MORRISTOWN’S LOSS?

I wish those that won in the 2009 election good luck, I can only hope that they follow through with their promises to be a better, more open, and more transparent government. I also hope that they will live up to their campaign rhetoric to be fiscally responsible and look to focus on spending and tax reduction here in Morristown.

In his own words: Morristown GOP council candidate Richard Babcock

My name is Richard Babcock, and I am candidate for the Morristown Town Council. While I am not a lifelong resident, Morristown has been very much at the center of my life since I was very young.

Growing up in nearby Mountain Lakes, Morristown served as my “downtown.” I recall taking in movies and shows in Morristown going back to my early youth and I remember my late mother taking me to Bamberger’s to buy my first suit.

Later, as a student at Fairleigh Dickinson in Madison, Morristown again played a very central role.

Now that I have lived in Morristown for many years, my commitment to Morristown’s future, as well as honoring and preserving its historic past, has only grown more steadfast.

While Morristown has been evolving into a cultural and economic center for Morris County, and New Jersey, for some time now, along the way there have been many missed opportunities and the government has seemingly become less in touch with many of what I have come to call the “Morristown values” that make it such a special town to live in.

High taxes have continued to go higher, which has made it increasingly more difficult for many people to afford to come to our town, or for long-time residents to remain here. While we must all recognize that progress can be a positive thing, we must also take very seriously the fact that managing progress requires trusted and thoughtful leadership.

I wish to be part of the Town Council because I will bring a voice that is free from the influences of special interests. I will bring the ability to work with people in a cooperative and productive way; resulting in well-considered progress for the people of Morristown.

I will truly listen to the many great ideas and perspectives that are the blessing of our diverse community. Most importantly, I will put the taxpayers of Morristown first, always.

Over my career, as both a corporate manager and small business owner, I have gained the experience of managing complex projects and large divisions with multi-million dollar budgets. This is the real world experience that will allow me to be a highly effective addition to the Town Council.

I will face our many significant future challenges head-on, while demonstrating the professionalism, character, and competence that will make the hard working taxpayers, families, and seniors of Morristown proud to call me their next Councilman.

As your next Councilman, I will call for:

• A comprehensive shared-services analysis to determine where taxpayer-funded spending can be reduced, and a full analysis of all existing government departments to identify where waste and redundancy can be eliminated – we must cut spending in order to control taxes.
• Increased enforcement of the town’s “stacking” ordinances, while calling for significantly increasing the fines for violations.
• Requiring all part-time elected officials to pay 100% of their health care premiums and deductibles; and revoking their eligibility for “opt out” payments.
• Linking non-union employee salary increases to the rate of inflation for the next four years.
• A School Resource Officer (SRO) at Morristown High School that will help to ensure a safe learning environment that is free of drugs and violence.
• Real ethics reforms, beginning with stricter “pay to play” regulations so to eliminate even the perception of corruption.
• Policies that embrace progress, while they also preserve and promote our history; positioning Morristown as the model of a forward-thinking and sustainable community.
• Transparency and accountability of all government departments by posting bids and contracts on the town’s website.

These are among the many things that I believe are important for the present and future of Morristown. I am asking for your support so I can bring a fresh voice and perspective to the Morristown Town Council.

I will work together with my fellow Council members, and the people of Morristown, toward Morristown achieving its full potential, while always respecting its historic significance.

I have pledged to run a positive and issues-based campaign, free from personal attacks and dirty politics because I believe that this is what the people of Morristown both want and deserve. To learn more, please visit my campaign website: www.VoteBabcock.com. Thank you for your consideration and support.

New Jersey Voter Registration Application

Please download a printable voter registration form via the link below, or contact us by e-mail, we would be happy to visit you and drop one by your home for you.

Download New Jersey Voter Registration Application, PDF File.

Donate today for a change tomorrow

As we are all very well aware, any political campaign requires money to pay for things like printing services, postage, and yard signs. I am dedicated to serving all the people of Morristown, but first I must get elected. To do this, I must ask for you to give to my campaign. Whether it is $25, $50, or more, your donation will make a profound difference in how successful we will be. Please click on the “donation” button this website, and give what you can today. THANK YOU !!

Walking and Talking

AUGUST UPDATE: I’ve been knocking on a lot of doors around Morristown and speaking with a lot of great people over the last month or so. I’ve also attended some great events, like the recent Neighborhood House community event (boy, was it hot that day !!). I’ve heard from so many people that they want a Councilman that will do everything possible to keep them, and especially their children, safe from crime, violence, and drugs. I have also heard many tell me they want a Councilman that will honor the historic nature of Morristown. They’ve said that they moved here because of the charm and unique nature of the town, and they don’t want it to turn into another Hoboken. They’ve told me that it is time to take a breath from all the building and find other ways to lower spending and taxes. like shared services. Many people have said that quality of life for their families is so important, and they wanted to make sure Morristown was not simply sold to the highest bidder. These conversations have been so motivating, and they confirmed exactly why I wanted to run for town council – on behalf of ALL of the people of Morristown, I will work to assure our town is all that it can be, and do the things necessary to assure that all her residents are safe, happy, and proud of their town !! If elected, I will be that voice on the Council to assure that the best interests of Morristown are always front and center in everything I do.

Primary Election

Now that the primary election is over, it is time to begin the general election cycle. Congratulations to Tim Dougherty, Michelle Harris-King, Kevin Gsell, and Tony Cattano on their wins in the primary election. I am looking forward to the next 5 months, when we will all be speaking directly to all the people of Morristown about our vision for the future of our town. I am also looking forward to this election being a demonstration of what an issue-based election can be, free from personal attacks and politics as usual.

Watch Last Week’s Candidate Forum

Please click here to view the recent candidate forum

Candidate Forum

I want to thank all the many people of Morristown for attending the debate last night. While the Republicans do not have a primary, I thought it was a great opportunity to introduce myself to all those people that I have not been able to meet yet. I look forward to the next 5 months, when I will have the chance to meet many/most of the people of Morristown and discuss the important issues our town faces.

Campaign Officially Kicks-Off In Grand Style

Richard Babcock officially kicked-off his campaign last night at an event held on the outdoor patio of the Dublin Pub in Morristown.  The crowded event included many supporters and top elected officials from around the county. Rich said; “I am humbled by the unbelievable turn-out tonight, and I thank all of you for being here to officially bring a fresh voice to The Morristown Town Council.”

In introductions by Allison Deeb, Morristown Councilwoman from the 4th Ward, and Ed Ramirez, Chairman of the Morristown Republican Committee, there was a call for Rich’s brand of reasoned, professional leadership. They both commented on Rich’s ability to put politics aside in favor of putting his genuine concern for the needs of Morristown front and center.

Rich confidently told the enthusiastic audience that he views issues not in terms of political “left and right” but in terms of “right and wrong.”  He said that he is running for Town Council because what is lacking is a diversity of opinion and enough open cooperation and dialogue between the community and the Council.

Shared-services were a prominent topic in Rich’s comments last night. He called for a new era of civility, professionalism, and trust between the Morristown leadership and the leadership of neighboring towns. He strongly stated that this is an essential issue that must be addressed in order to lower spending and taxes in Morristown. His comments were well received by all that were in attendance, especially Morris Township Mayor, Scott Rosenbush, who extended a handshake to Rich in a demonstration of his support of Rich’s call for a new tone of cooperation and partnership.

Re-development was also a main topic of Rich’s remarks. He said that he supports the town moving forward to assure that Morristown remain a beautiful and dynamic community. He supports re-development so that Morristown will offer the best facilities for a healthy retail and residential environment. But, he cautioned, there is a time where good judgment must be used to determine when the saturation point has been reached. He pointed out that the infrastructure of the town can only take so much, and over- development would have a negative impact on both quality of life and the historic charm of the town he loves. He said: “Morristown is a town of neighborhood, a town of families, and it will require sound leadership to assure that we do not lose the essence of what we love about our town.”

Rich also commented on his concern for the safety and security of the community. He said that in this age of drugs, violence, and gangs, it is essential that the Police and Fire Departments are fully staffed and equipped to assure that all people that live, work, and visit Morristown, especially the children, are kept safe. He commented, “After all, we all wish to feel safe as we walk down any street in town, day or night.”

Richard Babcock – Candidate For Morristown Town Council

RICHARD BABCOCK – A FRESH VOICE FOR MORRISTOWN

I have recently announced that I am a candidate for Morristown Town Council. I have decided to run for Town Council as I wish to offer a fresh voice and perspective on behalf of ALL the people of Morristown. After much thought and observation, and having many discussions, I am confident that I can have a positive impact. I see a need for greater diversity of opinion on the Council, something I view as lacking with the make-up of the current Town Council.

As I am running for an at-large seat, I will be a representative for ALL the people of Morristown. As such, I plan to meet and speak with as many people as possible in order to assure that I am hearing as many points of view as possible on the important issues we face as a town. Yes, we do have issues, and they require the steady hand, clear mind, fresh ideas, and the independent perspective I can bring to the Town Council. I will not be influenced by all the prevailing politics that seem to influence many of the decisions made by the current council. I will be an advocate for ALL the people of Morristown, so I will make sure that I listen to, and consider, many different perspectives prior to all important votes.

To summarize my candidacy: I will make sure that our tax dollars are spent wisely while enhancing town services, expanding job and educational opportunities, and improving public safety. After all, everybody wants to feel safe walking down any street in Morristown, day or night. Having a background as a corporate manager and a small business owner, I understand the economic struggles that we all face on a daily basis. Morristown property taxes are too high, town spending needs to be better controlled, and the Council needs to be more transparent and responsive to the people of Morristown. I will go out of my way to assure that I am listening to the diverse opinions from the four corners of Morristown, and make sure that those opinions are heard clearly by the rest of the Council members and the administration.

I am truly looking forward to speaking with the many residents and business owners that make up Morristown over the next six months. I also look forward to earning your trust, and your vote.

Thank you,

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