I opened today's paper expecting to see somehing about the primary on
Tuesday. After all, the municipal election had low voter turnout.
Some unhappiness had been expressed about that in the newspaper. My
own sense, in part, re voter turnout is that the paper's lackluster
coverage of the event, failure to focus on issues, interview
candidates or raise any interest whatsoever in the subject apart from
the mayoral mudslining did much to contriute to voter apathy.
OK. There is another chance for the Times to redeem itself. Tuesday
after all is the primary. It is a presidential election year. On
the
Republican side, at least, there are two presidential candidates on
the ballot. Then, both parties have hotly contested Senate races to
fill the seat being vacated by Frank Lautenberg. Additionally, there
are congressional races as well as elections for county sheriff and
clerk.
What do the Senate candidates think about national issues of
particular significance to Montclair, say, for example, gun control
or public education? There is no way to tell by reading the
Montclair
Times. In fact, except for the ads, the election goes virtually
unnoticed.
I'm a political junkie so I know something about all of the
candidates. Upon request, I'm even willing to share this
information.
I also believe in the importance of the democratic process and the
ability of each of us to make a difference.
I'm also a Democrat. Although I believe strongly that non-partisan
government works well at the local level; because it encourages focus
on local issues which, generally, transcend party lines. And I have
voted for Republicans twice in my life. Once when I voted for
Millicent Fenwick. I'm sure that doesn't surprise anyone, and once
when I voted for whomever the candidate was, and I don't even
remember
his name I'm embarrassed to say, who ran against Tom D'Alessio for
County Executive.
And I'm supporting Jon Corzine for Senate, and I'm supporting him,
not
just because I think he can win in November, I do, but, because I
agree with his position on most issues and I believe, as he does,
that
problems are solvable if there is a will to solve them. I don't
think
it's necessarily good or bad that someone with lots of money runs for
office. It's unusual, frankly, that someone with lots of money is
interested in opportunities for other people. Jon has made it his
business throughout the campaign to seek outcommunity leaders, like
me, and find out what they think and incorporate that in his platform.
So, I will do the job of the Montclair Times, issue my editorial and
urge everyone to vote on Tuesday. We are so privileged in
America. We are able to choose how we are governed and by whom.
Tell your friends and neighbors. Thanks.
