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In Your Opinion: Republicans Staged Political Theater At Council Meeting

By Bill Connell, Somerset.

Tuesday night at Township Council was more interesting for who was not there then for who was. The chamber was filled with the usual gadflys and antagonists. I did not see any “normal” citizens or, for that matter, police officers. Nobody beyond the predictable got up and spoke on the matter. This was disappointing. I was hoping for a more coherent, challenging dialog at this important meeting.

My public comments may have disappointed some of my fellow Democrats because I did not fully endorse the decision initially in my remarks. The fact is they needed to prove to me the decision they made is correct. I saw enough Tuesday night to feel comfortable with the decision they made. I feel they made the right decision. Tuesday they were accused by some of not acting in the public interest, but no one offered any evidence to prove it.

I had high hopes the night would be more enlightening. It turned out to be down right weird. I enjoy Republicans coming up and challenging my fellow Democrats, It can be productive. It’s the price you pay for a council majority, Unfortunately, Republicans made theater of a serious employee decision. What’s worse is they were video taping each like high school girls which gave me the impression their words were more for them then to make the dialog productive. You can’t be taken seriously when practicing narcissism. Quoting the Police Chiefs’ Association to make an argument for Police Chiefs is like quoting a Yankee fan on his feelings on the Red Sox.

Why was the average resident not there? Do they not care or is it too complex an issue to get involved in? There was not one police officer there. If officers were not there to advocate for themselves Tuesday, then maybe they understand more than what the average person understands.

I am comfortable with the decision for the Public Safety Director Tuesday but I was disappointed in the lack of broad public engagement on this important matter. It would have made the evening feel a little more balanced.

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