Writer supports Republicans for municipal and freeholder races

Ilive in the Morganville section of Marlboro and would like to address something I observed at Marlboro Day on Sept. 9. I observed fellow Republicans and members of the Marlboro Republican Club wearing T-shirts endorsing “Republicans for Hornik.”

While everyone has a right to express their political views openly and freely, I was completely taken aback that a few select members of the Marlboro Republican Club, with obvious gimmick in hand, would endorse the Democratic mayoral candidate as “Republicans.” Aside from the contradiction, since Jonathan Hornik is a “Democrat,” I believe that the T-shirt slogan was generally in poor taste and was classless.

I want to go on record as a member of the Marlboro Republican Club to say that I do not share the renegade views of the Tshirt wearers. While a select few of my fellow Republicans may be displeased with Mayor Robert Kleinberg, for reasons unknown to me, I totally support Mayor Kleinberg and the Republican Township Council candidates, Joe Pernice and Patti Morelli, (as well as Jeff Cantor for Monmouth County freeholder).

When residents of Marlboro vote, you have to ask yourself, has the current mayor done a reasonably good job and will the opponent be able to do a better job? Past track record is the key. Mayor Kleinberg has a pretty solid past track record. He has replaced the corrupt members of the former administration (some of whom I suspect are friends of the “Republicans for Hornik,” which may be the motivating factor behind the sudden switch in allegiance), he has held taxes fairly steady, and any modest increases have gone for necessary services such as our schools, which are second to none, our property values have increased in the last four years, construction is down, more land has been preserved for open space, and our sports and recreation programs are great.

All in all, Marlboro is a pretty darn good place to live in and Mayor Kleinberg and the council deserve some of the credit for sure. I have no doubt that Mr. Hornik is a nice guy, but he has zero record to run on to the best of my knowledge. My fellow Republican dissenters may feel that the grass is greener in switching sides, but that usually is not the case. One final point worth noting, perhaps the Republican renegades have taught us all one productive thing, in local politics party affiliation means a lot less than on the national or even gubernatorial level.

So, my fellow Democrats and independents, please consider the slogan “Democrats for Kleinberg” and “Independents for Kleinberg” when you enter the booth on Election Day and vote for Robert Kleinberg, Joe Pernice, Patti Morelli and Jeff Cantor. Just don’t wear the T-shirt.

Andrew S. Turkish

Marlboro