Mayor Catherine Payne: Crossing the Line?

I’m a registered Democrat. Mayor Catherine Payne is a Republican. So what? If someone is doing a good job, I don’t particularly care what political party they belong to.

I’ve dealt with Mayor Payne on several issues. One of the biggest involved replacing a township-owned pedestrian bridge that runs through my community. It wasn’t a small project, and Mayor Payne helped move things along.

I also happen to use a wheelchair, so I pay particular attention to accessibility around town. I’ve brought concerns about accessibility at Ann Van Middlesworth Park to Mayor Payne, and she didn’t just listen. She took an active interest in addressing them.

Another thing I appreciate about Mayor Payne is that she’s easy to reach, and she actually responds. You don’t have to wonder if your message went into some inbox never to be seen again. When I’ve emailed her, I’ve gotten a reply.

Nobody agrees with every decision an elected official makes, and that’s okay. What matters to me is how they handle the job and the people they represent.

Based on my own experiences with Mayor Payne, I’ve made up my mind. She’s getting my vote.

Call it crossing party lines if you want. I just think people should vote for who they believe in, regardless of party.

Veliko "Lee" Bekir
Hillsborough, NJ