Donohue Reflects on ‘Positive Campaign’

To the Editor: 
My campaign has been 100 percent positive.
I have never even mentioned my opponent’s name nor have I said one negative word about Mayor Michael Clark or Deputy Mayor Jeffrey DeVico. I believe most Americans are disgusted with the tone of our political discourse.
Here in our small town, we should do better. We are friends, family, and neighbors, many going back for generations. We face many difficult and complicated challenges. That fact should bind us, not tear us apart.
Our mission, as elected officials, should be to find the common ground where good people can gather to do good work. That’s what I have tried to do for the past six years. I’m thankful and humbled that so many of you have joined in that effort. Together, we are building a better future.
This is why I am truly dismayed at the vicious and dishonest attacks made against my proven record by Clark, my Democratic opponent, and other Democrat mouthpieces these past few weeks. I won’t dignify their remarks by repeating them.
Anyone who has paid attention for the past six years is well aware of how hard I have worked for the people of our town. The promises I made to the voters in both 2011 and 2014 are now promises I have kept.
I wear this tired, partisan mud-slinging as a badge of honor.
If I’m aggravating the opponents of positive change by cutting off their access to taxpayer’s wallets, shutting out the special interests, ending decades of nepotism. and fighting for more open government, then I must be doing my job well. Attacks like this should remind us that Middle Township must resist the return to the one-party rule that resulted in never-ending tax increases, government by backroom deals and no seat at the table for the taxpayers of our town.
It is my opponent’s name on the ballot and my opponent’s integrity on the line when he permits his campaign to be driven into the gutter.
If the Democrat candidate ever really was the “independent” voice for Middle Township, those days are long gone. He has surrendered his “new” voice to the tired, old attacks of the past. That should signal to the voters just who my opponent will answer to if he were to be elected.
So, take me at my word when I promise this, I won’t go down in the mud with them.
My campaign has been about enlisting residents to continue to build on the solid foundation of positive change we have achieved together these past six years. With their input, I have put forth some bold and innovative ideas and approaches to take on the tough tasks ahead. These issues are what we should be discussing in this campaign.
An honest debate builds a better argument and the best of all sides can be incorporated into a better plan. That’s what the voters deserve. That’s what I will continue to bring them.
We have accomplished much good work together in the past six years. I’m proud and humbled that the Middle Township voters have put their trust in me for two terms on Township Committee. I remain dedicated to the job and energized to continue this work with their help.
I’m asking for their continued support. I’m asking for their vote Nov. 7.
ED. NOTE: Incumbent Donohue is running for Middle Township Committee.