A Path Forward

To say that Tuesday’s election in Mahwah is the most important in a generation, would be an understatement of epic proportions. And to do nothing while instinctively believing that things will eventually work themselves out, would be foolish and irresponsible.

This election is without question, a referendum, not only on a disgraceful and reprehensible mayor, but on the individuals and organizations that are a party to that corruption.

I’ve reviewed the past 18 months in painstaking detail and have learned a great deal about municipal elections, local politics and campaign finance laws - which still defy both reason and logic. I’ve also learned that nearly all the tactical failures and missteps taken by this administration were entirely and wholly avoidable. However, the greatest lesson I learned, came from listening to the thousands of residents who were embarrassed by what has happened to our town and have simply had enough. They want a change in leadership, and they want amicable dialogue between all parties. But most of all, our town is longing for a voice that speaks again to the heart of Mahwah.

It wasn’t long ago, that the residents of Mahwah weren’t necessarily concerned with who ultimately held the office of Mayor. They felt that our mayors and mayoral candidates dating back more than 25 years, all had one thing in common: They cared about our town, and only wanted to do what was best for Mahwah residents as well as those who chose to work here or visit. Dick Martel, David Dwork, John DaPuzzo, Lisa DiGiulio, Eddie Sinclair and John Roth are just a few examples of trusted town leaders - past and present – who woke up every day thinking about how to make our town a better place. Sadly, Mayor Laforet forever violated that trust and helped usher in an era that brought about the end of our innocence.

To be clear, no one is perfect or free from controversy – least of all, our public servants. Furthermore, Mahwah residents never expected an Abraham Lincoln or a Mother Theresa to lead us to prosperity and good fortune. What we never counted on however, was to fall victim to a self-serving autocrat whose words and actions could not be more diametrically opposed to the values we hold dear. Our current mayor took advantage of a warm and giving town; and then systematically proceeded to deconstruct the pillars of trust between our leaders and residents that took decades to build.

Fortunately, this loss of trust is not irreversible and may not even be long-lived. This election is more about a directional and fundamental change in the future of Mahwah, than a simple change in leadership.

John Roth will again bring decisive leadership back to Mahwah’s highest office and will pave the way for constructive and open dialogue between all parties. It’s my wish that with the election of John Roth tomorrow evening, Mahwah’s long nightmare will finally be over, and our town will be able to begin a march back toward civility and respect. But that’s just the beginning. All great leaders need help – both from within the administration and from the outside.

Like many successful senior executives, John will immediately begin to think about tapping into a team of like-minded individuals, singularly focused on providing only the best for Mahwah. He will also seek the advice, guidance and support from the many dozens of people throughout the town that have offered their help. Finally, John will bring transparency and trust back to a town that has suffered from a lack of leadership and morality. The famous African proverb “It takes a village” should not merely apply to raising a child. It truly does take a village, to lead a town; and it’s time for Mahwah residents to take up the challenge to build a better tomorrow.

It’s critical that you not let tomorrow pass without taking a stand against a mayor and his cronies who have treated this town like his own personal ATM. If you would truly like to be part of the solution and contribute to Mahwah’s future, then vote for change tomorrow. If you’re unhappy with the current state of our town, then make your voice heard.

Speak your mind, vote your conscience and remember that the path to lasting change begins with that first step.

Vote: YES for RECALL. Vote: JOHN ROTH for Mayor