If the Good Lord wills it, next year I will be a resident of Westfield for sixty years. It was October 12, 1956, when I arrived in this blessed country; and on January 15, 1960, I became an American citizen.
Immediately after I became a citizen, I made it a point to study this city’s political system and the fabric of its politics. I felt then, as I do feel now, the word “politics”, being a derivative of the Greek word
“Polis = City”, was the knowledge regarding activities of people who are part of the government; a knowledge to which I have been attracted for a very long time. I do believe that “politics” is not a dirty word, but we all know that some dirty politicians have unjustly contaminated politics, unfortunately!
Having never missed to vote on an election, except once when I was hospitalized, I exercised my right and my duty to vote, but I did so after a lengthy study of the issues, the candidates, their lawn signs, what the candidates were saying to the people, but – most importantly – what they were not saying and what they attempted to hide regarding their past. For instance, if a citizen were to ask Mr. X politician whether he had ever been arrested for a serious crime, most likely Mr. X would dodge the issue and he would reply: “I was never found guilty.” With that reply, Mr. X evaded the question. He managed to hoodwink the citizen that he/she had received a correct answer. But that was not the case. The reply was not an answer to the specific question.
And now let’s talk a bit about the candidates for the upcoming municipal election: There are a number of incumbent council persons and a number of challengers. Correctly, all of them are making an honest effort to introduce themselves by word of mouth and with their lawn signs, all of which show emphatically their respective last names.
?However, when one examines the signs of the mayoral candidates, only the signs of mayoral candidate Roeder show clearly, emphatically and with absolute certainty, his last name. On the other hand, Roeder’s opponent has chosen to place a tremendous emphasis on his first name and to obscure his family’s name with a smaller size print below his large first name. I respectfully ask the citizens to take a good look at both signs – those of Mike Roeder and those of his opponent. I am certain you, the keen-sighted citizens, will see the difference. Roeder’s sign reflects honesty and sincerity, while the other fellow’s sign does
contain most likely that candidate’s effort to hide, what voters call, “Affiliation to Dynasty” or “Hereditary Right to the mayor’s office.”
If anyone should ask what is “Dynasty” and “Hereditary Right”, the American Revolution is the best historical example against the dynastical and hereditary rights of King George III.
Here in Westfield, it’s a well-known fact that Mike Roeder’s opponent is the present administration’s beloved disciple who, if elected, will continue the maintenance of dynastic practices. It’s necessary therefore to remind ourselves that dynasty, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “Is a group or family that maintains its position [ and power ] for a considerable length of time.” I submit we have had enough of that! Now is the right time for a positive change! Mike Roeder, a veteran Army Officer — and father of a son who just returned from serving the US Army in Asia and another son who has already served three terms of active duty — is the man I support because I believe in his ability, his integrity, and his honesty. My fellow citizens, let’s give Mike Roeder our support for the good of our city.
Thank you,
George A. Varelas
