Our selection of a leader at all levels of government is our constitutional right, privilege and a choice we should all be fortunate to have and exercise to ensure our voice is heard. Your support of a person who may share your views or address your concerns is crucial in the Old Bridge mayoral election in November.
It is the sentiment of many people that their vote is only one vote and it really doesn’t matter. What we fail to realize is that thousands of people share that fallacy. History tells us that many leaders are elected by a slim margin of 50, 100 or 1,000 votes. This fact especially holds true in Old Bridge.
Many of us will vote our party line for the sake of tradition and have always piloted ourselves as strong supporters of our respective parties. The time has come for us to embrace our conservative values, democratic initiatives and independent views and elect someone with experience in government, vision and leadership qualities. We must put someone in office who will make our children, schools, valuable property and the future of our township a priority.
It was done two years ago when a group of Republicans, Democrats and Independent voters rallied behind Bill Baker to elect him as the first Democrat in the history of Old Bridge for Ward 2. I know this for certain because I was the Republican who spearheaded this movement. Bill is a man of integrity. Children, effective schools and our cherished property are his major concerns. I must admit that I was reluctant to vote for a Democrat — I haven’t voted for a Democrat in more than 25 years. However, I am proud to say that I have no regrets about my decision to support him.
It is now two years later, and many more Democrats, Republicans and Independents have united with a common goal to elect the best person for mayor of Old Bridge. We are confident that our aggressive approach and high expectations will pave the way for nothing less than effective leadership for Old Bridge. I am pleased to announce that after meeting with Jim Phillips and Ed Testino on several occasions, we are convinced that Jim, Ed and their team are the only candidates who possess the ability, experience, knowledge and effective leadership abilities so crucial to move Old Bridge forward. Their goal is to bring both parties together and concentrate on the future of Old Bridge.
Please keep in mind that the decisions of our elected officials impact every person who lives in Old Bridge. I am certain Jim Phillips, Ed Testino and their team are the people you can trust to make those decisions.
If you are concerned about the future of your children, care about your hometown and want to see Old Bridge move forward, join the many Republicans, Democrats and Independents in our efforts to elect Jim Phillips and his team.
Frank Piccillo
Old Bridge