Red Bank Democrats don't skip town like Republicans

Here's a riddle for you: What's the difference between a Democratic member of Red Bank's Council, and a Republican member?

Answer: For the Democrat, the council is the finish line. For the Republican it's a ticket out of town.

Republicans have a habit of leaving town as soon as they are elected, leaving the Democrats to clean up the messes they've made.

Republican Councilman John Curley resigned July 18 so he could move to his new digs in Middletown. He followed Republican councilwoman Kay Ernst, who also quit and split. Of course, Sen. Jennifer Beck used the Red Bank Council as her entry-level position for the state senate.

Not only do the Democrats stick around when elected, they even pitch in when they lose.

Ed Zipprich — who barely lost a council race to Grace Cangemi last November — is deeply involved in activities that continue to add to the quality of life in Red Bank. He's been busy preserving neighborhoods, landmarks and open space that in turn preserve the qualities that make Red Bank a unique place to live and work.

The organizations he belongs to contribute to the state and the nation, as well as the borough. He's the moving force behind Monmouth for Democracy and Progressive Democrats of America.

He's also active in New Jersey Stonewall, the Red Bank Borough Education Foundation, the Master Plan/Vision Committee, the Centennial Committee, the Planning Board, the Bus for Change, the New Jersey Coalition for Peace and Justice and the Working Families Alliance.

The good news is that once again Ed is running for council. His supporters wonder how much more he'll be able to accomplish if elected. His opponents worry over how badly he'll roil the waters.

This November, Red Bank has another opportunity to put a real member of our community on the council, one who will be here not only on Election Day, but every day. So when it's time to vote this November, I hope all my neighbors and friends do what is best for Red Bank and elect Ed Zipprich to our council.
Bruce Maida
Red Bank