These past weeks I have seen many an advertisement by two different organizations, one being the Millstone Coalition. I have only recently learned the name of the president of the coalition and yet was unsure of others involved in this organization.
I took it upon myself to contact the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Com-mission and ask for a copy of their registration statement which was stamped "Received April 17, 2000."
As it is a matter of public record, they forwarded it to me. With this in hand, I learned that besides Howard Tobias, Messrs. Michael Hennesey, John Finley and Michael Alfieri are listed as "persons having direct or indirect control" of the organization.
My recollection is that some of these people are or have been appointed to various positions within the town. For example, Mr. Hennesey is on the environmental commission (and previously on the Planning Board); Mr. Alfieri is on the Zoning Board of Adjustment; and Mr. Finley on the environmental commission and the Planning Board. Coincidentally, I believe Mr. Finley was a co-campaign manager to Evan Maltz last year.
It is also important to understand that I am not questioning the qualifications of any of the above-mentioned persons.
Also, I do recall that during the last election campaign, the Messrs. Alfieri and Hennesey stepped down as officers of the Millstone Republican Club in a much publicized and, unfortunately, negative fashion.
With regard to the other organization, at this time I have not found any information.
My personal belief is that often, people writing ads, mailings and editorials are not always representative of residents but are a convenient way of supporting those persons that they prefer, almost similar to a political party (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
We, as Millstone residents, should vote for who we think the best person is. This is in contrast to small, yet vocal, special interest groups, not liking someone and touting the reason for not voting for them is that they are political or because they are married to another Township Committee member.
Rather, let’s consider whether they are qualified, capable, if they have your best interests in mind and if their heart is in the right place.
Regardless of who her spouse is, Carol Nelson has the right to run. Failure to understand this would be like asking her to sit in the back of the bus. Rosa Parks didn’t and neither should Carol Nelson. So let’s try something new this year: respect.
See beyond the hype and make your decision yours. And lastly, regardless of whom you vote for, vote. Let our elected leaders know that we count and care.
Richard Disick
Millstone