Lack of action
is disingenuous
To the editor:
To be clear, I chose to write this as a resident and taxpayer. The following does not represent the views of the Washington Township fire district or its Board of Fire Commissioners, of which I am a member.
There appears to be a collaborative blockade by a few members of the Washington Township Council to represent the majority of residents. Their resistance to support and do what is necessary in expediting our prospective sex offender ordinance is disturbing. This sentiment has already been addressed in this publication as disconcerting, for which I cannot agree enough. Disingenuous may properly describe their lack of action as well.
Councilman David Boyne introduced this important public safety measure for consideration in October. Since that meeting, his counterparts on the council have said nothing or have brought forth a litany of excuses against it. Residents, whom these new council members promised during their campaigns to represent, are astounded. I have heard questions from the community, young or older, such as, "Aren’t they on our side?" or "Don’t they have kids themselves?" The council members, who erect wall after wall between this issue and us, appear to have little regard for the safety of our children. If their hesitations are based on politics then they must be shameless.
Councilman Larry Schneider deserves special recognition. In last week’s issue he is quoted as saying, "I don’t fully understand" regarding this topic. His is a common political excuse for inaction. When the ordinance was first introduced, Schneider remained silent. At the Nov. 10 council meeting Mr. Schneider was absent. Now, approaching two months into this matter, he apparently has done nothing to inform himself enough to make a decision.
Mr. Schneider states that he needs a map of the proposed pedophile-free zones to help him make a decision. Mr. Schneider, that is just a lame excuse. As a member of the council you have had easy access to this information for weeks. At the public meeting it was made very clear that the vast majority of residents demand that this ordinance be adopted. Did you even bother to read the minutes or listen to a recording of that meeting?
Mr. Schneider, I honestly cannot name one single beneficial act that you have done for residents since you were sworn into office. However, you did maneuver a political friend onto a paid position with our MUA. Another was ensuring that the council would have unlimited representation on boards and committees while restricting public participation in them. You appear focused on representing yourself and your friends versus the people of this township. Let me be the first to encourage you to resign.
I hope that Mr. Schneider and the council do what is right and pass this important law. On Nov. 10, the interests of the vast majority were made clear. Now is the time to represent our interests and not your own. The sex offender-free zones are centered on protecting our children. Mr. Schneider, it’s time that you and the council recognize that fact and approve this ordinance.
Michael G. McGowan
Robbinsville

