Hoboken Reporter, October 31, 2004

Dear Editor:

The title of Mayor makes one an easy target for detractors, especially on the heels of an upcoming municipal election. This is especially true at a time when a controversial public question appears on the ballot.

In this case, my detractors, a self proclaimed group of "reformers" has grossly misstated my position on that issue, campaign finance reform or "pay to play." Last week, I was quoted accurately in The New York Times, endorsing this reform. Last week, I even placed a full-page advertisement in this paper urging voters to support this measure.

Unfortunately, this paper chose to ignore those facts when publishing a misguided series of letters to the editor intentionally misrepresenting my opinion on this issue as well as to imply wrongdoing. While honesty and integrity cannot be legislated, I fully support campaign finance reform. In my many years as an elected official, I have always done what's best for the citizens of Hoboken. I am proud of what my administration has accomplished and the manner in which it has done so with an open door policy.

For this newspaper to allow this fact to be twisted so severely is extremely unfortunate and to play into the hands of my detractors is against all the basic tenets of journalism. It should be noted that one of the letter writers had no problem accepting $1,000 a week as my campaign coordinator. He certainly knew his paycheck was a result of campaign contributions, the same people he vilifies today. He had no problem back then; why does he feel differently now? It should also be noted that his council allies who were previously aligned with me had no problem accepting campaign contributions during the 2001 campaign for their election. It should also be noted that professionals from both sides were hired with no-bid contracts and no competition with the selection based on a level of confidence, not corruption.

It is unfortunate that this paper chose to ignore facts and distort history. So many of these "reformers" previously had no problem accepting City paychecks and ensuring that their close associates receive lucrative, no-bid contracts. It is interesting that once they chose to leave their service with the City, they are suddenly appalled at the way campaigns are financed, and contracts are awarded. This hypocrisy cannot be ignored and this paper should know better.

If we need to change the rules governing campaign finance, so be it. But let's not turn the issue of finance reform into partisan political battle. Four years ago, during my campaign for the office of Mayor, I ran on a platform of restoring honesty and integrity to Hoboken government, and this pledge continues to serve as the hallmark of this government.

Mayor David Roberts
Hoboken