Letter to the Editor: Politics Don't Have to be Ugly

Editor's Note: This piece was written by Cranford resident Matt Polsky. It has not been edited.

Our national politics is so nasty and dysfunctional now, and not likely to improve in the near-term, that it is easy to be discouraged about our once-enviable ability to address our big problems. 

However, sometimes at the local level, it is possible to get a glimmer that we can actually move forward in new ways.  But you may have to be willing to disregard some of the dictates of the brochures and signs (do political strategies really think their candidate(s) will get more votes if they put up more "Vote for ____" signs on a corner than their opponent(s) do?), and in my case do something which is quite hard.

As a Democratic-leaning Independent, I have rarely voted for a Republican, but have done so when an individual has the potential to overcome ideology and consider some fresh perspectives.  In this case, I will deviate from the strategists' expectations and split my vote for Town Committee members.

Mark Smith has consistently shown uncommon interest, motivation, and effectiveness in getting good environmental ideas actually implemented, which is not easy to do.  He has shown that it is actually worth it to come up with new ideas, particularly those which both help the environment and save the town money, when sometimes you had to wonder.  He does not demand to dominate meetings and is easy to talk with.    

I anticipate the announcements within the next few weeks and months of a number of solid environments accomplishments that simply would not have occurred without Mark.

While we don't always agree, he always has a solid answer for his views, and it is quite possible, with him, to agree to disagree.

Such accomplishments deserve to be rewarded and I will vote for him.

After this, I will vote for the Democrat, Ed O'Malley, who has been an important member of the Cranford Green Team, and has some valuable ideas for its future which deserve a greater platform.

To the other candidates, if you win, good luck to you.  If you don't, thank you for your interest and intent to serve Cranford.

Politics doesn't have to be so ugly.

Matt Polsky

29 Bloomingdale Ave.

Cranford

(908) 276-6881