I’ve offered some thoughts on this before, but I figured it would be good to weigh in again.
Politics being what it is — a competition between noise and money, with the professionals with cash tending to have the upper hand — it only behooves local residents to band together to amplify their voices.
That said, I’m concerned that the connection this new group has had to the failed primary challenge waged by former Mayor Debra Johnson could negatively affect its ability to act as citizen advocates. This is not an implied critique of the campaign or an endorsement of the current administration. Challenges like the one waged by Ms. Johnson are healthy and should be waged more frequently.
The problem is one of perception and any connection to a political candidate has the potential to taint groups like this. Look at MoveOn.org, which considers itself a liberal advocacy group but is really nothing more than a Web-based adjunct of the Democratic Party.
Common Sense, which had a lifespan of about seven or eight years, was as successful as it was locally because of its independence — and that’s the key.
Take Back Our Town needs to remain above partisan politics and focus on issues. This will allow the group to criticize local officials without being subject to accusations that it is carrying anyone’s water.
Here is what I’d recommend:
1. Create a more stable structure. The group appears to be a little too ad hoc at the moment, without a membership roster or set of basic rules. That means that anyone can claim affiliation, while at the same time leaving it susceptible to charges that it lacks support in the community.
2. Remain independent. That means avoiding alliances with political parties and not making candidate endorsements.
3. Be present and be open-minded. That means making sure the Township Council, the school board, the bureaucracy and the political parties know who you are, that you have support and that you’re not afraid to take anyone on.
South Brunswick Post, The Cranbury Press
The Blog of South Brunswick
Hank Kalet 