Iwould like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the voters in Monroe Township's Ward 3 for electing me to the Township Council on Nov. 3. I am also appreciative of Mayor Richard Pucci's and the council's congratulations to me at last Wednesday's council meeting, where the winners of the election were formally recognized.

I applaud my opponent for running a fair, well-spirited campaign for the votes of constituents in Ward 3. In discussions with voters at meetings and door-to-door visits during the campaign, a firm message of desire for change and reform was voiced. I believe that Chris Christie's election statewide and his endorsement by the majority of Monroe voters affirms this.

In my past tenure as a Monroe councilman from 1980-1984, as well as my overall experience in politics, I have always been willing to work with both Democrats and Republicans. I do believe, however, that my election as the first Republican in 25 years to the council is a testament to the desire of the people for a deliberative governing body. I vow to work hard, ask questions, work with my colleagues to the best of my ability, and always be available to the residents. As I promised during the campaign, I will serve you as a full-time councilman.

As voiced by Mayor Pucci, "Campaigns are campaigns, and the campaign is over. Now it's time to govern." I look forward to helping to govern this great township in January, and, again, I extend my gratitude to the people ofMonroe.
Michael Leibowitz
Councilman-Elect
Ward 3
Monroe