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| Mary Van Lieu : Looking for more of those good vibrations |
matters local and attendance at town council meetings has improved dramatically since the inauguration of James Kern III the town's new young mayor. The upcoming Nov.8th election for town council offers a stark choice for voters between retired school administrator and former mayor, Mary Van Lieu and the town's other former mayor Stephen Babinsky and whether or not the more recent upbeat feelings will continue. Retirement seems to have recharged Van Lieu who is eager to return to public service and float some new ideas on behalf of the town's beleaguered taxpayers. Her pleasant and cheerful demeanor certainly would be a welcome change from the dour old boys aura that has hung over this council for too many years. Her opponent, the hapless former mayor, Stephen Babinsky, has been a thorn in his own side due to his inability to control his foul temper and tongue which would almost be excusable if he had something to show for his 8 years as mayor rather than a talent for alienating most of the town's residents. In these troubled times, with many people facing severe economic hardships, voters will be looking for candidates who they feel can empathize with their concerns. On Nov. 8th, the voters of Pohatcong will be face a choice between two starkly different candidates. Can good vibrations prevail? I wouldn't bet against it.
