Jocelyn Mathiasen and Kate Hay for Chatham Borough Council

By Joel Schwartzberg, Chatham Borough

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We seem to have "the most important election ever" every four years. The media certainly feeds off that kind of hyperbole. But it's fair to say our most recent elections have been pivotal in sustaining—or re-establishing—some of our most basic human values, including institutional fairness, governing integrity, and compassionate humanity in our laws and regulations.

Here in Chatham—my home since 2012—political discourse has thankfully not devolved as it has nationally, representing a maturity that reflects well on our town and is an important model of behavior for our children. During a time when Americans are so polarized, it was gratifying to see both the Chatham Democrats and the Chatham Republicans receive applause and no boos (so far as I could tell) at the July 4th Parade.

Nonetheless, we all need to stand up for our principles. So, while I'm sympathetic to the point that political diversity has theoretical value on the Chatham Borough Council, I wholeheartedly support Jocelyn Mathiasen and Kate Hay due to their humanistic perspectives and vast experience.
If you've spent any time on our community Facebook pages, you know Jocelyn as a fearless but patient champion of Borough parity and progress, always taking the time to explain the what and why behind key municipal decisions. I appreciate her hard work on our garbage collection project in particular.
This year, the entire Democratic ticket—from President to Council member—features strong themes of care over chaos, wisdom over ignorance, integrity over insensitivity, and democracy over autocracy. I want to see those values sustained in the Borough and affirmed in the country, and I hope you do, too.
Please join me in voting for Jocelyn Mathiasen and Kate Hay, leaders who represent the best of us because they want the best for us.