Angelo Valente: 'Expect an independent voice soon'

Angelo Valente says a decision is coming soon whether he'll run for mayor or the city council

In an exclusive interview, Angelo Valente a former Hoboken City Councilman in the 80's highlighted the quality of life issues he views as most important to the Mile Square City and how an independent voice can best represent its residents.

"I've been contacted by people throughout the community... I'm exploring running for mayor or City Council at-large," Valente stated. He added that a decision is being weighed with friends, family and neighbors within a week or so saying in a phone interview, "I can have a positive impact either way."

Angelo Valente

The quality of life issues Valente values include building new cultural and recreational facilities and using rooftops, an asset ignored in many locations. "Taking advantage of making those opportunities for more residents across the city should be a priority." He pointed to the Multi-Service Center as needing a complete overhaul to better serve the community and expand its capabilities to better serve seniors.  He noted the uptown YMCA needs to see its fitness center renovations completed in a public private partnership as another model for Hoboken elsewhere.

No quality of life discussion is complete without traffic and parking. Here Valente wants to see some citywide changes. "People feel there needs to be relief for automobiles... We need to look at curbs," he said as part of a re-examination in conjunction with public safety.

"Let's re-examine Observer Highway... the usage (there) down the line and make it more functional," Valente emphasized. He expressed concern Hoboken needed to take more steps on its infrastructure and work to utilize a deeper relationship with Stevens which he says would be a high priority.

Valente concluded the interview stating, "There's a lot of value an independent can lend to all residents."