September 21, 2009, Subject: Middletown officials showed total lack of respect
I tried to attend the town hall meeting conducted by
Rep. Rush Holt, which was held at the Middletown Arts Center (MAC)
recently. When I arrived there was a line around the parking lot and
down the street. The MAC only holds 238 people so, naturally, I was
left out of the building. The majority of the people, which did not get
into the meeting, were directed to the other side of the building. We
were under the impression that there would be speakers provided to hear
the meeting.
What we found was another meeting that was conducted
at the same time; only this meeting was in opposition to Rep. Holt. It
was emceed by our deputy mayor, who introduced a declared candidate
that intends to challenge Rep. Holt next year. This blind-sided the
audience who came to learn and hear from their Congressional
representative.
In the past, the distribution of political material
was frowned upon by township officials, particularly at the town's
Middletown Day. Many different groups and candidates were there,
distributing campaign and political literature. This has set a
precedent for future events that take place in town. Now the word is
out that it is acceptable in Middletown to hold campaign events in
conjunction with township events.
By allowing a political event to be held at the same
time and in direct opposition to our Congressman’s meeting has
shown the community that Middletown officials have no regard for our
elected representatives. They caused undue congestion in a high
commuter area at the height of rush hour and confusion to the people
who wanted to attend the event.
It is everyone’s right to free speech to promote their views, but
for those from other towns who commented that they expected nothing
less from Middletown officials, which did not make me very proud to be
a resident of this community.
Dora Crisafulli
Middletown