To the editor:
I read a recent article in the Beacon that suggested we need a Democrat on the Township Committee to provide diversity. I saw this as a very weak reason not to re-elect Deputy Mayor Greg Burchette and Committeeman Carl Suraci after the strong leadership they and the entire Township Committee has shown during the past years.
The current Township Committee is all Republican. But more than this, it is made up of five strong-minded individuals, all successful in their own right, with their own viewpoints and opinions. I am confident they express them when contemplating decisions that will affect the town.
My point is that a team made up of such independent professionals ensures a significant level of diversity.
This is not national government. This is local government — where the primary responsibilities of these professionals with “day jobs” are 1) managing the municipal portion of the budget in a manner that represents the will of the people, and 2) making decisions that set the strategy for the future.
This ‘Republican’ Township Committee has done both of these things in a fiscally disciplined and respected way for the past few years. They communicate openly with residents through bi-weekly township meetings, and numerous boards. They always make themselves available to residents, upon request, and they support and attend countless public events. They have earned the right to continue this service. Frankly, any thought of interrupting the momentum that has been built by the current Township Committee concerns me.
Hillsborough residents have voted these Republicans in and, given the clear success with which they have led, we should keep them in. Therefore, I urge all residents — Democrats and independents, as much as Republicans — to please come out on Election Day to vote for Deputy Mayor Burchette and Committeeman Carl Suraci. Your vote is needed to ensure the successful leadership we’ve grown accustomed to will continue.
Al Catalina
Hillsborough
