EDITOR:
It concerns me that Bernardsville Borough
Council candidates Denis Dooley and
Charlotte Foster have adopted a campaign
slogan “vote for change.”
Let’s get real…if you want to vote for change on Nov. 8, you will
vote for candidates Joe Rossi and John McCrossan.
Currently, five of six council members are from one voting district. This majority,
which agrees amongst themselves on most issues, supports Dooley and Foster. Perhaps
they were hand picked by this majority because they agree with them on almost
every issue. A vote for Dooley and Foster basically guarantees 6-0 voting on
most issues.
Differences can be a good thing when it stimulates discussion and brainstorming.
It ensures that there is always a real dialogue regarding the issues confronting
the borough and it serves as a check and balance to make sure the right thing
is being done for all our residents.
Dooley and Foster have stated in their campaign that they will bring civility
back to the council. What they refer to as the lack of civility, however, appears
to be caused by the current majority’s inability to deal with any opinions
that differ from their own.
The current majority often rudely interrupts Rossi when he voices his position
on a matter that is before them and even makes childish faces while he speaks.
Rossi’s ideas and recommendations most often make sense, but even if he
they didn’t, the lack of respect and common decency appall me.
In addition, many council members are rude and belittling to the residents of
Bernardsville when they come before them to present their own concerns or issues.
When you cast your vote on Nov. 8, remember that one day you may have your own
personal issues and will want to be treated with respect by a council that will
both listen and hear your voice and act accordingly.
Now let’s talk about leadership. It was disturbing to me that Foster answered
many of the questions presented to her at the League of Women Voters debate by
stating that she had nothing to add to what Dooley had already responded. This
was the perfect opportunity for Foster to demonstrate what kind of leader she
would be by answering the questions in her own words instead of Dooley’s.
Many, including myself, believe she failed to demonstrate leadership qualities
in the answers she did provide. I ask, is that what you want from a member of
the council?
Dooley, who is acting head of the senior volunteer committee, claims that he
is for our seniors. However, has he ever come before the Borough Council, or
tried other avenues, to raise money for much needed senior services, including
a new bus to replace the current 13-year-old bus which is in serious disrepair,
expanded bus schedule coverage, and a cell phone for the bus driver to use in
emergency situations?
Although Dooley acknowledged at the debate that these things are sorely needed
for our seniors, has he ever been willing to fight for these basic essentials?
Is this the kind of leadership Bernardsville wants?
We should elect people who have the necessary qualities, who will fight for what
is right, and will serve the community interest.
Rossi and McCrossan are the change that Bernardsville needs and deserves. They
are leaders with a real vision for our community. They are willing to work hard
and to listen to all of their constituents and are not afraid to fight, when
need be for the residents of Bernardsville.
CRAIG LAWRENCE
22 Hillside Ave.
Bernardsville
©Recorder Newspapers 2005
