To go with the flow, or bring in the new

This year’s general election will serve as a litmus test that will determine whether residents in many of our communities are satisfied with the service of their elected officials, or if they want someone else to take the reins. With few exceptions, the incumbents are seeking re-election, running against fellow citizens who want to bring about change. In all cases, residents have plenty to think about before heading to the polls on Tuesday.

There has been a trend in recent years for voters in the municipalities covered by the Sentinel to elect some minority representation on their governing bodies. There is currently one Republican each, for example, serving on the otherwise Democratic borough councils in South River, Milltown and Jamesburg. Tuesday’s election will show whether residents want to increase that presence. The greatest possibility for change is in Milltown, where the election of two Republicans would result in each party having three members on the council, serving alongside Republican Mayor Gloria Bradford.

Two Republicans are challenging the incumbents in Monroe, where the Democrats have long held on to the five council seats. There has been a great deal of interest in this year’s ward elections, due in part to current hot-button issues such as the Thompson Park land diversion, and the planning for Route 33, where a minor league ball park may be located. Democrats in Monroe hold that they’ve worked hard to preserve open space, and to plan for the future and provide exceptional services, while the Republicans have questioned how so much development has occurred and say they believe the town can give some of its budget back to residents.

But one of the most interesting local races this year is in Helmetta, where the once Democratic governing body has been mostly replaced by independents over the last few years. Mayor Nancy Martin’s People’s Voice party began taking over in November 2003, and now holds all seats but one, that of Democrat Andrew Tancredi. He is running for one of two open seats, also sought by two Republicans and two People’s Voice candidates. A victory for the independent party will complete the take-over for Martin’s team.

Time will tell if residents are satisfied with the status quo or if they want to send a message that it’s time for a change? One thing’s for sure — it’s in everyone’s best interest to step up and make an educated choice.