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Chairman to step down

I will be stepping down as Carroll County Republican chairman shortly after the Nov. 7 election. A caucus of precinct committeemen will be held in December to elect a new chairman. I reveal this decision in advance to avoid any correlation to the Nov. 7 election results.

I decided earlier this year that I would not run again for a third term. New party rules have shifted the next reorganization into a municipal election year. In 2007, Carroll County has five communities with municipal elections, beginning with the May 8 primary for the City of Delphi. Candidate filings for that primary will begin in early 2007.

I have always believed a priority of the chairman should be candidate recruitment. In fact, when you go to the polls this fall you'll see several new names on the ballot for township offices as a result of an aggressive recruitment effort. This same effort must be done in 2007 for all five municipalities in Carroll County. By stepping down early, I will be giving a new leadership team time to organize and strategize for the 2007 May primary.

I would like to thank those who have supported me in my role as chairman and even those friendly critics who kept me focused on the task at hands...winning elections! Proud to be a Republican,

Tom Gray

Camden

Supports Jackson

Burlington has had a beautiful park since the day it began. Many people have worked long and hard to build it and to keep it the great park that it is. We would like to thank those who have toiled all of these many years to maintain and expand the community's park.

The park was built and maintained in a spirit of cooperation between all of the entities involved. The park has always thrived with funding and cooperation between the township trustee and the Town of Burlington. Our current township trustee, Alan Jackson, understands this cooperation. Our current town council does not.

Alan Jackson has done a great job as township trustee, and we desperately need to re-elect him for another term. This is the first of two very important elections for Burlington Township and the Town of Burlington. Please let your voice be heard on Election Day, Nov. 7. Stan and Deb Moore

Burlington

Not interested in COPT

I received a mailing from COPT (Citizens Opposing Phase Three), thanking me for my past interest and support. I am writing to set the record straight.

I have not and will not support COPT or any action to stop the sewer project! I hope my name does not appear on any petition that they have. If so, it is not valid. Why did they mail this to me? Was this a mass mailing?

I urge anyone who received a letter and wants no part of COPT to protest and let them know! They have letterheads and impressive mailing. They must not have all the money they need, as they are asking for a $100 donation.

I believe that their actions are going to drive up the cost of the sewer project for all. The sewer district's lawyer has to defend against them and that is taking money that could be used for sewers.

The petition that I signed in the past was to the previous Commissioners, asking to be included in the sewer project, and another one went to the Carroll County Council and current Commissioners, asking for their help financially with the project. Both of those had between 400 and 500 signatures.

I believe more effort should be placed on our representatives to help with grants and assistance.

COPT asks for a $100 donation to pay costs. No thanks. I will use my $100 to pay for my sewer hook-up!

Ron Kleckner Jefferson Township