Change Does Not Come Overnight

Or Over The Decades, It Would Seem

Voters -- or at least the few who bothered to show up at the polls on Tuesday -- had their say, and decided, rather resoundingly, that "same old, same old" is okay by them, and that the status quo is good enough.

We, of course, don't believe that. Not for a moment.

The status quo is never good enough, and "same old, same old" has absolutely no place in representative government.

We'd like to think that, at least on some level, Michael Uhl's message of change, advocacy, and accountability got out there -- at least we know its floating around in cyberspace -- and that, given the indifference of an "off" year election, most voters, already feeling disenchanted, if not disenfranchised by years of benign neglect from their government (we're being polite, if not generous), decided, unfortunately, to register their dismay by staying away from the polls.

The key, going forward, will be to not only deliver the message, but to engrain the message on the minds of the electorate. We must, as well, instill that sense of both excitement and urgency -- the kind where folks are saying, "We just can't wait to get out and vote!"

This campaign, now behind us, has been invigorating as it has been enlightening. Michael has enjoyed his stoop-side chats with residents, and has shared in your concerns over the issues that impact upon both wallet and quality of life.

But that, friends, was the easy part.

The real work remains before us. The task of taking the property tax bull by the horns (without the "bull" that emanates from the legislative chambers) so that we can effectively lower the tax bill without gimmick or faux rebate. The task of protecting the water we drink, the green space that defines suburbia, and that house behind the white picket fence. The task of rebuilding infrastructure, revitalizing downtown, and reinventing community.

In the debate that marked the official start of this campaign, Vincent Muscarella referred to himself as a "low-key legislator."

It is our hope that, if Mr. Muscarella has heard our message at all, he will take away from this campaign a renewed outlook on representative government; one that requires a strong voice, a firm commitment to community, and a willingness not only to listen to his constituents, but to zealously advocate on their collective behalf.

It was, after all, Mr. Muscarella who, so many times over the years, has said, "There is no greater service to the community than public service." We agree!

From the Friends of Michael Uhl, we thank you, and encourage you to keep up the fight. The best is yet to come!