LETTER: Hoboken council president explains why she’s supporting Marla Decker

In a letter to the editor, Hoboken Council President Emily Jabbour explains why she’s supporting Marla Decker in the 2nd Ward council race.

Dear Editor,

I am proud to endorse my friend and fellow Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America Volunteer, Marla Decker, to be the Second Ward Councilmember for the City of Hoboken.

I first met Marla in 2018 following the tragic shooting that took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

This horrific event took the lives of 17 people – including a member of Marla’s extended family. In the face of this senseless tragedy, Marla reached out to Moms Demand Action to channel the complicated feelings of grief, anger, and activism that she was experiencing.

I continue to stand in awe of the strength that Marla has demonstrated in the aftermath of this event, as she has been an active supporter of Moms Demand Action in Hudson County for the past five years.

The strength and fortitude that Marla demonstrated in the name of addressing gun violence is consistent in a number of facets of her life.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Marla raised her hand to go from being a Board Member of the Hudson Tea Building to leading the Association as President – an experience that is highly similar to the functions of a City Council member dedicated to quality of life issues.

Throughout COVID, numerous critical decisions had to be made in a timely way – Marla has demonstrated the ability to execute these decisive actions with compassion and professionalism, guiding her community through a most difficult period of time.

I have also had the opportunity to work with Marla during her tenure as a volunteer for the Hoboken Public Education Foundation (HPEF).

If you are not familiar, this incredible non-profit organization works to support Hoboken Public School District by elevating and enhancing the public education experience through private funding.

Since 2015, HPEF has raised nearly $2M and funded more than 80 initiatives since 2015. Marla is a fellow District parent, with two sons at Hoboken Middle School.

I know that Hoboken families value the multitude of amazing educational opportunities that the Hoboken community provides because each of us wants the best for the children of Hoboken. Marla is not standing on the sidelines watching this progress – she’s driving it.

In my six years as part of the Hoboken City Council, I have seen a lot of rhetoric and false allegations thrown around. As someone who ran for office to get things done, I find these instances incredibly frustrating when there is so much real work to do.

At the end of the day, I want to be joined by Councilmembers who are interested in doing the work, not hurling accusations in the name of advancing a political agenda.

Marla is an accomplished attorney who has demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and fortitude – I know that Marla is the right person to drive progress for the Second Ward and all of Hoboken.

On November 7th, please vote for Marla Decker to represent Hoboken’s Second Ward.

Emily Jabbour
Hoboken Council President