To the Editor,
Hopewell Township voters have a choice to make this November that could impact our local government for decades. You can decide whether there should be a Charter Study Commission to review our form of government.
And whether you vote yes or no, you’ll be able to vote for members of the Charter Study Commission.
Before you vote, I encourage you to ask three vital questions.
First, who is funding “Chart New Course,” and why? Members of this group spent tens of thousands of dollars on litigation in a failed attempt to knock opposing candidates off of the ballot. Digital ads promote their candidates and urge you to vote yes. That costs money. Who is the benefactor behind this, and why are they spending so much money? And why, now, is there a rebranding to “Hopewell Citizens for Better Government?” It is the same group of candidates, less one that dropped out after the unsuccessful lawsuit. Now “Hopewell Citizens” has sent a glossy large mailer, which also costs a lot of money.
Second, shouldn’t members of the Charter Study Commission approach their jobs with open minds? Chart New Course already announced its position that the Township Manager form of government is the one for Hopewell months ago. Do you want to elect people who have already made up their minds rather than listening to the community?
Third, if these candidates are truly bipartisan, why are the Republicans supporting them? Just go to the Republican website and you’ll see the endorsement.
I am voting for candidates who do not rely on big money, who will approach their jobs with open minds, and who represent genuine, independent, nonpartisan leadership. I am voting for Chris Pazdan, Melanie Walter, Francis Guenther, Grace Rarich and Josh Wilson.
Sincerely,
Deborah Cook
Hopewell Township
