To the editor:

What is it with these so-called “New Republicans”? Where have they been hiding for the past 50 years or so? Why are they trying to fool the 4th Ward voters into thinking they represent something different than the same old corrupt unresponsive politics we have endured in past years when Brigantine was under 100 percent Republican control?

Now that the Democrats have won three of the seven Council seats, and have brought a breath of fresh air to City Council the so-called “New Republicans” think they can simply steal all of the Democrats issues and gradually work their way back into once again having 100 percent control over Brigantine’s governing body.  

When we vote this November, we need to make something perfectly clear. The Republican candidate can run, but he cannot hide from the dismal record of the Brigantine Republican regime. He can pretend to favor real reform by parroting the same issues that were first put forward by the Democrats, but the Republican candidate obviously has no original ideas. If elected he would become part of the same Republican majority that made a mess out of city government to begin with. 

I don’t care if they call themselves “New Republicans” or “Old Republicans,” the fact is they represent the past and the Democrats represent the future. We cannot afford to take a step backward. The Republican Party does not deserve another shot at taking complete control of important quality-of-life and pocketbook issues that affect all residents of Brigantine.

The Democrats have worked hard to gain a foothold in Brigantine government and they are making a difference. City government is now more open, and the public is given greater opportunity to participate in decisions that impact their quality of life. Democrats are in the process of cleaning house, and getting rid of highly paid unqualified individuals, and unneeded expenses. We should not return to business as usual when nepotism and sweetheart deals were the order of the day. Ken Schaffer and the other Democrats on council should be commended for changing the way government business is conducted in this town. To send another Republican to City Council would be a big mistake and would send the wrong message.

The voters in the 4th Ward need to continue supporting qualified Democrats like Ken Schaffer. The Democrats deserve to retain the three seats they now hold, and to hopefully win at least one additional future seat so Brigantine taxpayers can finally rid ourselves of the shenanigans and political games that have been played out in this town by Brigantine Republican politicians.

Joseph Tighue