MORRISTOWN – Justin Strickland told fellow Morris County Democrats Thursday evening that two of the Republican commissioners he’s running against – John Krickus and Stephen Shaw – recently came to Chatham for the opening of a trail.
Strickland, who sits on the Chatham council, said it was a very amiable visit.
Then, he saw the county’s press release about the event. He said the borough’s Democratic mayor was mentioned as taking part in the event, but not him.
Hmm.
Press releases are not designed to be documentaries. So, no mention of Strickland could mean nothing at all.
Then again …
On this night, surrounded by dozens of supporters at the Jockey Hollow restaurant, Strickland offered his assessment as to why his name was omitted:
“They’re really nervous about us. They think we have a real shot at winning.”
Perhaps.
Strickland was speaking at the official campaign kickoff for the three Dems seeking county commission seats this fall.
The party’s other candidates are Jonathan Sackett and Bud Ravitz.
Besides the aforementioned Krickus and Shaw, the other GOP incumbent is Deborah Smith.
Campaign kickoffs are designed to rouse the crowd and this one was no exception.
Sackett said this is the year, Democrats come out of the wilderness – so to speak – and win a county commission seat. They should do it, he said, for the late Doug Romaine, the last Dem to serve on the board. Romaine, who died this week, was elected in 1973 and served one term.
Ravitz criticized the board for moving ahead with plans to build a new courthouse without hearing from “stakeholders.”
The trio of candidates announced a “listening tour,” a series of public events aimed at hearing resident concerns. They begin July 13 at the Chester Library from 10:15 a.m. to noon.
This brings us to the most difficult part of running for countywide office. Many people know little about county government, which tends to be obscure. What’s more, there ain’t much wrong with Morris County, one of the more affluent places in the state.
This presents quite the challenge for the Democrats To that end, there was talk of a “blue trend” in Morris County, as if the Dems winning a commission seat was a question of when more than if.
It is true that the Democrats have made inroads in what had been a solid GOP county. Towns like Chatham Borough and Morris Township, for example, are totally controlled by the Dems. And Rep. Mikie Sherrill has carried Morris all three times she has run.
Political change happens over time, but it needs to start somewhere.
Strickland had that in mind when he said a Democratic win this year in the commission race can “start the wave” of a Democratic takeover of county government.
As noted, campaign kickoffs are for energizing the troops. And also for dreaming.
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Insider NJ: Understanding the County’s Strict Regulations on Strictland
Strictland County in New Jersey is known for its stringent regulations when it comes to development and land use. These regulations are in place to protect the environment, preserve open space, and maintain the quality of life for residents. Understanding these regulations is crucial for anyone looking to build or develop property in the county.
One of the key regulations in Strictland County is the strict zoning laws. Zoning laws dictate how land can be used and what types of buildings can be constructed in different areas of the county. This helps to prevent incompatible land uses from being located next to each other and ensures that development is done in a way that is harmonious with the surrounding environment.
Another important regulation in Strictland County is the requirement for environmental impact assessments. Before any major development project can proceed, an environmental impact assessment must be conducted to determine the potential effects of the project on the environment. This helps to ensure that development is done in a way that minimizes harm to the natural surroundings.
Strictland County also has regulations in place to protect open space and natural areas. Developers are often required to set aside a certain percentage of their land for open space or conservation purposes. This helps to preserve the county’s natural beauty and provide recreational opportunities for residents.
In addition to these regulations, Strictland County also has strict building codes and design standards. These regulations ensure that buildings are constructed in a safe and aesthetically pleasing manner. They also help to maintain property values and create a cohesive look throughout the county.
Overall, understanding the regulations in Strictland County is essential for anyone looking to develop property in the area. By following these regulations, developers can ensure that their projects are in compliance with local laws and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
