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Editor, Asbury Park Sun,

Asbury Park’s refreshing independence goes past its art and culture. It is also at the very core of its politics.

In a country where we are so divided amongst Republicans and Democrats, Asbury is one of a handful of New Jersey towns that holds non-partisan municipal elections – there is no Democrat or Republican column or ‘Line’ on our ballots. Because of this, we even have a registered unaffiliated candidate, Eileen Chapman, on the City Council.

We vote for people, not party. We vote for whomever will get the job done.

However, that could change if Municipal Question Number 2 passes. This question looks to create partisan elections where candidates must run under a Democrat or Republican party line, which would be indicated on the ballot. Local party committees will choose who is on the ballot. Rather, in non-partisan elections [which we currently have], with enough signatures, anyone can be on the ballot.

Currently, if you want to run for office in Asbury Park, you can – and you can win.

Like most voters in Asbury, I’m a registered Democrat. I am the President of the AP Young Democrats. I knock on doors for Democrats, and I work hard to get them elected. I know that the Democratic party speaks to my values. I also know that the Democratic Party would not exist without its inclusivity and engagement of young people, many of whom are unaffiliated.

Asbury has 2,810 registered ‘Unaffiliated’ [or Independent] voters. That’s forty percent – a huge amount!

In partisan elections, unaffiliated voters would not be eligible to vote in a primary, unless they changed their political affiliation. Local partisan elections alienate young people from getting involved. Young people generally hold Democratic ideals, but may not be ready to commit to a party. Forcing unaffiliated voters to register on my team just to have their voice heard isn’t fair. I’d rather they just vote for the best candidate.

By voting ‘Yes’ on Municipal Question 2, we are disenfranchising almost half of our city’s ectorate by forcing them to either choose sides or not be part of the political process.

Partisan elections create more division among Democrats who would normally be united. They block good candidates who happen not to be registered Democrats from serving, like Eileen Chapman.

Like Asbury Park, our neighboring towns Long Branch, Ocean Township, Tinton Falls, Loch Arbour, and Allenhurst have historically held non-partisan elections. These cities encourage politicians to work with one another across party lines.

I agree with Senator Vin Gopal and AP Democratic Chair Joe Grillo – more local municipalities should be non-partisan, not less. There is no Democrat or Republican way to fill a pothole. As Americans and as residents of the most progressive small city in America, we are all tired of partisanship.

Asbury Park is a rare example of local nonpartisanship. It’s not perfect. There are still deep divisions and inequities in town, but party politics won’t solve them.

Vote “NO” on Municipal Question No. 2.

Jess Alaimo

Comedian/President Asbury Park Young Democrats

[This letter represents the opinion of its writer and is not representative of any opinion of the Asbury Park Sun staff. All readers are welcome to submit Letters to the Editor to news@asburyparksun.com for our consideration. For guidelines on letter-writing and submission, click here.]

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