Jim Norman, Woods Road
There were some very interesting aspects to Paul Drake’s letter in the Oct. 8 Beacon, which supported this year’s local Democratic candidates.
First, Mr. Drake’s previous position as a Democratic Township committeeman, and his current positions in the local and county Democratic Party, were not mentioned. Why the omission? Does he not want us to know?
Second, Mr. Drake wrote that “there is no one on earth who understands the complex issues surrounding the mercury stored in Hillsborough more than Jim Farley.” I’ll bet. Since Mr. Farley was managing the DLA Depot when the mercury was secretly moved here from upstate New York, I suppose he should understand very well. He should also understand, and tell us, why a longtime resident of Hillsborough such as himself, who now presumes to run for local office, did not then warn his local government and his community about the influx of toxic chemicals into our midst. Instead, he kept the move a secret from those he now wants to govern. This begs the obvious question: What else would he hide, or allow to befall us, as a township committeeman?
Third, Mr. Drake says that the current Democratic candidates “have worked very hard.” Really? Where, and for whom? They have not attended a single Township Committee meeting, nor the numerous meetings of many other boards and commissions where volunteers give of their time to help their community.
No, I’m not buying Mr. Drake’s smooth talk. The proven record of accomplishment, and of open government, belongs to the truly hard-working Republican incumbents, Bob Wagner and Carl Suraci. Their trusted experience will get my vote on Nov. 3.
