TO THE EDITOR: Back in the day, I enjoyed reading William Safire from The New York Times, whose “On Language” column regularly critiqued the origins, uses and abuses of the English language.
In reading your most recent coverage of the upcoming Bedminster election, I was struck by the creative words used by the Democrat candidates to describe the sitting members of the Township Committee, of which I am one, and thought I’d respond by getting my inner-Safire on.
“When you have everyone on the same side, there’s a herd mentality that comes into play,” stated one challenger.
I would counter that the committee is all on the same side – the side of Bedminster residents! Be it keeping taxes low, advocating for improved infrastructure or expanding municipal services, you can rest assured we fight to protect the herd – our residents – by placing you atop the pack at every turn.
Without offering examples or specifics, the opposition cites a lack of “transparency” and “accountability” from the Township Committee. Although it is impossible to prove a negative, we all know that actions speak louder than words.
In that regard, the committee has significantly expanded access to government affairs. Notably, we rolled out an entirely new website that makes a wealth of information about municipal programs and services readily available. Residents can sign up for text, email or phone alerts, register for programs and pay their taxes all from the convenience of their homes. Meeting minutes, budgets, agendas and even newly digitized construction records are just a click away.
Residents, always welcome at committee meetings, now have the option to attend in person or online. If you can’t make a meeting, you can review the recording at your convenience.
To get the word out to residents interested in specific topics, we run special public meetings covering affordable housing, gas service, mental health awareness, recreational improvements and more.
Each committee member maintains a persistent presence on social media, where we regularly answer questions and address concerns posted by residents. These numerous examples of increased access and accountability flatly belie the attacks of the Democrat challengers.
“Arrogance” was another word leveled against the incumbents. The word comes from the Latin “arrogans” which means overbearing, often with pride. We do indeed take pride in our town and do not shy away from our love of Bedminster.
Nor will we apologize for the level of involvement, commitment and dedication we contribute to the community. This year’s campaign slogan, Champions for Bedminster, embodies the esteem that Stevinson and Fernandez hold for our town and its residents. Whether it’s the new community garden, the return of our annual Fall Fest and trunk or treat events, a revamped Pluckemin School House Park or new recreational programs, Doug and Gina are constantly innovating to improve our residents’ quality of life.
The word “forgotten” was bandied about, almost as if they forgot what it means. The etymology of the word comes from old English, which immediately conjures up bad memories of reading Beowulf in freshman year. “Forgietan” meant a failure to recall or to neglect inadvertently, which the local Democrats have claimed the committee has done with The Hills.
Applying the language of mathematics, this is an absurd claim, as The Hills comprises over 60 percent of Bedminster’s total population. Any candidate would be foolish to ignore the majority of their constituents.
Also, four of our sitting members have lived in The Hills, one still does, and two got their start in Bedminster through our affordable housing program.
Perhaps the challengers have forgotten to read The Bernardsville News and its extensive coverage of the committee’s advocacy work that primarily assists The Hills. For example, this paper has frequently reported on the Altice project we are pursuing to upgrade The Hills cable infrastructure to fiber and our ongoing efforts with JCP&L to further reduce power outages in The Hills neighborhoods.
We on the committee have also championed infrastructure projects that positively impact The Hills, including roadway and signage improvements on Robertson Road and Routes 202/206, repaving of public roads within The Hills, street lighting replacement and expanding the bike and hike trail.
We work daily with property managers, board members and Hills residents to resolve issues and ensure everyone is treated as a valued customer.
In closing, one last word comes to mind – consistency, a word with Latin roots which originally implied “standing together.”
If you love living in Bedminster, I strongly encourage you to vote for the team that consistently demonstrates leadership and delivers strong results. Join me in voting on Nov. 8 to re-elect Doug Stevinson and Gina Fernandez to the Township Committee.
R. COLIN HICKEY
Bedminster Township
Committeeman
Editor’s note: This Letter to the Editor originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.