Commentary: A Democrat who misses Republicans, in Morris Township

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By Cathy Wilson

In the unique tumult of this year’s presidential race, it’s easy for citizens to overlook local elections, particularly in cases like Morris Township where candidates are running unopposed.

I write to make two points which at first glance may seem contradictory:
On the one hand, I celebrate the absence of Republican opponents in this year’s local race.

This is a clear testament to the strength of our Democratic candidates — current Mayor Donna Guariglia and former Mayor Mark Gyorfy. An uncontested race on the Republican side is also an historic first — a sign that, after years of fierce struggle, the Morris Township Dems have ascended to a whole new level.

Cathy Wilson, Winter Farmers Market, April 28, 2024. Photo by Bill Lescohier

On the other hand, I confess to feeling dismayed by such local Republican party actions as not running candidates (this year) and refusing to participate in candidate forums (in the past few years).

These are signs that Morris Township’s Republican Party, dominant for centuries, has weakened and declined. From a political perspective, this is great news for local Dems.

From a civics perspective, it’s a red flag.

On the bright side, incumbent candidates Donna Guariglia and Mark Gyorfy are strong leaders who have earned widespread support. Their tenure includes many significant accomplishments.

For example, thanks to their success in securing state and federal funds, the Township is now moving forward on three major projects of longstanding interest to our community: Construction of a community center (at a school on Jean Street); purchase of the first wheelchair accessible senior services shuttle van; and a massive renovation of the Collinsville playground.

While the Township is clearly in good hands, it concerns me that the local Republican Party appears to have fallen apart. Over time, the absence of vigorous two-party participation breeds apathy that corrodes the civic health of our community – indeed our democracy.

That is why, ironically enough, my hope is that Morris Township’s Republican Party can find ways to recover from its own internal divisions and re-emerge as a functional contributor to healthy two-party competition and debate in our town.

In the meantime, I encourage all Morris Township residents to vote for Mark Gyorfy and Donna Guariglia in this year’s election. They have served our community well and have proven themselves worthy of support from everyone who lives here.

Cathy Wilson is former mayor of Morris Township, and former chair of the municipality’s Democratic organization. She traces her passion for civics to her 11 years a social studies teacher, and views an informed citizenry as the hallmark of our democracy.

Opinions in commentaries are the authors’, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.

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