My Last Campaign Letter To The Ocean Star

Editor, The Ocean Star:

When this election began and I submitted my first statement to The Ocean Star. I wrote that there is one factor above all that should matter most for our community in these difficult times when they choose who they want to make the decisions that will affect their families-Values.

Whenever we prepare to vote, for any election, but especially this one that affects us so directly, we must consider the criteria each of the candidates will use to make those decisions. There is no debate over controlling taxes, making difficult cuts, and finding the most effective ways to share services and responsibilities; these things must be done, but when representatives are weighing the pros and cons of the toughest choices, one wants to know that the person making those decisions values the same things they value.

If the budget demands a choice between closing the borough offices and eliminating services, or cutting attorneys and consultants fees, which would you choose? If the choice was between officers and detectives or security cameras in some neighborhoods, which would you rather have after your car or home is broken into? If it was the residents’ decision, would they freeze capital expenditures or continue to bond the town further into debt? Well, it is their decision. Residents should take the next few days to consider the issue that’s most important to them and call or e-mail the candidates, ask them what they would do and tell them what they themselves would do. That’s the difference between private and public administration, in business you work for the boss, but in public service we work for the people.

I ask the residents to go to the polls Nov. 2 and vote for Bill Schroeder, Bob Rusk, and myself and help elect a team that will put all Point Pleasant residents first, a team that shares their family’s concerns, aspirations, and values.

Thank you very much to everyone who has offered their support, their thoughts and suggestions, everyone who’s stopped us on the street or invited us into their homes, and everyone who’s taken the time to talk to their neighbors, make a phone call, or put up a sign. I look forward to giving back to this wonderful community.

CHRISTOPHER GOSS, DEMOCRATIC COUNCIL CANDIDATE
Kilkare Parkway, Point Pleasant