Levinsky takes issue with incumbents’ NYC fundraiser
'They are sadly out of touch and no longer represent our diverse community'
Editor, the Asbury Park Sun:
I moved here in 2002 because I wanted to be a part of the renewal of a great, small city. I live and work in the heart of town (Grand Avenue, three blocks from Cookman and the beach). The new city council at the time — most of whom are current incumbents running as Forward Asbury Park — did a fine job of cleaning up the mess that preceded them and indeed moved the city forward. For that reason, I have supported them ever since.
Sadly, over the last several years, the current council managed to lose its way. I believe they stopped listening to input from our community, and they seem tired and complacent. Clearly, they have been here too long. The final straw was seeing their flier for a $150-per-person fundraiser — with sponsorships from $500 to $2,500 — to be held at “the exclusive EVR Lounge in NYC.”
If candidates for Asbury Park City council can’t find a local Asbury location to be “inclusive” instead of a New York City lounge for an “exclusive” event, they are sadly out of touch and no longer represent our diverse community.
Unfortunately, it seems obvious the so-called “A-Team” of Keady, Palmer et al. is just not ready for prime time. I like and admire Jim Keady, but he lost credibility as a serious candidate when he was elected to office and resigned less than one year before the end of his previous term.
In contrast to the above, the One Asbury ticket has distinguished themselves throughout this campaign. I personally have met all five members of the ticket and found them to be capable, open, responsive, and willing to listen. They have all been working and living in Asbury Park for many years. Unlike others who have only recently become involved, walked out in the middle of their terms, or have so lost touch with the community that they have to hold fundraisers in New York City, the One Asbury ticket is comprised of local community leaders who see this as public service, not a stepping stone to higher office and/or an opportunity for personal gain or ego gratification. With no disrespect to any of the other slates or candidates, One Asbury is the obvious choice for all of our city. They will bring us together, get things working, and move the city in the right direction.
— H. Robb Levinsky, Asbury Park
[This letter represents the opinion of its writer and is not representative of any opinion of the Asbury Park Sun staff. All readers are welcome to submit Letters to the Editor to news@asburyparksun.com for our consideration. For guidelines on letter-writing and submission, click here.]
