Politics & Government
Letter: SP Democratic Chairman Calls for Change
Chairman Lou Beckerman believes that a "decade of Republican mismanagement" calls for a new era of government in Scotch Plains. He also urges Mayor DePaola "not to succumb to the whims of a few members of the local Republican Party."
To the Editor:
As the Scotch Plains Democratic Chairman, I want to publically thank the 725 loyal Democrats who voted in the June 5 Primary Election. Although we did not have any contested races on our side of the aisle, these public minded citizens exercised their right and privilege by taking the time to vote and their actions should be applauded.
On the local front, after more than a decade of Republican mismanagement, Scotch Plains Township appears to be postured for change. I challenge newly-appointed to follow the example of her predecessor and vote her own conscience, and not to succumb to the whims of a few members of the local Republican Party. Our Mayor should be loyal to the Citizens of Scotch Plains – not to micromanaging political elite.
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Public service means that after elections occur, our officials are bound to set policy that will hopefully benefit the entire community – whether you voted for them or not.
Our Democratic Councilmen and candidates are told in no uncertain terms that while our Committee will work diligently to help them get elected, it is up to them to use their best abilities to lead the town once they are sworn in. They have never been told how to vote or promised retribution in the event that they voted to the contrary. You are welcome to ask either Democratic Councilmen Kevin Glover or Mickey Marcus.
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I am sure that they will be pleased to confirm this for you.
From time to time, our Councilmen may vote differently but it doesn’t mean that they are disloyal to the party or even to each other; they are doing what they were elected to do, vote their conscience in the best interest of the taxpayers as they see appropriate.
Yes, we as Democrats do think differently. Isn’t this refreshing after 12 years of Republican Party boss rule?
Louis Beckerman
Scotch Plains Democratic Chairman