Letter to the editor, by: Jason Fajgier, candidate for Mt. Holly Board of Education
When did we stop being able to have mature, rational conversations about politics? Why does every new election cycle look less like a debate about ideas and more like a fight-to-the-death cage match? I am disgusted by the amount of lies, misinformation, and innuendo that infects every ad and mailer.
Candidate X voted to raise taxes 9 times …
Out of context, do we know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing? Couldn’t they have been fighting really hard for a program that would help their constituents, but just wasn’t politically popular? The first eight votes failed, but they were finally able to deliver for their residents on the 9th. But the ads twist the voting record and make it look sinister.
These scare tactics are being used to confuse & intimidate us into staying home on election day … and the sad part is, it’s working. Turnout numbers get worse and worse every year, but especially in off-year elections when some of the most critical local races take place. We’re allowing a small, vocal minority to dominate us and make decisions that go against our own best interest.
I understand that it is sometimes hard to separate the “fake news” from the real news. Especially when people shout “fake news” simply when it’s an opinion they don’t agree with or a truth that makes them look bad. We need to get better at doing the homework & checking the facts and not listening to sound bites just because it’s convenient.
We need to stop rewarding those who bombard us with negativity/fear and start voting for those who come forward with ideas and a willingness to serve. Get informed … build community … support each other.
I’m trying to do my part with my grassroots school board campaign in Mount Holly. What are you going to do to keep us moving forward?
Jason Fajgier
Mount Holly, NJ
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