It’s time to set the record straight. I’m Michael Clark, and my opponent and I agreed to run clean campaigns; that we’d steer clear of distortions and flat out lies. Unfortunately, my opponent has decided to do the exact opposite. So it’s time that we clear a few things up.
First, I have not said anything negative about my opponent. You may have noticed my lack of advertisements – especially negative ones – because I have focused on meeting as many of you as I can. Whether in those interactions or in the few campaign writings that have gone out, you will notice an intended focus on the positives, specifically our community and my ideas for improving it. Have there been opportunities to resort to “dirty politics”? Anyone with an internet connection could easily tell you that there certainly have been. But I’ve focused on your concerns and my ideas for a better Middle Township. I made the important decision to keep negative personal attacks out of this campaign, and I’m disappointed that my opponent and her campaign staff have chosen the opposite track. Falsely accusing my campaign of misleading voters and using anonymous Spout Off postings are new lows for our local politics. If my opponent and her backers feel that they need a scarecrow to argue against… well, it’s certainly the season.
Second, I have never lied to any of you during this campaign. Meanwhile, my opponent continues to falsely claim that I am lying to voters. Since the beginning of this election, I’ve listened to the thousands of voters that I’ve met, and I’ve offered my solutions. When I lacked a specific answer, I was honest and said so, and I made sure to look into those issues until I better understood your concerns and the potential solutions. Once elected, I’ll continue to do the same. The condescension and defensiveness of the current administration’s responses will not continue on my watch.
Also, can we end this false rumor that I’m unwilling to debate my opponent? An October 16th debate moderated by the Taxpayers Association was agreed upon, and I was fully prepared to answer whatever questions were going to be asked. That organization dissolved, and the debate was cancelled. I will gladly debate my opponent in a fair and honest setting. What I will not stand for is political grandstanding and the wasting of voters’ time. I’m not sure how much clearer things need to be: let’s debate as scheduled. I welcome the opportunity to present my ideas in a fair environment while my opponent continues to prove her credentials as the Lockwood-Donahue administration’s marionette.
Finally, I am Michael Clark. I am not a robot programmed to satisfy past administrations. I’ve fought this claim for years while being a leader in our local fire department, a prominent member of the local business community, and a leader in my church, but it appears that my opponent needs to hear it once again: I am my own person, and I am no one’s political tool. I have answered voters’ questions openly and honestly. I have heard the community’s concerns, and I want to speak to as many Middle Township residents as I possibly can. Unlike my opponent, I’m not standing on the shoulders of others. Unlike my opponent, I’m not merely reciting a script written by the Lockwood-Donahue administration. My opponent has made it perfectly clear that her intent is to be a cheerleader for the Donahue political machine. Well I don’t like the idea of our next committee member being a mindless “Yes” vote for anything that the current administration supports. The position deserves someone willing to stand up for the people of this community and ask the difficult questions.
I’m not a rubber stamp. I’m not a political puppet. I’m not a career opportunist looking for a paycheck. I’m Michael Clark, and I want to be your next Middle Township committee member.
Paid for by Clark for Township Committee.
Wildwood – So Liberals here on spout off, here's a REAL question for you.
Do you think it's appropriate for BLM to call for "Burning down the city" and "Black Vigilantes" because…
