Peter Cammarano Hoboken Mayor 2009 - Campaign Promises

1. Peter Cammarano’s Mayoral Campaign
Promises (from Campaign Website)
Lower Taxes
It's time for forward-thinking leadership in Hoboken that can get things done. Moving forward,
the City of Hoboken needs common-sense solutions to strengthen our community and manage
our budget so taxes are systematically reduced. Now that the State takeover of the City's
finances is a reality, we must plan properly to create responsible solutions that lower the tax
burden on Hoboken residents.
1. Work with the City Council and sub committees to create and pass a budget that is
responsible, efficient and fully transparent.
2. Continue to propose meaningful cuts in the budget and hiring freezes in the City where
applicable.
3. Return home-rule to Hoboken and garner the assistance of state officials and financial
experts to gain their knowledge as we move Hoboken forward.
4. Generate new sources of revenue throughout the City to offset the tax burden.
Balanced Budget
Running the City of Hoboken is an executive role that requires comprehensive planning and
accountability. Collective bargaining is a deliberate process that happens once every few years
and it can result in significant cost savings for taxpayers. When conducted responsibly, the
collective bargaining process can reshape a city's budget. When Peter Cammarano is elected as
mayor, passing a transparent and efficient budget for the City of Hoboken will be a top
priority.
1. Learn from the best practices that have successfully led to budget reductions in other
communities, whether through enhanced use of technology, shared services or
privatization that has worked elsewhere.
2. Reorganize and reconstitute the Law Department in my Administration. Hoboken
currently spends close to $1 million every year on legal contracts. I plan to rebuild the
kind of Law Department that existed in past Administrations: with a small, talented
and efficient staff of in-house attorneys who work for the Corporation Counsel, and
with a minimum of legal work getting outsourced.
3. Reducing municipal services, such as garbage collection from six out of seven days of
every week to four days a week. Garbage pick-up reduction will create a significant
savings to the taxpayer

2. The Arts
In 1982, Hoboken jumped onto the arts scene with a six-month series of music, poetry, dance,
and theater performances. Since then local artists have been enriching our community. We
must make sure that artists and studio spaces remain in Hoboken, so that our community
continues to benefit from their creativity and talents.
1. Create an arts district as called for in the Hoboken Master Plan.
2. Establish an Arts Advisory Board comprised of local artists and citizens to work with the
Cultural Affairs.
3. Department on projects related to the arts in our community.
4. Develop programs and resources to expose our youth to the arts.
5. Pursue federal and state grants to support and promote local art organizations.
Efficient, Accountable, and Transparent Government
Municipal government must effectively deliver a wide range of services affecting residents,
businesses, housing, and infrastructure. We must do so in a responsible manner that does not
trade long-term prosperity and solvency for short-term gains. Peter Cammarano and his City
Council team will faithfully serve the community and bring accountability and trust back to
City Hall.
1. Deliver a fully funded budget that eliminates wasteful spending while preserving
services.
2. Work closely with county government to secure better services and value for the tax
dollars paid by Hoboken.
3. Pursue alternative revenue sources through strategic business partnerships and federal,
state, and county grants.
4. Host monthly Mayor's Office hours open to the community
5. Develop and maintain a municipal website that is user-friendly, informative,
interactive, and accurate.
6. Save the taxpayers money by reducing contracted legal services and moving this work
in-house.
7. Implement attrition and hiring policy that would safeguard against a bloated,
inefficient government.
8. Provide employees with the training and equipment necessary to efficiently perform
their duties.
9. Cross train all employees so that all departments have proper coverage whenever there
is a shortfall due to special projects, vacations, etc.
Community Parking
The Hoboken Parking Utility offers a range of parking options for residents, businesses, and
visitors. We can do a better job of communicating these options and maximizing the utility of
each street and municipal garage parking space. We must focus on ways to reduce the
congestion and confusion regarding parking in our Mile Square City.
1. Replace existing parking meters with hi-tech solar powered muni-meters.
2. Build more parking lots in business areas (Washington Street) and make them high-tech
systems.
3. Support local businesses by reducing the cost of parking vouchers for customers and
patrons.
4. Publish a glove-box parking reference guide and post better street signs directing
residents and visitors to off street parking.

3. 5. Create 24-hour online and phone services to streamline ticket resolution and recover
towed vehicles.
6. PETER CAMMARANO'S ADMINISTRATION WILL PURSUE POLICIES THAT ADDRESS THE
PARKING NEEDS OF OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
Going Green
Being green makes economic sense. A greener Hoboken requires a change in the way we think,
plan, and act. The time has come to employ energy-smart policies that will reduce our carbon
footprint and lower our municipal energy consumption. In developing our environmental policy,
we must think globally and act locally.
1. Endorse a municipal Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ordinance
for all future development.
2. Purchase Energy Star devices to conserve electricity consumption in city-owned
facilities.
3. Replace conventional vehicles that have reached their end life with energy efficient
hybrid vehicles.
4. Install green roof parks to augment our inventory of open space and alleviate flooding
issues.
5. Invest in solar panels and other renewable energy technologies.
6. Pursue grants and programs that promote the use of renewable energy. Google the
Berkeley, California's FIRST Solar financing for an example of one such plan.
7. Explore the use of bio-fuels to operate city vehicles.
8. Work with the school district to help implement a recycling program in every school.
9. LOWERING OUR ENERGY CONSUMPTION WILL BETTER ENABLE US TO DELIVER THE
SERVICES THAT OUR COMMUNITY DESERVES.
Senior Citizen Issues
The experience and insights of our seniors will help us build a successful future. Providing our
senior citizen population with more senior housing, recreational opportunities, access to
community events, and health facilities is important in repaying them for their contributions to
our community. Active and engaged seniors will keep our city energetic and provide diverse
solutions and view points on community issues.
1. Continue the senior shuttle service to assist seniors with mobility within Hoboken.
2. Create more senior citizen housing units, including assisted living facilities.
3. Develop senior programming at a variety of city locations.
4. Organize a senior health fair every other month.
5. Implement the Are You OK? Program, a computer system that calls participating seniors
on a daily basis to check their welfare.
6. Create a mentorship program between the school district and senior citizens.
7. PETER CAMMARANO BELIEVES THAT OUR SENIORS ARE THE FIBER OF OUR COMMUNITY
AND KNOWS THAT WE MUST MAINTAIN THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF CARE AND RESPECT
FOR THEM.
Community Transportation
Hoboken's transportation system is the pride of the state, and includes trains, light rail, buses,
PATH, and ferries. We rely on this intricate network to connect us with the places where we
work and play. Our world-class transportation system affords us access not only to the city, but
also to beaches, vacation spots, and the suburbs. Peter Cammarano is committed to providing
the best alignment of these services by making them reliable, accessible, and efficient. This
high standard of service is the key to Hoboken's continued prosperity.

4. 1. Ensure the current high level of service provided by NJ Transit and PATH.
2. Reinstate the cross-town shuttle service for efficient, safe, and dependable mobility
within Hoboken.
3. Clearly communicate the schedules, routes, and pickup locations for all shuttle
services.
4. Coordinate private commuter shuttles to eliminate unsafe congestion zones near the
PATH.
5. Provide school bus transportation for students at our various school locations.
6. Promote a bike-friendly commuter program at the PATH and Light Rail stations.
7. LET'S GET PEOPLE WHERE THEY NEED TO GO ' ON TIME
Affordable Housing
The local housing boom of recent years has overshadowed the increasing need for affordable
housing in Hoboken and throughout New Jersey. As our community continues to grow, we must
ensure that affordable-housing dwellers are able to continue to meet their housing and other
basic needs. Affordable-housing programs offer qualifying families a gateway to home
ownership and the American dream of prosperity.
1. Negotiate with developers to increase the availability of affordable housing units in
Hoboken, above and -beyond that which is required by COAH (The Council on
Affordable Housing).
2. Identify and apply for additional affordable housing grants and programs.
3. Make affordable housing buildings more accessible for seniors and disabled persons.
4. Work with property owners to maintain their stock of affordable housing, rather than
converting to market-rate housing.
5. Initiate a comprehensive review of all PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) payments and
carefully administer existing agreements.
6. PRESERVING OUR EXISTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND MAKING IT CITY POLICY TO
CREATE MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING, WILL PROTECT HOBOKEN'S DIVERSITY AND MAKE
OUR CITY A RICHER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE.
Youth Development
Youth outreach programs can provide a tremendous foundation for the children in Hoboken. In
addition to sports and academic programs, other activities are essential for engaging our
diverse youth community. These pursuits will help them develop the skills they will need to
become productive and successful adults.
1. Promote seasonal athletic programs for youth of all ages.
2. Organize an annual youth summer job fair for teens and local businesses to keeps kids
busy and out of trouble.
3. Work with local artists, artisans, and teachers to engage students through the arts.
Develop a leadership and mentorship program that helps youth obtain "soft skills" and a
good work ethic.
4. Encourage and supplement after-school programs offered by the Boys and Girls Club
and Jubilee Center.
5. PETER CAMMARANO BELIEVES LOCAL PROGRAMS HELP STEER YOUTH TOWARD A MORE
PRODUCTIVE LIFESTYLE.

5. Small Business Development
Hoboken's small businesses and neighborhood institutions need to preserve the small-town feel
that many of our residents appreciate. This is a primary reason why many choose to live here
versus our larger neighbor, New York City. Residents cherish our community because of the
unique businesses that call Hoboken home. Peter Cammarano wants to protect that sentiment
and support small businesses, so we don't lose the charm and character that makes Hoboken
special.
1. Create a small business department to work with local businesses and their landlords.
2. Create an oversight board to regulate restaurant and bar noise, overcrowding, and
unsafe conditions.
3. Create a glove-box guide for business owners, to clarify uniform rules and regulations.
4. Work to streamline the permit process so that businesses can operate more efficiently.
5. THE SUCCESS OF SMALL BUSINESS IS A LEADING INDICATOR OF THE HEALTH OF A
COMMUNITY. PETER CAMMARANO WANTS SMALL BUSINESSES TO KNOW THAT THEY WILL
HAVE A PARTNER IN CITY HALL.
Education
The families of Hoboken deserve a school system that meets the needs of all students and
prepares our youth for every possible career and challenge. In our city, the voters empower the
Board of Education and superintendent with the responsibility of administering our school
district. It is in the City government's best interest to make sure that Hoboken is a place that
families want to live and enroll their children into public schools.
1. Create a liaison between City Hall and the Board of Education.
2. Create magnet programs through City relationships with Stevens Institute and local
artisans.
3. Assist the school district in any way to help facilitate the delivery of quality education
to our residents.
Infrastructure
Hoboken has an aging infrastructure. Peter Cammarano will develop a comprehensive approach
to maintaining and improving our roads, sidewalks, water, sewers, and electrical
infrastructures. This plan will work in conjunction with the long-term goal of solving our
flooding issues.
1. Address long-term flooding issues throughout our city using innovative technologies,
including wet-weather pump stations.
2. Make intersections safer both for pedestrians and drivers.
3. Insist upon repaving of roads at developers' expense whenever construction takes
place.
4. Coordinate with the county to ensure that all county roads are repaved.
5. Increase walk signals at key intersections and enforce pedestrian laws.
6. Reassess our garbage and recycling plan to reduce costs and our carbon footprint.
7. Pursue infrastructure grants tied to the Federal Stimulus Package.
8. Rebuild and replace the 14th Street viaduct in two stages.
9. Hoboken's street grid predates the invention of the internal combustion engine. Our
streets and bridges must be updated for the 21st Century and into the future.
10. HOBOKEN IS A WALKING COMMUNITY: PETER CAMMARANO BELIEVES THAT PEDESTRIAN
SAFETY MUST BE A TOP PRIORITY

6. Responsible Development
Hoboken has experienced a real estate resurgence in recent years. In a mile-square city, every
acre of development impacts our entire community, from schools to infrastructure. As we plan
for the future, we must pursue the right combination of projects that will best address our
city's long-term needs.
1. Evaluate new development projects based on what value they add to the community.
Hold developers accountable, ensuring that they are delivering what is promised (open
space, infrastructure upgrades) before units can be completed and sold.
2. Use PILOTs and EDZ only when appropriate.
3. Proactively manage the existing portfolio of PILOTs and redevelopment agreements,
prepare a master financial analysis of these agreements and map out exactly when
these PILOTs are going to expire.
4. Pursue energy efficient designs that incorporate LEED standards.
5. Look for opportunities to set aside open space as we plan new projects. Conduct
municipal planning with the question in mind: What do we have and what do we need?
(Commercial vs. residential).
Public Safety
The fine men and woman of our police, fire, and volunteer ambulance core provide vital
services to our community. They protect us and the people we love everyday and are the first
to respond when we need help. Our local government must ensure that we continue to deliver
excellent public safety services.
1. Supply personnel with the latest equipment, technology and training.
2. Expand the community-policing plan by adding more neighborhood foot patrols
including educational programs about crime prevention.
3. Organize quarterly meetings for residents and public safety personnel to identify and
resolve issues or concerns facing our community.
4. Station a police officer in each school to address school safety issues and improve
response times for neighborhood issues.
Parks and Recreation
In our Mile-Square City, parks, ball fields, and public space are at a premium. We have a great
inventory of parks and recreational facilities, but as our community grows, so should our park
space. Parks and recreational facilities are essential for both the health and quality-of-life for
our families, as well as our environment.
1. Ensure that any new development is accompanied by open space.
2. Rotate city festivals and cultural events throughout the different parks.
3. Promote parks and recreational services via Peter Cammarano's proposed revamped
Hoboken Web site.
4. Explore the potential to install rooftop parks on current and future buildings.
Promote a healthy outdoors program by adding bike parking and recycling bins in our
parks.
5. Increasing our open space footprint will help alleviate flooding. Hoboken has 18 parks,
with more on the way.
6. IN A DENSE URBAN AREA, OPEN SPACE IS A COMMUNITY ASSET THAT WE ALL TREASURE
AND MUST PURSUE