Borough Republicans- for a better Freehold

[BrianSullivan]

Long time readers and friends are well aware that in past years I have not been involved with either political party- Friends with people on both sides, but never involved. For the most part, I do not like the party system at the local level, but that opinion deserves its own thread. Traditionally, I do look at the individuals on their own merit.

After last years election and before even knowing who would run on the republican ticket, I decided that this year I would help out the party. Part of it is plainly due to my believe that one of the democrats running this year has no business in office and I know it is in the best interest of this town to see at least that person lose. But, that too is its own thread. No matter what, I have always supported HAVING a race. We should always welcome that and realize we need it.

I am really glad that I made that decision to help the republicans this year, I am very impressed with what I see. Besides the fact that Marianne Earle and Don Clayton are to class act candidates, the entire party is really an inspiration. The vast majority are people who are active in town and help out in one way or another. There is no pitch fork or torch mentality. These are people who love the borough and want to see the best for it. A common theme is that Freehold Borough is a good place but has yet to reach its full potential. I think most people can understand that.

I was well reminded of all of this talent a couple of weeks ago when attending the dinner to honor Ted Narozanick. It was a full house with many dignitaries present. There were politicians from all levels of government there, including Borough Democrats Sharon Shutzer and Nolan Higgins. Obviously Ted Narozanick was the main attraction and it is really understandable. He is a very well accomplished individual who inspires others. (People on facebook can visit the Freehold Borough republican Club page and see the pictures from the event. )

It all got me thinking that yes, by supporting the republicans I am on the right side. When I was looking at that room, it was heavy with county people. Monmouth County is a republican county and one of the best in the nation to live in. THAT is a republican success that we need to bring to our town.

Getting back to our local level, we do have that quality in town and active with the republicans. On the Freehold Voice facebook page, I decided to get people thinking a little bit. One of the most successful things in this town is the outdoor eateries. Here is a forgotten fact. That idea of outdoor dining was introduced by and pushed by the late Jeff Jones- a borough republican. I brought that up to dispel the machine myth, and lie, that republicans have no ideas and only complain. The discussion from that statement became very interesting. Readers quickly and rightfully reminded me that Mr. Jones was first and foremost a person who cared about the town and was active long before a shot at office. THAT is the current republican party. We have people who have long been active and simply want to take things to the next level because they do have great ideas that need to come out. The republican label is very secondary. Freehold is first within this party and none of them have flipped parties for political gain.

I am excited about this election. To borrow from another politician, we do have the chance at hope and change within this town. People who love the borough and want it to reach its full potential, really need to join up or pay attention to this years GOP candidates. People will find the republicans are far more open minded, civil, accessible, and humble. All good qualities that we should expect in our friends and neighbors.

There are so many great things about Freehold and the republicans have often been a part of those great things. Any open minded person can also see that Freehold also has problems, deep ones. The local republicans did not cause those problems, but they do want and deserve a chance to start fixing them. As the season goes on, all of Freehold will have its say and meet the two candidates. I know the republican candidates will do well. I also know they share the values that I do, at the end of it all, we are in this town together and we do have to work together. Bridge burners need not apply.


Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are the opinions of the author and not necessarily that of the republican party or any other group.

[lisas84]

Brian, they (challengers against incumbents) ALWAYS preach "change!" It's like what we all do (hopefully) -- change our underwear! It takes more than preaching "change" -- show what you can do.

"Hope and change" is the mandate/mantra of every single challenger to an incumbent. It means, to me, as my Yiddish ancestors say, "bupkes." Meaning, "nothing." And I do believe that Americans are sick and tired of "I will change things if I get elected."

Undeniably, the two R candidates this year for the Boro are good people who are worthy of respect, no matter what. You people in the Boro are really graced with people who CARE to show it.

See, I have to vote in the 'ship -- and it sucks ass. Challengers here do not do sh*t other than pay for lawn signs. Year after year, challengers here suck wind. They go through motions and give the F up. Ya think I'd get a knock on my d**n door or at least an F-ing flyer on my doorknob? Hello? I'm home, dammit!

[BrianSullivan]

Sept 26, 2011 19:30:17 GMT -5 lisas84 said:

Brian, they (challengers against incumbents) ALWAYS preach "change!" It's like what we all do (hopefully) -- change our underwear! It takes more than preaching "change" -- show what you can do.

"Hope and change" is the mandate/mantra of every single challenger to an incumbent. It means, to me, as my Yiddish ancestors say, "bupkes." Meaning, "nothing." And I do believe that Americans are sick and tired of "I will change things if I get elected."

Undeniably, the two R candidates this year for the Boro are good people who are worthy of respect, no matter what. You people in the Boro are really graced with people who CARE to show it.

See, I have to vote in the 'ship -- and it sucks ass. Challengers here do not do sh*t other than pay for lawn signs. Year after year, challengers here suck wind. They go through motions and give the F up. Ya think I'd get a knock on my d**n door or at least an F-ing flyer on my doorknob? Hello? I'm home, dammit!

I understand your points and overall do not disagree. Just keep my first post in context, it is NOT from the GOP, it is my words. With that in mind, I cannot offer up what the GOP ideas are this year, it is not my place to speak for them. There are three big points to my post.

1. To dispel the machine myth that republicans have never had ideas and only complain. That has never been true of the party. In fact, the democrats have used GOP initiated ideas many times in the past. (Not really abad thing) And as I state, many of the GOP are very active in town because they care about the borough.

2. To also dispel the machine myth that the GOP plays dirty. Even as of last year, certain sad democrats were bloviating in the internet that the GOP had played dirty tricks. That too is a false claim with zero fact no matter how democrats wish to spin it.

3. Last point, this years borough GOP is really on its game. I have never seen the party so good in my 17 years in the borough. After having spoken with the candidates and others in the party, I am well aware that they have a very good grasp of the challenges, know it is an uphill battle and will offer up different perspectives than the incumbents.

The bottom line, if people want to see the borough go in a better direction, then there will only be two choices- Marianne Earle and Don Clayton. People who are happy with the status quo ( high crime, busted schools, degraded neighborhoods etc) should vote democrats.