It seems that this year, we currently have eight committed citizens seeking local elected office (and by the time this letter is published, we will most likely have twelve such individuals).It is obvious that we are all looking forward to the excitement that politics brings in Hammonton, from the anticipated live, televised Mayoral debates to the picnics and barbecues.As the campaigns gear up, we all must remember the true purpose of politics and our obligations to the citizens of this town.
I hope that this years race is a true discussion of ideas.We must avoid the pettiness, vendettas and trivialities that have often marred our local campaigns in the past.Each ticket led by its Mayoral nominee should have a vision for Hammonton. This vision must be more than pithy phrases or a redress of grievances.Each vision must represent a path forward.It should provide a plan for the future based on sound policy, an assessment of the present and the lessons of the past.
Debate and criticism are fine as long as they are not personal and are not simply disagreement for disagreements sake.And let us work to keep all political forums from the debates to our local newspapers open for the free exchange of ideas.
However, we also must keep politics in its place.There is a venue where politics should be left at the door, the Town Council chamber.Whether we may be a sitting Councilman vying for re-election or a potential Councilman sitting in the audience, we must not use our opportunities to speak to score political points on television.When the Council is in session, the people deserve governance not politics.This is not to say that no one should speak but I recommend that all of us to follow some Rules of Thumb.
Before speaking, members of Council should ask themselves if their comments can be construed as an attempt to give benefit to their own election or the election of fellow party members.For candidates in attendance, before utilizing the public portion of the meetings, we should consider the following:
·Are our comments time-sensitive or can they wait until after the election?
·Do we attempt to affect actual change or are we complaining on a closed matter?
·Is this just an attempt to start an argument? and
·Although we may not be in agreement with decisions being made, are we giving the Council adequate room to govern?
Ultimately, I hope that all twelve of us will conduct campaigns based on respect.We must work to engage people and bring them into the system.So let us all agree to appeal to what Lincoln called the better angels of our nature.Such a path will not only make the 2009 campaign one in which we can be proud, it will also make the next Council a source of pride and accomplishment.
Joe you make a good point but yet your own clubs blogs and members letters have been the worst ever .
Let's not judge blogs since all parties can comment on them. People have freedom of the press. Joe's point is that town council should not be used for politics for example that time when Curcio went to a council meeting to attack Falcone. That was uncalled for. It was kind of obvious that the Republicans used the town councils time so that they can get face time on the camera and they can pat themselves believing they did good. The part I don't like is when actual councilperson use the tv to promote themselves.
Joe makes a good point but yet he does it a the meetings
Whatever was in the past is in the past. What counts now is if the Dems come up with specifics on what they will do with taxes and projects, not as Joe refers to "pithy phrases."
The Dems have to nail down specifically do they think the town's finances are in good shape so they can guarantee no tax increase? What specific projects do they want to move forward?
If is easy to say things like "more ratables for all 41 square miles." That means nothing without very specific statements of what will be done.
how true , how true , I guess they don't see the curent times ? More ratables.(please how) it is a miricle that njm broke ground. let's hope we don't lose any more people to these times. However due to being fiscally responsible hammonton is ready o roll once things turn around. so for that i say good job and well done.
Joe Ingemi may not be perfect but at least he did not support Barack Obama and his outragous spending and bailouts. It took some courage to support John McCain instaed of Obama last November.
