HVN asked local leaders of Pennington, Hopewell Borough and Hopewell Township this question: "Should Gov. James E. McGreevey resign now? Why or why not?"
By Ruth Luse
Hopewell Valley municipal leaders reflect a cross-section of opinions about Gov. James E. McGreevey’s announcement that he would resign Nov. 15.
The state’s top Democrat, in a prepared message on Aug. 12, said: "My truth is that I am a gay American . . . I had an adult consensual affair with another man, which violates my bonds of matrimony . . . Given the circumstances surrounding the affair and its likely impact upon my family and my ability to govern, I have decided the right course of action is to resign."
Since that time, on TV and radio, on the streets and in stores and in their homes, New Jersey residents have heard talk of little else. A major issue being discussed is whether Gov. McGreevey should resign now or wait until Nov. 15.
On Monday, the HVN asked local leaders of Pennington, Hopewell Borough and Hopewell Township this question: "Should Gov. James E. McGreevey resign now? Why or why not?"
Pennington Mayor James Loper (Republican) "No. Because the people who belong to the various political parties will not be allowed to choose the candidate to represent their party in the election in November. The candidate would be chosen by the party ‘big-wigs’ and this takes all voters out of a part of the electoral process."
Hopewell Borough Mayor David Nettles (Democrat) "If the governor is determined to resign I’d prefer that he did it now. The fact that the man is gay is a complete nonissue as far as I’m concerned and his extramarital affair does not rise to the level of requiring his resignation in my view. However, if he’s determined to give up his post in any case, all of the reasons that he gave in his speech for resigning (threatened disclosure, wild allegations, etc.) pertain as much today as they will on Nov.16th. If he’s determined to resign he should do it now."
Hopewell Township Committeewoman Arlene Kemp (Republican) "I would like to express my compassion for Gov. McGreevey’s family, especially his wife and children, during this most difficult time. I respect his sense of courage to face the very personal issue of his homosexuality with candor. I do not believe his announcement of being ‘a gay American’ should be grounds for resignation.
"That being said, the impending lawsuit that is a result of his extramarital affair with a man and his decision to place a ‘lover’ into one of the most sensitive government positions, Homeland Security adviser, without national security clearance, may be grounds for resignation. As this issue unfolds, we may find that the correct choice for the governor was to resign immediately and spare the Office of Governor and the people of New Jersey additional hardship over this issue."
Hopewell Borough Councilman David Mackie (Democrat) "It takes about a year for a new administration to become fully staffed and functional. It is unlikely that a newly elected governor would accomplish much during the remainder of the current term. We would be better served by an orderly transition with the Senate president, who can move forward with the initiatives and programs that are currently under way."
Hopewell Borough Councilman C. Schuyler Morehouse (Republican) "We all know why our governor has delayed his departure. That is his prerogative. The rest of the political world can moan and groan (no pun intended), but unless the Legislature intends to impeach him, which won’t happen, he will remain in office.
"What would have been the general opinion if he came out, divorced his wife, and didn’t resign? What if we had to wait until he was indicted for unlawful use of his power as governor? All result in the same outcome. He would have remained in office beyond November. A lame duck is a lame duck. He will disappear from history just a bit slower than others and New Jersey will continue to prosper without him."
Pennington Borough Councilman James R. Lytle (Democrat) "If further circumstances or developments pertaining to Gov. James McGreevey’s resignation make it difficult to perform the duties of governor effectively, Mr. McGreevey and his administration will determine if it is necessary to leave office before his announced scheduled date."
Hopewell Township Committeeman Jon Edwards (Democrat) "Like everyone else, I was surprised and saddened by the news. There is much that we do not yet know, but it is clear to me that the next steps must focus upon safeguarding the machinery and interests of the State of New Jersey. That said, I do not believe that it would be appropriate for me to make any political statement in the wake of this announcement."
Of the remaining 11 local leaders, Hopewell Township Mayor Vanessa Sandom (who is out of town), township Deputy Mayor David Sandom, and Pennington Councilman E. Weed Tucker all Democrats responded, but declined to comment. Hopewell Councilman David Knights was out of town and was unable to comment. Seven did not respond.