Tired of the campaign rhetoric, the bombardment of political commercials and the endless rows of election signs along the road? Good news: In five days, all of that goes away, if only until next fall. In the meantime, there are a few big decisions to ponder, and they don’t begin and end with the choice between George W. Bush and John Kerry.
There is plenty at stake Nov. 2 when it comes to local and county government. The issues may not be centered around Iraq and the war on terror, but that does not take away from their importance. Residents can decide who they want in control of their property taxes, their open space and the overall quality of life in their communities.
At the county level, no less than three of the seven seats on the Board of Chosen Freeholders are up for grabs. Voters in Middlesex County have consistently selected Democrats for these positions, but Republicans have made some stronger showings in the last two elections.
And after a major election last year in which Republicans swept for the seat of mayor and two council terms, Sayreville again faces a major vote next week.
With three political parties each sending a pair of candidates to the ballot, Sayreville residents have to decide whether they want Republicans to enjoy almost total control of the governing body or if they want more of a balance, as has been the case in recent years. At present, the council has three Republicans and three Democrats alongside Republican Mayor Kennedy O’Brien. Also of note this year is the involvement of the Libertarian Party.
There’s much at stake for each of us at the polls on Tuesday. Whether it’s a candidate’s record, his or her platform, a need for a change or a desire to keep the status quo, there’s plenty to think about, in addition of course to national security.