As you get to meet and know the people of South River, you quickly come to realize something: There’s a genuine politeness and concern for others. You see it in the volunteers that serve the town and in your neighbors going about their daily business.
It may be obvious to some, but I still think it deserves to be said: South River is full of good people with good hearts. It’s a place filled with neighbors who will plow an entire block of snow-covered sidewalks before the coffee has even finished brewing. It’s a town where we all know a friend who will carry the garbage to the curb for an elderly neighbor. It’s home to residents who quietly pick up litter on their evening walks to help keep the town neat. It’s a community filled with people who go out of their way to help a neighbor in need and are quick to give up their time when an extra hand could help.
I’ve seen neighbors come together during the worst of times and help each other out during hurricanes and Nor’easters and share their unique skills to help get each other through tough times. And, of course, we all are grateful for the brave work our police and volunteer firefighters and rescue squad members do in the face of danger, not to mention the neighbors who initially call 9-1-1, knock on the door to wake up residents and organize clothing drives and raise funds for displaced families after a disaster.
It is these day-to-day acts of kindness that make South River a great place to live and raise a family. To me, this attitude of respect, courtesy, and helpfulness toward others needs to be reflected in our leadership, for it is our leaders who set the tone and reinforce our friendly ways. I’m not so sure our current governing body fully exemplifies this quality.. And considering the troubling tone of this particular moment in national politics, I find it all the more worrisome. I’m hoping that the new year can usher in a new spirit of compromise, courtesy, and consideration to our borough’s government. I want to see the services and local laws put into place by our government be just as helpful, courteous, and kind as the residents living within it. Let’s show the world how a good town governs – by listening to our citizens, by being inclusive and open to new ideas, and by being fair to our hard-working residents. I hope I can earn your vote on November 8 so I can work towards these changes.