Vote NO on West Windsor ballot question!

I encourage everyone to vote on or before the November 5th election. On the ballot is a question to go from Non-Partisan to Partisan elections in West Windsor.

I am living history of being on Council for the past 19 consecutive years and deeply appreciate our 32-year tradition of Non-Partisan elections. Through the years, my Council colleagues and I have always worked together to do what we believe is in the best interest for our Township. It has never been about political party agendas, but rather about a focus on strengthening our community to be the best that it can be. Sometimes this is challenging during periods of explosive growth, but elected officials working collaboratively is key.

Our values continue to be represented by a diverse field of elected officials and Township volunteers. Our community’s values are not owned exclusively by any one party or affiliation. Rather, it’s a blend of shared values we treasure in this place we all call home.

Having done extensive door to door canvassing for two months across our entire town, I can say confidently that the majority of residents that I have spoken with have expressed that they are much more concerned about local issues, rather than the proposed question of changing to Partisan elections. This unexpected proposed change is being questioned by many residents. None of the official proponents of the ballot question brought this issue publicly to the Mayor and/or Council at a meeting before getting signatures. This is not transparency for a question of this magnitude and has the feeling of a power grab. And then there’s the issue of the campaign contributions from outsiders, most of whom have big campaign war chests to share.

Many are cringing when they see the official campaign Finance Reports (ELEC) from the group that is seeking to go back to partisan elections. It shows that over 85% of their campaign contributions are from outsiders. To review all the ELEC Reports for this ballot question, go to https://www.keepwwnonpartisan.... for a side-by-side comparison.

Our residents are smart and have now been informed that the question is not just about knowing a candidate’s party affiliation. There is an expressed appreciation of the ability to have qualified registered voters form their own tickets, whether they be mixed affiliations or straight party tickets under Non-Partisan elections. I’ve been told numerous times that the partisan mess at higher levels of government is not something that they want flushed down to our Township’s elections. There’s a strong sentiment of keeping the focus on local election issues and not party agendas.

Just for the record, I am registered Unaffiliated, more commonly called Independent. This type of readily available information can easily be provided by any candidate, asked of any candidate or looked up on the internet. Therefore, no need to change to Partisan elections which are influenced by party agendas, party primaries and even party control over the selection of filling any elected official vacancies. Under Non-Partisan elections, any qualified registered voter can apply for a vacant seat. It’s an open, inclusive and fair process as reflected in Township Code.

For now, let’s keep the focus on local issues by keeping our elections Non-Partisan! Please join with me to VOTE NO on the ballot question.

Linda Geevers
West Windsor Resident

(Please note that while I am the West Windsor Council President, I am not writing this letter on behalf of the Council.)