For Somerset County Democrats

Fred Mechini of Montgomery
    For the first time in anyone’s memory, Somerset County has more registered Democratic voters than Republican voters. Also for the first time, Montgomery Township has more registered Democrats than Republicans. This is pretty amazing.
   Are Somerset County and Montgomery Township really “blue”? That remains to be seen. But clearly many voters are disenchanted with Republican leadership at the county level and nationally, and they seem to be prepared to say so on Tuesday.
   Montgomery voters could make the difference in a close county race. We could be the deciding factor in electing the first Democrats to the freeholder board in nearly 30 years. What an achievement that would be.
   Mayor Cecilia Birge and North Plainfield Councilman Doug Singleterry, the Democratic candidates for freeholder, have great ideas for common-sense ethics reform and will bring real fiscal oversight to a county government that sorely needs it. They will bring county decision-making into the light of day and stand up to the entrenched powers that have held Somerset in an iron grip for so long.
   Montgomery also has a clear choice at the local level. The Democratic candidate Keith Hovey is focused on the challenges Montgomery faces with growth, the economy, the environment, affordable housing and taxes. He has a constructive, positive approach and a “get it done” personality.
   Of the two local candidates, only Keith Hovey has really done his homework and demonstrated the skills needed to serve responsibly and well.
   If Somerset County and Montgomery Township are truly going blue, I believe it has as much to do with the great quality of the Democratic candidates as with the invigorating national trend.
Fred Mechini
Montgomery