“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” - President John F. Kennedy
Recently I've been asked by a number of people why I decided to submit a Nomination by Petition for candidacy in Freehold Borough's upcoming Democratic Primary election this June. At first I was somewhat surprised by the question. I mean to say that I'm a Democrat, I consider myself civically active in town, and I meet the legal requirements (i.e. I'm over 18, I'm a US citizen, and I live in Freehold Borough) to fill out the required documentation. But then I came to realize it was more than that.
The truth is there hasn't been an unsolicited nomination petition for the Democratic ticket in Freehold Borough since the early 1980's. Unlike Freehold Township, Howell, Manalapan, Marlboro, Matawan, Colts Neck, Red Bank, Middletown, Little Silver, Oceanport, Long Branch, Holmdel, Rumson, Keyport, Bradley Beach, Atlantic Highlands, Eatontown, Shrewsbury, Farmingdale, Millstone, Lincroft, Ocean Township, Neptune, Belmar, Monmouth Beach, Sea Bright, Manasquan, Deal, Englishtown, Keansburg, Tinton Falls, or Asbury Park - it's just not how things are done here in Freehold Borough.
Well that doesn't sit well with me. As veteran who spent a year of his life serving our country in a warzone to prove to the world that a democratic form of government can and does work, it's now my turn to participate in the process – and nobody is going to prevent democracy from happening in my very own backyard on my watch.
I believe people should be judged based on their qualifications and not their last name. I believe people should be judged by the merit of their ideas and not by who they know. I believe seniority should be valued, but new ideas and fresh perspectives should be valued just as much.
So this June 5th residents of Freehold Borough will be faced with a choice they've not had in almost 30 years. And while I had hoped to gain the endorsement of our town's Democratic leadership, I believe the support of all eligible voters is the most important endorsement I can ask for since ultimately they should decide who represents their party this November.
That's democracy at it’s finest.
I don't know if anyone else will be entering the Democratic Primary, but I would guess the answer is most likely "no one" seeing as there hasn't been an unsolicited nomination petition (aside from my own) in the Borough in nearly 30 years. It's a shame because there are plenty of other good people in this town who should also be on the ballot. Ultimately the freedom of choice is the keystone of any democracy and the residents of Freehold Borough need to exercise it if they want their voices heard...
Ultimately, the decision to nominate you will be made by Democrat primary voters. They will make their individal choices based on their own set of criterion. For the record, I want everyone to know how gracious you were in asking to meet with me, in advance, to reveal your intentions to enter the primary (you thought I was running). Thank you. I told you then, to follow your heart and do what you thought was best for yourself and for our town. More recently, I have endorsed you for the nomination, based on my respect for you as a political, civic (volunteer) and fraternal colleague, friend and brother (Masonic). I truly believe that Freehold Borough has reached a point in its history at which time the pendulem has swung away from the old and familiar to the new and exciting in terms of meeting the needs of our future. Our future includes many young families, who may be unfamiliar with our our old and familiar and seeking people more like themselves, bringing ideas from other places they have lived. You are the right man for our times and should receive the nomination and - in November- a seat on our town's council. God Bless America, Freehold Borough and the Democratic Process of Free Elections.
I have to assume this will happen at some point. I'm in - anytime, anywhere... dan xavier
My wife and I bought a house on Brinckerhoff several years ago and we absolutely love it. Our neighbors are awesome and we all look out for one another - which gives our entire area a very strong sense of community. That said our town certainly has it's share of problems and there is an unspoken - and not so subtly acknowledged - chasm between "Old Freehold" residents (those growing up in the town) and "New Freehold" residents (those not growing up in the town - but this appears to be slowly improving as the number of "Old Freehold" residents diminishes. Dan PS. I grew up in Freehold Township and I enjoyed the experience very much. However living in Freehold Borough has added an indescribable element that simply cannot be replicated.