“I’ve been a member of the Dunellen Board of Education for well over a decade and a borough resident since 1988. People who know me will generally know my position on issues that come before the Board. Hopefully, voters will cast ballots for the candidates who will best serve the interests of the taxpaying citizens of Dunellen, the Dunellen School District and the school age young people of the borough. I am extremely pleased that in addition to my extremely capable colleagues on the current Board, Jeff Portik and Dr. Ken Sanders, Faith Thompson and Doug Meyer have decided to run. It is a pleasure to know that there are people who care enough about our school system that they are willing to put in the many, many hours of volunteer time to serve on the Board and serve their community. Each of these candidates bring considerable skills to the table and should be applauded for their willingness to serve Dunellen and its school district. As we see so many of our volunteer organizations lose members and struggle to accomplish their important goals, the fact that we are offered a choice for election to the Board is a relief and should bring joy to the residents of our borough.
I will not ask for your vote with the opportunity granted to me here. What I will ask is two very simple things: Firstly, go to your polling place and exercise the right granted to you by the founders of our nation and protected by the men and women of our armed services. Secondly, take the responsibility to vote for the candidates (school board included) which your knowledge and research have convinced you will promote and protect the best interests of our nation, state and community. Not that long ago our community lost the services of an outstanding and valuable member of the Dunellen Board of Education who failed to garner sufficient votes for re-election. I strongly suspect the reason was voter complacency, rather than voter dissatisfaction with the volunteer work of that Board member, because that person’s name fell last on the list of candidates. My suspicion may be wrong, but if it is not and voters simply pulled the lever of first Board members on the ballot list, I truly BEG you to take the time and make an informed decision instead of simply checking off the first candidates on the list. Luckily, we have a group of five candidates (including myself) who are all viable, hardworking and thoughtful people. Do them all the favor of knowing who you think is best for the Board and voting for that group. We have a great slate this year and, whether incumbent or newcomer, I am confident each will serve our community and our schools very well.”
– John Paul Osborn