Now is the time to move Vernon forward

I would like to take a moment to relay my thoughts on the outcome of Tuesday’s municipal elections in Vernon. Tuesday night was a night of profound consequence for local government. Whether such consequence is good or bad is ultimately yet to be seen. The electing of a new mayor is an opportunity for a fresh start and a new dialogue, and wholehearted congratulations are in order to Mayor-Elect Shortway and all of the victors. Perhaps it is idealistic, but I would like to think that regardless of whom we casted our ballots for, that we can give our newly elected officials their fair chance to affect the positive change that they have promised to bring about. Further, it is my hope that once the emotions of the campaign season settle, that political differences will not overshadow the great accomplishments of Mayor Marotta’s tenure as Vernon’s first elected mayor with full executive authority. Mayor Marotta’s service to the residents and taxpayers of Vernon should be commended and held in high regard.

Regarding the outcome of the Board of Education elections, I have a number of thoughts. While Robert Hughes did not win his re-election bid, I have always considered it a privilege to know him. As a former Student Council president, I have witnessed first-hand Robert’s dutiful and enthusiastic attendance and support of any and all district functions and events, and his unwavering devotion to Vernon’s students. Such commitment should not go unnoticed, and I can say without reservation that he has been an exemplary Board of Education member, in this and many regards. I also believe it should be noted that while Michael Higgins did not win his re-election bid, that over the last three years he has maintained a resolute commitment to fiscal responsibility on the Board of Education, and this too is an example that our elected officials should not overlook.

During this election cycle, I had the great opportunity to manage the campaign of Theresa Scura Coughlin for the Vernon Board of Education. As a young person that looks to make Vernon my home, and the place where I will one day raise a family, I was proud to stand by Theresa and her vision for a 21st century education for the Vernon Township School District. On Tuesday night, she won a seat on the Board of Education, and I truly believe Vernon’s students are all the better for it.

Someone once told me that elections are about choices, and votes are about decisions. On Tuesday night, the people of Vernon made a big decision about the future of their children’s education. Before this election, not a single member of the Board of Education had children currently enrolled in the school district, only two out of nine members were women, and only one out of those nine had classroom experience as a teacher. Now, we have three new board members who are each parents of children in Vernon's schools, four of the nine members of the board are women, and at least two board members have classroom experience. On Tuesday night, the voters sent a message loud and clear, that they are determined to have a balanced, transparent, forward-looking Board of Education. Now the challenge is to both the incumbent and the newly elected members of the board to heed that message, and step up to the plate.

When I was a sophomore in high school, about four or five years ago, I fell in love with local government and politics. For better or worse, Vernon has always been a shining example of Tip O’Neill’s famous words, “All politics is local.” The people of Vernon are passionate about what they believe in, care deeply about good governance, and are willing to fight for their cause - and these are good things. Nonetheless, I will admit that I was disappointed at times throughout this campaign season by much of the political mudslinging and dirty politics. Again, while it may be idealistic, I would like to think that political disagreement does not have to be so closely correlated with vitriol and contention. This being said, I hope that going forward we can work together as a community and not allow honest disagreement to so quickly turn to discord. After all, at the end of the day we all want one thing – a bright and prosperous future for Vernon Township.

Justin Annunziata
Vernon Township