Hoboken 4th Ward Candidate Profile: Ruben Ramos Jr.

HOBOKEN, NJ — If you live in the southwest section of Hoboken, you're likely in the 4th Ward. (See the ward map here). And even if you don't live there, the outcome of November's City Council races will affect you.

Hoboken has nine voting members on its City Council, and each one can sway a vote.

Longtime Councilman Ruben Ramos is the only council member running unopposed in the elections.

The questions and answers from Ramos are below. If you click here, you can see how the other candidates answered their Q&As.

NOTE: Got something to say? Post comments below or post letter to the editor on Hoboken Patch this way.

Name

Ruben J Ramos Jr.

How old will you be as of Election Day?

49

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

Party affiliation, even though Hoboken elections are non-partisan:

Democrat

Education.

Bachelor's Degree (Political Science) Fairleigh Dickinson University

Current occupation, years of experience.

Teacher, 27 years experience

Family information, if you're willing to share.

Wife, Norma Ramos; Children, Gail Job, Isabel Ramos, Ryan Ramos

Does anyone in your family work in politics or have a government position, either volunteer or paid? Where?

No

Previous or current elected or appointed offices.

Hoboken 4th Ward City Councilman, Hoboken City Council at Large, State Assemblyman 33rd District NJ General Assembly

Why are you seeking a spot on Hoboken's City Council? Please keep these answers to 250 words or we WILL automatically truncate your answer.

I am seeking re election to the City Council because I have a passion to see Hoboken be successful. Revitalizing the HHA has been a huge priority and we are getting one step closer to shovels in the ground and improving the living conditions for HHA residents. Construction for the expansion of SW Park is soon to begin and the Chambord Redevelopment will bring a much need grocery store to SW Hoboken. A main focus next term would be to finalize plans to redesign multi service center. We also want to improve our services in sanitation so we can eliminate rodent situation, increase recreation activities for our kids specifically over the summer months. As well as expand services for our seniors. I've had the privilege of growing up in Hoboken and raising my family here as well and I want to ensure that all of our residents get to experience Hoboken and all of its wonders the way I have been so fortunate to have.

What is the single most pressing issue facing Hoboken, and what makes you more qualified than your opponent(s) to solve it?

Revitalizing the HHA will not only have a positive impact for HHA residents but for city overall. Years of experience in understanding redevelopment and HUD development goals gives me great understanding of how to complete task.

Do you believe national political issues are relevant to Hoboken? Whom did you vote for in the 2020 presidential election? Do you believe it's relevant or irrelevant, and why?

I voted for Joe Biden, unfortunately it seems that national issues have played a role in Hoboken elections especially since the switch of elections from May to November. I believed at the time and still believe that the issues of Hoboken are important enough to switch elections back to May. When elections were in May national issues were never discussed in our local elections the way the are now.

Some believe that running for local office serves primarily as a stepping stone, particularly in Hudson County. Are you willing to take a pledge to remain on the council for all four years rather than taking any other political job or paid government position?

I have been fortunate enough to serve at both the local and state levels. My goal is too serve a full term on the council.

Several of our readers and others have said that Hoboken is becoming unaffordable to the middle class, particularly with monthly apartment rents seeing increases between $500 and $1,000 in some cases, and other costs spiking. Yet, Hoboken boasts of being an artsy town and a diverse community. Do you think something should be done to keep a mix of people in all parts of town? If so, what?

We will ensure that our rent control laws continue to be enforced. Affordable housing requirements for future development will help maintain our diversity.

Do you think Hoboken's current rent control ordinance is working as is, or does it need adjustments, and what kind? If there's a referendum to remove the Rent Control Ordinance, as has been talked about in the past, would you work to keep it, or remove it?

No, unfortunately it is currently too complex and is primarily based on Union City rent control which was just successfully challenged in court. Myself and Councilwoman Giattino negotiated a compromise between two long time adversarial organizations. Unfortunately, that compromise was vetoed by the Mayor.

Six weeks after the 2021 council race, a majority of council members voted to give themselves raises of more than 30 percent, bringing the part-time salaries to $35,000-$40,000 each, plus benefits. Will you be taking the full salary and benefits if elected? Will you approve any raises for yourself during the next four years if you are elected?

I did not support the salary raises for council members. Yes, I will be taking salary. Will not vote to approve a raise.

If you are running with the support of the current mayoral administration, what is something you think it hasn't done well in its eight years that needs improvement? If you are not running with the administration's support, what is something they've done very well?

I think the administration is very good at issuing press releases.

Do you plan to vote in Hoboken's school board election in November? Which three candidates are you supporting?

Yes, I vote in every election

Please feel free to share anything else you think needs to be said, but keep answers to 250 words. Note that any longer answer will be truncated. Also, if you decline to answer a question, that will be noted.

It has been an honor for me to serve Hoboken on the City Council. I look forward to continuing to being a bridge and working to ensure that we secure positive outcomes for Hoboken residents.