Where Politics Have No Place

Being the editor of a news website covering this fair town of ours, I am occasionally privy to—shh, insider information. Since you, faithful reader, are one of my favorites, I'll share with you something very, very secret.

Local politics can be nasty, sometimes. You don't say.

I have my opinions like most folks. Being the editor of a news website covering this fair town of ours, however, I am obligated (at least, I'd like to think I'm obligated) to put any of those opinions and potential biases to the side as a service to my readers—one hopes we can inform you of what's happening, and let your own compasses guide you in whatever direction you aspire to follow.

I will, however, break my self-imposed oath just this once and offer a sincere opinion on what I witnessed on Saturday ...

Morristown is full of trash ...

Thankfully, it doesn't matter who you are, what team you play for or what you generally believe, most people just want to pick it up.

There was me, editor of Morristown Patch, side-by-side with Bob Karp, photographer extraordinaire. Who cares if he works for the Daily Record? Full disclosure: I never care; the man is top notch and takes top notch photos.

There was former Republican Mayor Jay Delaney picking up a pair of gloves, garbage bag and setting to the task of clearing trash as part of the annual "Speedwell Avenue and Beyond" townwide cleanup. This, as Democrat Councilman Stefan Armington was doing the same. 

Was anyone making the sign of the cross to ward off filthy liberal or conservative energy waves stinking up their air? Of course not. At least they kept such gestures well-hidden from me. We get enough of that stuff on the national stage.

The good vibes continued over to the recycling center on Lake Road, where the center's re-dedication ceremony was taking place.

I only note political and employment affiliations above for perspective. Truth is, most people would not have known who was a donkey or an elephant, if someone didn't like someone else, if I thought you were wrong or if you thought I was a dope. None of that mattered.

Here is where I will let you in on another little secret: I don't like it when folks make nasty comments about other folks anonymously on this site. I come from the school of thought where you say something to someone's face if you have a problem with them, not behind the cover of a pseudonym on a site in cyberspace. Nasty is as nasty does. Wheat with the chaff. I'll get off my soapbox now.

A volunteer event where town residents one-and-all picked up garbage? Definitely not the place. Thankfully, I was not the only one who seemed to feel that way on Saturday. The only garbage this observer observed being flung was the stuff going into town-supplied bags.

Thanks for keeping things civil and about bettering Morristown, Morristown. Let's hope we can keep it going beyond picking up the trash.