Send a message on June 2

In December of 1776, Thomas Paine wrote “These are the times that try men’s souls” as the American colonists fought the British. Demanding change, insisting on a government that represented the people, not the British crown, the American patriots stood against taxation without representation. One, very powerful, way to honor our Founding Fathers and every veteran who has made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom is to vote. On June 2, the Republican primary election has taken on the patina of those early Americans who stood, and demanded change. Will we, as Republicans continue to nominate the candidates chosen and supported by the Regular Republican Organization? Or will we stand with candidates whose concern is our well being? The Council members elected by the Regular Republican Organization have been anything but conservative in their approach to managing our affairs. They’ve run up $30 million in permanent debt, allowed a Town Manager to embezzle our hard earned tax dollars, dissolved our Health Department, our Zoning Board and closed Town Hall on Fridays under the bogus reason that it would save us money. If that were the truth, why have Town Council expenditures increased 28 percent over the last two years? Vernon needs change now! Please join me in voting for Sally Rinker on June 2. It will send a powerful message that we’ve had enough waste and corruption in Town Hall. Victor J. Marotta Former Republican Vernon Mayor and Sussex County Freeholder