Dear Editor:
Well, here we go again.
Hear tell it, Bret Schundler is the best person to be governor even though there has been no discussion of New Jersey issues. Is it because the mighty media has trumped the electorate — again — and decided whom the voters should blindly vote for? So it seems that the issues of great concern to Mr. Schundler are not perhaps development vs. Open space, racial profiling, housing, poverty and mass transportation, but gun control and abortion. So is that it, that is the most important first message to give to the voters?
With the National Rifle Association (read — no controls on firearms, no way) and the New Jersey (and no doubt also National) Right-To-Life (read — no right to choice, no way) firmly in his wallet he’s off and running. Mr. Schundler has been described as a maverick, not at all similar to former Republican governors. But is he a maverick because he will tackle new statewide issues or because he has a more narrowed point of view on “hot button” topics? Will that feature be of true benefit to us residents? Is he an “open minded” candidate or closed minded ideologue?
Well, if your issue is not a favorite one of candidate Schundler don’t expect an answer if you raise it. Case in point, observance posters at the Jersey City, City Hall. For a time when he was Mayor of Jersey City large posters would appear on the lawn of the City Hall in recognition of religious observances and general celebrations (including the very pagan Halloween). But when this writer sent an E-mail and letter inquiring why during the month of June there was no recognition of Gay Pride month the only response I received was no response.
One has hope that a new governor would work for all of the people of New Jersey, and not use the office of the governor to promote the rhetoric of reactionary organizations. We need to continue forging ahead, not recede backward because of one person’s personal aspirations beyond the governor’s office.
You have been forewarned!
George H. Hayes