'I'm Here to Listen,' Committee Candidate Says

To the editor:

This opportunity to run for township committee is not to be taken lightly. There's absolutely no getting around the fact that the coming months will be intense, or that I'm slated against an opponent who's clearly and deservedly amassed a following in our great community. I admire that enormously.

For right now, and until June's primary, provided our citizens are kind enough to give me the official nod on the summer ballot, my objective is simple: Listen, observe, and continuously revise my plan of action with methodic intent for issues that townspeople come to their candidates with. I've already begun meeting with civic groups and getting a clear idea as to where some of their concerns lie. Once the summer months come, I'll release a more complete outline of what I plan to do. For right now, I'd just like to say I'm truly here to listen.  

I've developed a deep love for analytical thinking, and putting that type of thinking into action. That's something a family member, very dear to my heart, has spent years teaching me. Some might find my words funny, and entirely cliche. But the bottom line is this: I might be young, and that's something that might draw a certain degree of concern. However, I'm willing to do whatever it takes so our town can see that a guy in his mid-20s can be filled with more than just ambition. Ambition is a great thing, but I pride myself as a man of action and a problem-solver. Too often, we come across individuals who ascend a metaphorical political throne and end up just smiling for the cameras, instead of employing empathy. If given the chance, I refuse to become that person. I love helping people and draw a great deal of strength from it.

Despite some disagreements I have with the current township committee over decisions made in the last few years, that's not to say that our elected officials are not without many positive attributes. They possess a highly admirable dedication to our townspeople that can be spotted a mile away, and if given the opportunity to collaborate, I'd be incredibly proud to do so.

I really can't thank Cinnaminson enough for this giving me this opportunity.

Matthew Paterno
Cinnaminson Township Committee candidate, Democratic Party chair 

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