Dear Editor:

Recently two local officials have used the phrase "a tale of two Hobokens". Both of them are correct but they have misidentified the two Hobokens as purely based on socio-economic and racial factors. This is not only divisive but empirically wrong.

A better way to identify the two Hobokens is to take a look at supporters of the incumbent mayor vis-à-vis Carol Marsh's team's supporters. On Carol's side the majority of her supporters, whether born and raised or not, have chosen to be in Hoboken because, at its best, Hoboken can be a great place to live. Examine the mayor's base of support and you have many people who are in Hoboken to make money off the system. There is little difference between the developer looking for a zoning variance and tax abatements and the condo spectacular looking to "flip" an investment for a fast windfall both are engaging in what could be called a form of economic piracy.

Tuesday, June 14, the choice falls on the voters to define themselves. Are you simply looking to make some quick bucks and then move on to the next target or are you a member of a healthy community looking to make Hoboken live up to its magnificent potential? The choice is yours. If you are amongst the latter I urge you to push the buttons for Carol Marsh, Ines Garcia-Keim, Tony Soares and Brian Urbano.

John Stevens Keim