05/03/2017
THE HACKENSACK STRONG PLAN TO PROPEL THE CITY FORWARD
(Vote May 9th, Column 3)
--- Leadership ---
Poor or weak leadership is no less appealing than bad leadership and we have experienced all three under the Labrosse/Canestrino administration. There is a reason why we have an increase in lawsuits, rowdy and uncivil public council meetings, disjointed and unreasonable redevelopment, increasing tax burden, poor perception of Hackensack; it’s the leadership or lack thereof.
Hackensack Strong will bring leadership that will openly and honestly address the issues confronting the city. Hackensack Strong will seek the input from the public and bring in competent and experienced personnel to help guide the city as we navigate thru the mess of the current and previous administrations.
Hackensack Strong will bring leadership that will rightly put the needs of the city first and foremost. Leadership that values the people of Hackensack and their input, leadership that recognizes that our challenges are not singular events, but parts of a whole that need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner. Hackensack Strong leadership will not put itself above the people or issues of Hackensack, or seek to gain personal benefits-it will work to do what they have been elected to do-address the issues head on in an open and honest manner that brings about positive results.
--- Cutting Spending and Borrowing ---
The Labrosse Administration has increased taxes buy $8 million in three years, and pushed the overall municipal budget to more than $100 million. But more significantly the Labrosse/Canestrino Team has increased the city's indebtedness by nearly 300 percent. The amount of annual debt service -- the cost the city pays on its debt, similar to what you pay on your credit cards has doubled under the current administration to more than $8 million in 2016 - and heading higher in 2017. But the really big debt bills are being put off until after the election. That's when taxes will skyrocket.
Hackensack Strong will stop senseless borrowing and deal with fiscal reality. We will stop spending what the city does not have and end the practice of piling up debt to meet today's obligations and hiding city spending from the public.
--- Ending Needless Lawsuits ---
Because of the Labrosse Administration's inability to manage people or departments, the city has suffered a dozen new lawsuits under Labrosse. The mayor and deputy mayor have been personally sued by a former city manager and the city paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for their legal fees as well as well as a $525,000 settlement to the former employee.
The same scenario has been repeated over and over again as lawsuits have mounted from employees including four lawsuits against the city's former police director that Canestrino insisted be hired at a generous six figure salary.
Overall the Labrosse Administration has spent millions of tax dollars on legal fees and lawsuit settlements, but refuses to release the exact figures on taxpayer spending on lawsuits.
Hackensack Strong will end the legal lotto that has made lawyers rich. We will stop the council's meddling and poor decision making that has led to millions of taxpayer dollars being waste.
--- Good Management ---
The Labrosse administration has gone through 5 City managers in 3 years. That speaks volumes about the meddling, disruptive and unprofessional nature of the mayor and city council and their inability to attract and retain qualified professionals to manage the city. Hackensack Strong will conduct a search for talented professionals to manage the city and let them do their job without needless interference from the governing body. We will bring continuity of management to our city.
--- Better Recreation Facilities ---
----- Revenue-Generating! -----
The Labrosse/Canestrino team promised better recreation facilities for our city, but nearly four years later nothing has been done. The city borrowed $23 million for renovation to the M& M Center and to place a dome over Johnson Park. Hackensack Strong says the Labrosse plan is inadequate and not well thought out. These are more examples of the Labrosse administration just doing something to say they have done something. Their lack of insight and comprehensiveness will cost the taxpayers more for these failures. There is no comprehensive plan regarding recreation and certainly no plan regarding overall redevelopment. Hackensack Strong will review all pending projects to determine viability and placement within the broader plan of redevelopment.
--- Green Alternatives ---
Hackensack Strong will pursue Green energy alternatives for our city, including installation of solar panels on city buildings. Green energy investments will help to reduce spending and pollution.
New Redevelopment Plan Focusing on Jobs
Hackensack Strong will put a moratorium on the city's current redevelopment plan while we reevaluate pending redevelopment and implement a comprehensive plan that will not only bring new construction and inhabitants, but also new businesses that will aid in bringing jobs and revenue to the city. We will negotiate with developers to ensure that goals of redevelopment are met and the current taxpayers aren’t let holding the bag.
--- Bring Back Pride to the City ---
The Labrosse Administration killed Project Pride. The plan focused on using city authority to have local property owners clean up their buildings and yards. You can't attract development to a dirty city. We will also embark on a city wide beautification program for all areas of the city.
Better Relationships with Employees
The Labrosse/ Canestrino Administration have one of the most troubling relationships with city workers in history. The council has abused employees, threatened jobs, spied and even followed workers around the city. The result has been the creation of a demoralized city workforce that cannot operate at peak efficiency and a multitude of lawsuits against the city.
Hackensack Strong will treat workers professionally and with respect. We will allow the city manager and department heads to manage their personnel.
--- Reaching out to the Public ---
The Labrosse/ Canestrino Administration promised in 2013 to institute regular meetings with residents in their wards. They never followed through on their promise.
Hackensack Strong will meet regularly with residents at locations in their neighborhoods, and discuss local issues and concerns. We want to hear from residents and tell them what we are doing in a forum that is friendly and harmonious.
-Hackensack Strong Team
