Why do the petitioners calling themselves “Chart New Course,” who propose new township governance, promote one specific form of government over many other forms authorized by New Jersey law? Why do they fear a study of all of the types of government available to be chosen by the people of a municipality? Is choice that scary? Does it hurt to think?
The petitioners are led by out-of-power politicians Vanessa Sandom, John Hart and Michael Markulec. They have combined political careers, to date, of 33 years, 3 months during 11 terms with 11 years as mayor, despite their new-found love of term limits.
Surely, they are familiar with the concept of conducting a study of an important township issue.
Why is this issue different? It’s not as if the township has never reconsidered its form of government. That was last done in the early 2000’s. A charter study was conducted; the people voted; and here we are. We survived!
The answer to my initial question is easy to surmise. Apparently, the petitioners just don’t trust you to do what’s best for them, so they lead you on a rush to judgment. No thinking allowed!
What’s the old scheme? Deceiving the public. This is not a binary choice. Remember who rushes in where angels fear to tread. Aren’t you just a little curious what those other forms of government are that you may choose? Hopefully, you trust yourself to pick what’s best for you.
Haste makes waste. Let’s study all the options. Then, let’s pick the best form of government that works for us, not them.
Harvey Lester
Titusville
Harvey Lester is a former mayor of Hopewell Township.
