Last night, I celebrated the re-organization of one school board and two local governing bodies. It was a great night. Each year, I attend as many local re-organization meetings as possible. I enjoy doing so, and I attend those meetings as a small expression of thanks for the service dedicated public servants give to their communities. Re-organization meetings are one of the hallmarks of our constitutional republic. They represent the orderly and peaceful transition of political power, which we must not take for granted.
Against the backdrop of the orderly and peaceful transition of power in our towns and school boards, I am appalled with what is happening today in the House of Representatives, where a small faction of the Republican Party is obstructing the election of a Speaker. This group does not have anywhere near the number of votes needed to elect a Speaker. They are not about conservatism or good government. This is rank obstructionism.
The business of the House will not proceed until there is a Speaker. Somerset County Republicans worked hard for Congressman-Elect Tom Kean. We expected him to take the oath of office yesterday, and to begin work on behalf New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District. I know that he is eager to take the oath and get to work with the excellent team that he has assembled.
In short, what is happening in the House right now does not represent how Somerset County Republicans do our jobs. Somerset County residents like to see their elected officials do the business of the taxpayers with a minimum of partisanship. This small, hyper-partisan faction on Capitol Hill casts a shadow of doubt on the entire Republican Party, and our ability to govern. I denounce the actions of these Capitol Hill obstructionists, and to a smaller degree, the House Republican leaders who have not solved this problem. It is time for the peaceful and orderly transition of political power in the House, and for our elected Congressman to take the oath of office.
Make no mistake, Somerset County Republicans have brought dedicated and professional government to Somerset County and its constituent towns for decades, and we will continue to govern well in Somerset County. To our many governing officials, thank you for your service to your community, and the great job that you do. To our party members and activists, thank you for supporting the SCRO.
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TIM HOWES is a New Jersey attorney and chairman of the Somerset County Republican Organization (SCRO).
