — and many do — recall his energy and the efficiency with which he ran the city for his allies. But they should also remember the cost. Hoboken can’t afford to repeat that history.

Michael has some of his father’s charm but little of his managerial ability. Electing him would be the worst thing that could happen to this city.

As for the rest of the field: Tiffanie Fisher has done important work and is smart and well-intentioned, but her campaign seems to rest on “trust me, I’ll do it better” — without the substance she usually demands from others.

I’ve long respected her diligence, but this time her platform feels disappointingly thin.

Pat Waiters deserves credit for her advocacy on behalf of underrepresented residents, but she’s run for office again and again without success.

Dini Ajmani is bright, energetic, and accomplished in her field, but expertise in one profession doesn’t always translate to the messy, hyperlocal world of New Jersey municipal government.

Still, she deserves credit for elevating a particularly promising new voice — Nick Gorka, who could be one of the most impressive new council candidates. If you don’t have three favorites for Council-at-Large, consider giving him one of your votes.

This has been a revealing campaign. Ruben Ramos and Emily Jabbour have impressed me most with the seriousness and specificity of their ideas.

They’ve shown respect for voters by running substantive, forward-looking campaigns rather than relying on slogans or nostalgia. That’s the kind of leadership Hoboken needs.

At the end of the day, elections are about trust — trust that a candidate will do the right thing when it matters most, even when it’s hard. I’ve seen Ruben Ramos do that before. He’s faced down adversity, stood up to pressure, and shown the independence that real leadership requires.

Next Tuesday, I’ll be voting for Ruben Ramos for Mayor — and I hope my fellow Hoboken residents will join me. He’s earned it.