I read with interest the recent story in the press about the Monmouth County Democrat Party’s choice for freeholder to run against the incumbent Republican, Freeholder Ted Narozanick.
What I found most interesting is the fact that the Democrat freeholder candidate is the director of public safety for the city of Asbury Park. For those unfamiliar with that position, the director of public safety is the departmental head of the Asbury Park Police Department and the top crime-fighter in that municipality.
The safety of the public should always be the first and highest priority of any government. That is why I have always been of the opinion that the one branch of municipal government that should be absolutely free from political influence — even the appearance thereof — is law enforcement. The public deserves no less.
Therefore, I believe that the Democrat candidate, Michael Dowling, should not serve as the director of public safety and at the same time seek political office. He should resign his position as director of public safety and allow someone else to devote his or her energies to serving the people of Asbury Park while he is pursuing a political office in county government.
Raymond A. Kershaw
Township Committeeman
Freehold Township

