State candidates speak at Washington Township Democratic Committee's annual BBQ

The sun came out on Sunday and it was a great day for the Washington Township Democratic Committee annual BBQ! Three Democratic state candidates joined us and shared their ideas on what needs to be accomplished at the state level.

Our guests were Rick Thoeni, candidate for State Senate, and George J. Stafford and Gale Heiss-Colucci, candidates for State Assembly, District 25. In addition, I presented my ideas on what needs to be done in Washington Township.

My conversations with our guests allowed me to understand how important it is to be involved on a local level. Mr. Thoeni related that when going door-to-door while running for local office, he was often asked about national issues, such as gun control and abortion rights. He would remind the questioner that he was in this race to better provide for the immediate needs of his community.

Ms. Heiss-Colucci echoed that sentiment when relating her views on how top-heavy administration costs were smacking property taxpayers with increases while actual workers were being laid-off. Mr. Stafford reminded us of broken pension commitments to public workers and pension mismanagement during the Whitman and other administrations.

My contribution focused on how our township reacts instead of plans. Hurricane Irene and subsequent drenchings uncovered a lot of weaknesses in our township’s ability to perform during emergencies. Most of those failings were in communications. Our police, fire companies, and DPW went above and beyond to keep us going, but residents had little information about unfolding hazards and some found themselves in dangerous situations. Two residents reported on how they were “handled” by the administration instead of helped. This underscores another flaw in the way our Township Committee operates.

But the sun came out on Sunday! There will be lots of discussion in upcoming weeks about what needs to be fixed and who is up to the task. Meanwhile, I hope everyone enjoyed our overdue good weather.