Allen J. Cannon, Hopewell Township
My name is Allen J. Cannon and I served on the Hopewell Township Committee with Harvey Lester for two years. I unequivocally support Julie Blake in the current Township Committee race.
I chose not to run for re-election in Hopewell due to matters I felt are seriously impacting the entire state of New Jersey that could only be addressed by federal attention. Leaving and running for U.S. Congress was difficult but the departure from the Township Committee was on honorable and pleasant terms. I stand to gain nothing politically regardless of the race’s outcome and want the very best for our residents. Given my unique perspective, it is important for me to speak up.
Attending the League of Women Voter candidate forum made my endorsement simple and ethically mandatory. Ms. Blake spoke repeatedly of collaboration, listening and giving to the community. She displayed a positive, forward-looking attitude. Those qualities make for a great public servant.
In contrast, Mr. Lester the politician, who spent all of his time vacillating between using “I” statements to take credit for anything good achieved (as if he did it alone), and blaming his former committee members for any negative results (as if he had no part.) His attitude was offensive, self-absorbed and self-promoting as was his motive for switching political parties.
Serving the community remains my humble pleasure. I plan to continue being of service to all residents of New Jersey. The issues this township, county and state face are due to self-serving politicians. As New Jersey prepares for its 10th credit downgrade, it takes all our representatives and citizens working together in Hopewell Township to keep the township’s top credit rating of AAA. One person taking all the credit is dishonorable. I believe that Julie Blake could bring honor back to the Hopewell Township Committee since she will serve for the right reasons and put the best interests of the community ahead of her own.
Allen J. Cannon
Hopewell Township
