Peter Cunningham Letter to the Editor - Why I am endorsing Fisher for Mayor and her Council Slate

Dear Hoboken Patch Editor:

From 2007 through 2019, I had the honor of representing Hoboken’s 5th Ward on City Council. Having lived through many challenging times in Hoboken during my tenure, I’ve worked with most of the current mayoral candidates.

In recent years, I’ve spoken out against our local government’s direction under Mayor Ravi Bhalla and his council allies taking Hoboken backwards to those darker days of zero transparency, political self-interest, poor developer driven projects and fiscal irresponsibility. With the election next month, however, I’m looking forward with optimism to those who can bring proven experience and integrity to guide Hoboken, taking on the challenges to our quality of life: from financial, infrastructure and affordability.

There is only one candidate for Hoboken mayor who has the proven record of experience, integrity, service and capability to tackle these problems head on – and that’s Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher. Since 2016, she’s demonstrated leadership on the City Council putting Hoboken residents first versus creeping special interests, big developers and backroom deals.

Moreover, she’s brought a council slate with equally strong candidates who demonstrate similar integrity and commitment to Hoboken in former councilman Dave Mello, Liz Urtecho, Carter Craft and Diane Imus in the 6th Ward.

Dave Mello served with great distinction with me on the Hoboken City Council for eight years. His passion to bring a Southwest Park and accountable government to Hoboken were key to our many successes.

Liz Urtecho ran previously for the Fifth Ward City Council. While she came up a little short, she’s continued her activism and commitment for Hoboken. Her energy, fighting for transparency, fairness and accountability are unparalleled.

Carter Craft is a senior-level urban planner well-versed in rebuilding strategies for coastal, urban environments. With the ongoing Rebuild by Design project, his lengthy maritime and urban experience will be an invaluable resource in the role of councilman-at-large.

Diane Imus has been in Hoboken for over 35 years and raised three children in this city. As a working mother, Diane has been a community leader and parks advocate speaking out against out of scale development. Moreover, she has the endorsement of the Giattino family.

On November 2nd, please join me in voting for what’s best for Hoboken’s future: Tiffanie Fisher for mayor (11G) and a council slate team of Dave Mello (14H), Liz Urtecho (13H) and Carter Craft (15H), and for 6th Ward Diane Imus (1I).

Thank you for your serious consideration,

Peter H. Cunningham, former 5th Ward Councilman, City of Hoboken