In a letter to the editor, Hoboken 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher pleads her case as to why U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez, not Mayor Ravi Bhalla, “the right choice” for the 8th Congressional District.
Dear editor,
Tomorrow, we will choose our next Congressional representative, and I urge residents of the 8th District to join me in voting to re-elect Congressman Rob Menendez.
My concerns with Mayor Bhalla are well-documented, stemming from actions I perceive as betrayals of public trust that began with him pretending to be discriminated against to gain political advantage in an election.
For those who need more convincing, consider the following reasons why I believe Mayor Bhalla does not deserve your vote:
He worked against Hoboken residents when he facilitated Story dispensary approvals in an alleged quid pro quo for private gain through government contracts awarded to his law firm.
He sidelined a project intended to provide affordable housing for homeless veterans to avoid a political challenger in the 2021 mayoral race.
He focuses only on projects that generate flashy headlines, neglecting the basic upkeep of streets and public spaces, which directly degrades our quality of life.
He has delayed implementing safety laws for food delivery e-bikes to spite political opponents, compromising pedestrian safety.
He ignored Hoboken’s escalating rat problem until it became a crisis, avoiding bad press.
He is prolonging our area’s vulnerability to flooding from devastating storms to apparently maintain political favor with Mayor Fulop, instead of pressing him on necessary easements for the Rebuild By Design project.
He comfortably misleads the public for political gain, such as when he falsely claimed credit for the significant redevelopment of the Hoboken Housing Authority as a central achievement in his campaign, despite his minimal involvement.
He refuses to work collaboratively with our public schools (district and charter) on any beneficial educational initiatives involving his political opponents; this includes currently blocking the distribution of vital PILOT funds to our schools.
Ask yourself why we should elevate this level of division and dishonesty to represent us in Washington.
Turning to Congressman Rob Menendez, his record speaks volumes about his capability, dedication and achievements working closely with leaders across the 8th district.
When he was asked to consider running for Congress two years ago, he consulted with his wife and close advisors about the commitment and sacrifices required.
With a young child at home and leaving a lucrative job, Rob stepped forward because he recognized his potential to make a significant impact. He wasn’t merely installed as Mayor Bhalla wants you to believe.
Rob made a deliberate choice to serve our district to the best of his abilities, something he continues to do every day, and he has delivered significantly to all 13 municipalities in the 8th district.
Rob stands firmly on important Democratic platform issues like gun control, women’s reproductive rights, and environmental justice.
Yet, it’s his personal commitment to our district’s most pressing concerns—affordability, immigration, infrastructure and transportation, supporting those in need, and bolstering the middle class—that truly sets him apart as the best candidate.
Despite his father currently facing serious charges, a situation Mayor Bhalla and his supporting super PACs have exploited to tarnish his image, Rob has handled himself with dignity and grace, rising above the distasteful, and typical, political attacks from Team Bhalla.
Enough is enough. Supporting Rob Menendez isn’t just an easy choice—it’s the right one. He has earned your vote. Please join me tomorrow and vote 3C to re-elect Congressman Menendez. Polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM.
Tiffanie Fisher
Hoboken 2nd Ward Councilwoman
OUCH !
But spot on.