By Mayor Mike Halfacre, Fair Haven
The Press published an editorial June 11 urging cautious optimism about the return of Sean Goldman to his father in Tinton Falls. ("Steps forward, not home free.") This editorial correctly gives credit to U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., for his passionate advocacy on the boy's behalf. However, it also raises a significant question: Tinton Falls' representative in Congress is not Smith, but Rush Holt of the 12th District. Where is Holt?
In a number of recent local issues, Holt has been AWOL. He failed to be heard during the Base Realignment and Closure process that led to the closure of Fort Monmouth. His involvement in the recent controversy with the U.S. Navy attempting to put civilian housing at Naval Weapons Station Earle has been virtually nonexistent, again leaving Smith and state and local leaders to fight for the residents of the 12th District.
Meanwhile, state and local leaders have worked to address the issue of pollution in Branchport Creek from Monmouth Park's stormwater runoff. Holt charged in, late and uninformed, and again failed to deliver any substantive assistance to his constituents.
Sadly, the only time in recent memory during which Holt really found his voice and decided to speak passionately was when he stood side-by-side with Gov. Jon Corzine to advocate for an 800 percent toll hike, while selling the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike. The impact of those toll hikes would have been most severe on Holt's constituents in Monmouth County.
It is unclear what Holt does in Washington, but perfectly clear what he does on issues that matter in New Jersey: not much.
Mike Halfacre
MAYOR, FAIR HAVEN
The above letter was originally published in the Asbury Park Press on June 15, 2009. Mayor Halfacre is exploring a run for Congress against Rush Holt. Expect a formal announcement soon.
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2 comments:
He has my support. I hope that if he does run, the Republican Party actually raises money. Rush Holt is and has been the most vulnerable congressman in New Jersey. The problem is that no matter who ends up winning the Republican nomination against him, they have no money to mount a campaign. Not only is Holt's district the least one sided in terms of voting patterns, but Holt's record is horrible. He has never voted on any issue other than what Pallone -- who provides all his financing (from Hovnanian, of course) -- has told him to do. This district isn't represented by an independent congressman, it is represented by another district's congressman, Frank Pallone. That doesn't really work for us. It's time we had a congressman who answered to the people, not to Frank Pallone and Frank's boss, Hovnanian.
if we can get some of our leaders?/ fundraisers to keep their zippers up, and actually win some races and soon, that'd be really super..ps: poor long-suffering Alan Bateman.. Mike, give him a role in your campaign, please..!
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