David Roberts (born July 14, 1956) was the 36th mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey, holding the office from 2001 to 2009. Roberts declined to seek re-election in 2009, retiring from a political career of 25 years. Biography He was born on July 14, 1956. Roberts graduated from Hoboken High School and then attended Jersey City State College and then Thomas Edison State College, where he received a degree in Political Science. Roberts first began serving the public as a Hoboken firefighter in 1981. In 1984 he received a class three citation for valor as a firefighter for his efforts in a team rescue of two children on Clinton Street in Hoboken. Roberts also operates a family-owned business, East LA restaurants, which has been in Hoboken for over 25 years. David was elected to Hoboken's City Council in 1985, representing the Sixth Ward. In 1995, he became City Council President. David served as Hoboken's 6th Ward Councilman until 2001 when he ran for Mayor. He was elected mayor on May 8, 2001, replacing Anthony Russo. In the 2001 election, Roberts received 6,064 votes and Russo received 4,759 votes. Roberts' inaugural address was on July 1, 2001, and he announced a "master plan" for the city that was approved by the Hoboken Planning Board in 2004. The Hoboken Master Plan remains in effect today, where the City continues to adopt many of the initiatives set in place by Roberts. Roberts received the Lincoln Day Honor twice, which is where he was honored for lifetime achievement. On February 8, 1995, Roberts received a joint legislative resolution from the State of New Jersey recognizing his achievements in office. Roberts also served as Chairman of the Hoboken Democratic Committee from 2001-2008. Roberts was appointed by former Governor Tom Kean to the Hoboken School of Industrial Education. In 2007, Roberts was inducted into the Elected Officials Hall of Fame by the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. The award “...recognizes the tremendous contributions of the many governing body members who have selflessly served their communities for 20 years or more.” Master Plan Roberts called for a City Master Plan in his inaugural address. The Master Plan contained over 200 plus recommendations that “aimed to transform Hoboken from an industrial enclave to a vibrant, livable, mixed-use community that is increasingly popular among people from all walks of life.” The plan helped ensure that “...future development in Hoboken