Planting the Seeds for Tomorrow

Very few politicians in today’s government system impress us anymore. However, this past week I had the opportunity to meet with a charismatic and impressive young leader who was elected and re-elected as our county legislator. Freeholder Leonard M. Luciano, who represents the 4th freeholder district, allowed me the privilege of meeting and talking with him about the most pressing issues that face Verona and Cedar Grove; along with the importance of representing the people.

Freeholder Luciano’s career began and still is in public education. It is his work with students, parents, stakeholders, and the community that over a decade ago inspired him to seek public office and provided him with the foundation needed to be a successful elected official. Freeholder Luciano doesn’t work for political party bosses, lobbyists, or wealthy donors. Instead, he votes with the best intention of his constituents in mind. For once, it feels nice knowing Verona and Cedar Grove has a political leader that is what we would ask for in our community leaders: a real person that is easy to get a hold of, someone who didn’t come to his position because he was born of a political family, or sought office to further his personal business or career, but because of a desire to work and give back to the community.

For many of us, we have become disenchanted in our electorate process and voting often times only takes priority when it is for the highest office like President or Governor, but Freeholder Luciano taught me a valuable lesson as he insists that he preaches to all his constituents especially to young folks to get registered, and get out and vote. We have a great privilege and right to vote in this country, make sure you are registered and exercise that right. More importantly, when voting, vote from right to left not left to right, since the right side of the ballot is where you will find the local office candidates, and it is these offices that have the most impact on your day to day life. It is sad that so many of us don’t pay much attention to voting for our elected board of education members, mayor, town council, and county legislators. With regards to taxes, there isn’t one home owner who wouldn’t like to see them decreased. However, there is a value behind every dollar spent.

He considers himself an average guy with an average life, but I’m not sure that I would be able to call him average. Average would mean that he was like every other politician out there. It is a rarity to find a politician who would ever say never and follows through in order to see things come to fruition for the betterment of our communities. For the seeds that he is putting down today are what we are going to reap tomorrow, and for each generation thereafter.