Barbara Moakler Byrne, Princeton
This is the first letter I have written to an editor ever. I write as an advocate for political civility, something we must aspire to if our community and national leaders are to effectively address the critical challenges facing us.
New Jersey has role models for political civility. On June 5 I sat with my family at the magnificent New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark as my father-in-law, former Gov. Brendan T. Byrne, was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Introducing the governor was former Gov. Tom Kean, who spoke of Brendan’s accomplishments, teased him with clever humor on issues on which they differed and warmly congratulated his good friend. Democrat and Republican friends stood side by side. Do they differ on issues, yes, but they are always respectful, humorous and kind to each other. They set a powerful example for us all.
One would expect the Princeton community, given its historic and educational roots, to embody political civility and to welcome and encourage open community discussion and debate with neighbors whether they be Democrats, Republicans or independents. In the 25 years I have lived here, I have generally found this to be the case.
You can imagine my surprise at the discordant note expressed in The Princeton Packet headline of June 10 where Princeton Borough Councilman David Goldfarb claimed that my husband, Tom Byrne, had betrayed Democrats and should be “ashamed” for simply acknowledging that a qualified Republican candidate one that many people in the community know, respect and like emerged in the borough mayoral race. This was not a political endorsement, it was a political analysis expressed with civility. Such civility demonstrates leadership, something Mr. Goldfarb’s petty comment on shame does not. Mr. Goldfarb might check his facts in the future and reflect on how he deals with others in the civic arena as he ponders his loss at the polls.
My husband Tom , a former New Jersey Democratic State Chairman, is his father’s son. He is always fair, always civil and he genuinely enjoys civic debate and discourse. Jill Jachera, the Republican candidate, is a member of our church and we have come to know her and her family over the years. She is a very intelligent and good person and is an effective leader.
As Tom said, “Jill is a candidate that Democrats should take seriously.” I do not know Yina Moore, but I expect she, too, is a good person. I congratulate both on their respective victories. I look forward to an engaged, vibrant and civil debate. It will be interesting to hear how the candidates stances differ.
No one party or group owns the public forum. It is a place for us all, regardless of political affiliation. One-sided “club-like” elections do not foster open and democratic dialogue. And, when taken to an extreme, can lead to demagoguery that engenders a paralyzing and ineffective governance. Challenge is a good thing and it should be embraced. We will all Democrats, Republicans and independents benefit. Let the debate begin.
Barbara Moakler Byrne
Princeton
