Transparency and Accessibility of Government
- All Freeholder meetings should be moved to preferably to 7pm but at least to 6pm to accommodate those who work during the day. This move will simply increase turnout at public meetings and public participation.
- All Freeholder meetings should by taped and aired on local Cable Channels to allow seniors and other citizens who have busy schedules to see what transpires during all open portions of them.
- All Freeholder meetings should be broadcast live using UStream or some other relatively inexpensive/free streaming technology.
- The Hudson County website should make a page that archives all past agendas as well as post future agendas for Freeholder meetings. Currently only the latest meeting is easily found.
- If elected I will recuse myself from any votes where there is either a clear conflict of interest or even the appearance of one if applicable.
I personally don't view government by what it can do for me but what I can do for it and its constituents. As such I believe in giving back and not so much for the taking aspect but public officials should be justly compensated for their efforts. My opponent who still lives in a subsidized housing when he no longer needs it, is taking up a spot for someone of lower income who could use it instead differs from me in that aspect.
- If elected I will donate 1/3 of my Freeholder salary after taxes to the following local organizations:
- Hoboken Homeless Shelter.
- Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corp.
- Jubilee Center.
- Some other worthwhile charities in Jersey City Heights.
- If elected, I will not make use of the county car provided for each Freeholder. I will use Corner Cars,Zip Car or Mass Transit when necessary. This will save the county money. A county car? Are they serious?
- If elected, I will use the part of Freeholder allowance to hire a part time grant writer to see if the County can get more State or Federal grant money specifically for our district. I will not hire Carmelo Garcia to deliver cakes. He makes enough money already as the head of HHA.
- Advocate for a 10% salary cut for all Freeholders and the County Executive. Again, the burden of austerity must be shared.
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| Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps: just one of many worthy organizations to donate to in Hoboken and Jersey City Heights. |
Communication
Citizens have heard very little formally from Anthony Romano in his 6 year reign as Freeholder other than to glad-hand people and pony up to county bosses like at his fundraiser and at various functions. To me that is not enough for effective policy communication but simply "politricking"and displaying the veneer of caring for the constituents' issues. Now mind you I believe Anthony Romano cares about people, I have no doubt in my mind about that but the citizens need to be informed of the issues on a consistent basis. That is one area where my opponent has fallen flat.
- I will provide monthly recaps of Freeholder meetings to my constituents though my expertise in websites, writing, and social media.
- I will also provide a periodic newsletter to keep constituents informed.
- I will also call town hall meetings seasonally to get constituent feedback as required.
- I will also provide communications in a timely manner for issues that are important and can't wait.
Reducing operating expenses through attrition of employees and other cost measures is part of the goal to help fix up Hudson County infrastructure. If elected I will:
- Seek to get more grants for parks, roads, and other infrastructure improvements.
- Seek to get Washington Street back to being a County Road. It was a county road before former Hoboken Mayor David Roberts took it back and it desperately needs to be completely repaved and get new traffic signals. It is a road heavily used by vehicles outside of Hoboken but my opponent fails to understand how making this a County Road would really help the Hoboken taxpayer. I get it. It is about getting more services for under served Hoboken.
- Advocate that the North Hudson Sewerage Authority do more to fix Hoboken's 100 plus year old wooden sewer lines. While this is not my jurisdiction I will use the stature of the office to see if more can be done and report back to the people.
- With the savings from operational cuts, use those savings for capital projects that improve our infrastructure for county assets.
- If elected I plan to work with the county sheriff to ensure that patrols of county roads in our district meet the needs of our constituents.
- Green technology should bused where ever possible as long as it is cost effective. In many cases green technology can save money.
- More Public Transportation for District 5. Public Transportation options in Hoboken have been cut since I have moved here in 2003. NJ Transit has cut weekend 126 route bus service. The PATH cut the weekend direct line from Hoboken. NJ Transit cut the weekend express that goes to the Jersey Shore. The light Rail schedule to Hoboken got cut. Hoboken should not be getting the short end of the "Stick" when it comes to public transport. The City of Hoboken is a walking city and a transportation hub and that needs to be supported by all local office holders.
Hoboken Resident, Taxpayer and Independent Candidate for Freeholder District 5
Email: kurt.gardiner@gmail.com
Mr. Gardiner please be advised that all roads going north & South in the town of Hoboken are County Roads. The City of Hoboken maintans all streets East & West. Contact the County Road Dept and ask which roads that are covered by them during snow storm ask for Supervisor John Staar
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