Editorial: Council endorsement: A split ticket

   Democrats have spent the last four years speaking in unison.
   With its 5-0 hold on the Township Council, alternate views have tended to get short shrift. While Democratic candidates say they often have disagreements, the basic rule of the last four years has been one of harmony and accessibility.
   For the most part, the results have been positive — a coherent strategy on open space preservation, a rental-unit inspection program, an expansion of the community center.
   But that does not mean things are perfect. We believe — as we have for the last decade — that single-party government narrows the range of debate, diminishing the potential for dissent and alternatives ideas that might strengthen policy.
   This is not the Democrats’ fault. The township Republican Party has withered to near irrelevance in recent years, running a slew of mediocre candidates and retreads, offering little reason for township voters to break the Democrats’ stranglehold on the government.
   This year is different, however, as the Republicans have found a candidate — Steve Walrond, a former township police officer — who has shown himself to be thoughtful and willing to take the long view when considering the township’s future. He has won our endorsement because we believe the township needs someone on the council willing to raise questions about everything from zoning to budgeting — a failing of the current council — to ensure that all considerations have been placed on the table.
   The council has lacked this voice since Ted Van Hessen was defeated in 2004 and we believe Mr. Walrond can provide the kind of loyal opposition that can make for a better Township Council.
   We also are endorsing Democrat Joseph Camarota. Mr. Camarota, who is completing his first term, has been a moderately independent voice on the council and it is because of his efforts that the community center is finally getting the attention it deserves,
   We are withholding an endorsement for the third seat, not because we have doubts about the candidates. On the contrary, we believe the three remaining candidates have qualities worth considering, though we would urge voters to select one of the two incumbent Democrats for the final council seat.
   Democrat Charles Carley, who is finishing his first term on the council, is an engineer by trade giving him an expertise on technical issues that no one else on the council can claim. Carol Barrett, who has served 10 years and is the current deputy mayor, has been a tireless advocate for township seniors and the Senior Center and is known as the person on the council most directly connected to the community.
   The fifth candidate, Republican John O’Sullivan, has been active on many fronts in the community over the years, including time on the township Environmental Commission under both parties. He has been a strong candidate, but has not made a compelling case that he should replace one of the incumbents.