To the editor:
My history in Westwood politics is a bit complicated. When I moved here in 2014, I was a devout Democrat. I eagerly voted for President Obama (twice) and longed for the day that we would remove the Republicans from any office I could vote for. I was a bit younger, more idealistic, and ready for a fight.
Then my house and neighborhood began to suffer from frequent flooding. Any time it rained, my family and I began to pray for safety. Something had to be done, so we approached the Westwood Mayor and Council. Mayor Birkner certainly knew the problem had existed for some time and seemed sympathetic, but our conversations led me to believe the problem would never get fixed.
On the other hand, when I began attending council meetings, the reception I got from the council was distinctly different. Ray Arroyo, Rob Biccchi, and Beth Dell warned me we were in for a fight, but they were up for the challenge. They, along with their council and administrative counterparts in Emerson (mostly Democrats) helped us get the problem addressed. After a trip to Trenton, months of phone calls, and a lot of help from Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi, the project received grant funding from the Department of Transportation. A flood problem that had existed for 30-plus years would finally see some progress.
It was then that I realized that party affiliation in local politics means very little. Why would a bunch of Republicans help me, a young, liberal-minded, vociferous Democrat? It’s simple: their empathy, energy, and love for Westwood knows no party lines.
I now proudly serve on their campaign and on the Westwood Republican Committee. Not because I serve a party but rather because I want the right people in place to serve and lead our community. They are the ones qualified to serve and lead. I encourage all Democrats to move beyond party affiliation and look at the candidates’ accomplishments of the past and plans for the future. Increased bond rating, stable taxes, increased services, and decreased debt. These are the tangible results of their leadership.
I’m not asking you to switch parties, as I felt compelled to do. But I am asking you to vote Ray Arroyo for mayor, and Beth Dell and Rob Biccochi for council.
And for Assembly, please support Bob Auth and Holly Schepisi, who help Westwood every day. Search “Always Westwood” on Facebook for details.
Joe Letizia
Westwood