In just a few days, on June 8, Democrats and, if they so desire, unaffiliated voters willing to declare themselves Dems, head to the polls for a primary in Kearny with a lot at stake. (Remember: Polls are open that day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and most are voting in their regular voting locations — if you’re unsure, check your sample ballot that was mailed to you already.)
In the First, Third and Fourth wards, voters have two choices to make — their desired nominee for mayor and for the town council. In the Second Ward, officially, the choice is only for mayor, though Richard Konopka does remain on the ballot, unopposed, for a seat on the town council.
Before heading to the polls, it is vitally important to ask yourselves a few questions about the people on the ballot.
Does the person I want to vote for have the temperament required of holding municipal office? In other words, when things get rough — and they will — do they have the conviction to make tough decisions?
Does my candidate have the experience necessary to make such decisions — or will decisions be made on a whim?
How will my candidates’ decisions affect my children’s future? How will their decisions shape the future of safety in this comminity?
Will their choices force me to dig deeper once a quarter when my tax bills arrive?
Does my candidate have a background of investing their time in my community? Have they given of themselves as women and men for others?
Is my candidate in the habit of being transparent, always willing the truth, despite the potential consequences of doing so?
Has my candidate or will my candidate have the best interests of the town at heart, or will the candidate decide based on personal, selfish interests?
Remember, your decisions June 8 have massive consequences that will endure for the next four years. What you choose that early June day will have long-lasting effects on Kearny that will dictate the course in all of 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The years 2020 and 2021 have revealed just how unpredictable our world is. And how vital strong, decisive leadership really is, begging the question, “Who do I want being my leader during moments of unparalleled crisis?”
When you’re in the voting booth just before casting your votes June 8, ask yourself these questions one last time. Whose faces come to mind? (Don’t take too long, though.)
Before clicking that computer screen button, that vision, the people whose faces you see, should be — must be — crystal clear. Then click the submit vote button.
Here’s wishing the best to all the candidates involved.
Learn more about the writer ...
Kevin A. Canessa Jr. is the editor of and broadcaster at The Observer, an organization he has served since 2006. He is responsible for the editorial content of the newspaper and website, the production of the e-Newspaper, writing several stories per week (including the weekly editorial), conducting live broadcasts on social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook, and X, including a weekly recap of the news — and much more behind the scenes. Between 2006 and 2008, he introduced the newspaper to its first-ever blog — which included podcasts, audio and video. Originally from Jersey City, Kevin lived in Kearny until 2004, lived in Port St. Lucie. Florida, for four years until February 2016 and in March of that year, he moved back to Kearny to return to The Observer full time. Click Here to send Kevin an email.