I watched the East Brunswick mayoral and Township Council debates … twice … looking for ideas, facts and figures. You see, what I can’t abide are conclusions drawn on half-truths or worse, information not investigated. That’s often how we get into a mess. Unfortunately, unfounded conclusions, however well-intended, are what I heard from Brad Cohen, the Democratic candidate.
My family was personally affected and very well aware of the facts surrounding a recently denied Verizon cellular antenna application on Fern Road’s water tower. It was specifically referred to during the debates. I was quite disheartened to hear the completely inaccurate description of this situation manipulated to attack the Republican candidate, specifically that the Zoning Board was suing the council because it disagreed on the outcome. Cohen claimed the Republicans were wasting tax dollars suing within the township, as though there are no Democrats involved in our town government. Cohen showed not only a lack of knowledge about the issue, but, surprisingly, no understanding of the process. It brings to mind the old wisdom about working for change from within rather than attacking from the outside. If you are unaware of how things work, how can you hope to be effective? If you are using this zoning issue as a major talking point without confirming the facts, what else isn’t understood, researched or investigated? How will that lack of follow-through affect our town? This illustrates a way of thinking that allows opinions based on less than valid criteria.
James Wendell, the Republican candidate, was in direct contrast to Dr. Cohen. He demonstrated a thorough understanding of the facts and process. He referenced the Zoning Board process and went on to explain that no such lawsuit was or would be taking place. Cohen couldn’t rebut the facts. Wendell covered the issues with thoroughness and evident expertise discussing ideas and methods, not just talking points.
In watching the council debates, the decision was easy. The Republicans, Jane Mueller and Mark Csizmar, had facts, figures and ideas. They too had a grasp of required process and plans for implementation.
As an aside, the notion put forth by telecoms and mentioned during the debate, has to do with emergency response. It is often said that a tower install is needed to provide emergency coverage. The reality is that under Title 47 and also public law 108-494/E911, a cellular provider must forward 911 calls and texts directly to emergency responders, or if they don’t cover the area, to a PSAP (Public Service Answering Point), whether or not the caller is a customer. From the PSAP the call is transferred to emergency providers. This applies to all carriers. It was devised by law to help regulate provisions for emergency coverage. The implication is that lack of coverage for a particular carrier does not always necessitate a new tower.
All these issues are complicated and affect people’s quality of life. The manner in which they are approached needs to be thorough, professional and valid. Too many issues are interrelated to take a lackadaisical approach. I don’t usually vote by party alone, but based on facts, this year in East Brunswick, I’ll be voting all Republican.
Robin Corini
East Brunswick