How you can help

Posted on by Author-cwagnj
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Get involved with local elections!

How you can help with getting involved in local elections is a great way to have a direct impact on our community’s governance and decision-making. Here are some steps you can take to get involved:

  1. Register to Vote
    Make sure you are registered to vote in your local elections. This is the first and most crucial step in participating in the democratic process.
  2. Stay Informed
    Stay updated on local issues, candidates, and platforms. Follow local news outlets, attend community meetings, and engage with discussions on social media platforms.
  3. Research Candidates
    Learn about the candidates running for various positions in your local election. Look into their backgrounds, experience, and stances on key issues. Most candidates will have websites or social media profiles where they share their platforms.
  4. Attend Candidate Forums and Town Halls
    Many communities host events where candidates present their ideas and answer questions from the public. Attending these events can help you gauge the candidates’ positions and see how they handle public scrutiny.
  5. Volunteer for Campaigns
    If there’s a candidate whose vision aligns with your values, consider volunteering for their campaign. You could help with tasks such as phone banking, canvassing, organizing events, or managing social media.
  6. Donate
    If you’re financially able, consider donating to a candidate or cause you support. Even small contributions can make a difference in a local election campaign. If you are looking to donate to a good cause, you can donate to our fund at GoFundMe.
  7. Engage in Discussions
    Engage in conversations with friends, family, and neighbors about the upcoming elections. Encourage them to vote and share your insights on candidates and issues.
  8. Host or Attend Community Meetings
    Many communities have local town hall meetings, city council meetings, or other gatherings where citizens can voice their opinions on various matters. Attending these meetings can help you understand the issues at hand and express your views. Please attend the B9 hearings at the Franklin Township Board of Education. The next hearing is on September 6th at 7:30PM.
  9. Join Local Organizations
    There are local organizations, our community group, or advocacy groups that focus on specific issues you care about. Joining these groups can connect you with like-minded individuals and provide opportunities for collective action. Join our newsletter to keep informed with the form to the right of this page.
  10. Consider Running for Office
    If you’re passionate about making a difference, you might even consider running for local office yourself. Research the requirements and responsibilities for the position you’re interested in and create a clear platform that addresses the needs of your community.
  11. Encourage Voter Turnout
    Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to participate in the election. Voter turnout in local elections is often lower than in national elections. With that said, your efforts to mobilize others can make a significant impact.
  12. Stay Engaged Beyond Elections
    Remember that civic engagement goes beyond voting and elections. Stay engaged in your community by attending meetings, staying informed about local issues, and advocating for positive change.
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Getting Involved

How you can help by getting involved in local elections can be a rewarding way to contribute to our community and shape its future. Your participation, whether through volunteering, donating, or running for office, can have a meaningful impact on the decisions that directly affect your daily life. This is the best way to control the growth of warehouses in our neighborhoods and in the state.

Next Event

We look forward to see you at the next Planning Board hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 6 at 7:30pm in the Franklin Township Board of Ed bldg, 2301 Rt 27, Somerset, NJ 08873. We are very close to the finish line and just can’t let up at this critical juncture! Please plan to attend and encourage all your friends to as well.

Write to Governor Murphy

Here is a sample letter format that you can consider.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

[Governor’s Name]
[Office of the Governor]
[State Capitol Building]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear Governor Murphy,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my thoughts and concerns about [specific issue or topic related to your state]. As a concerned citizen and resident of [your city or town], I believe it is important to voice my opinions on matters that directly affect our community.

[Explain the issue or topic you want to address in a clear and concise manner. Provide relevant context and any personal experiences or observations that highlight the importance of the issue.]

I believe that addressing [issue/topic] is crucial for the well-being and progress of our state. [Share your suggestions, solutions, or recommendations for how the issue could be addressed or improved.]

Furthermore, I would like to commend the efforts that your administration has made in [mention any positive actions or policies you appreciate]. It is heartening to see the dedication to [mention the positive impact of the governor’s actions].

I kindly request that you and your team consider these concerns and viewpoints as you continue your work for our state. The collective efforts of our government and citizens are essential in making [state name] an even better place to live and thrive.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I appreciate the hard work and commitment you have shown in serving our state. I look forward to hearing about any progress or actions taken regarding [issue/topic].

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]

Be Considerate

Customize the letter by filling in the appropriate details, including your name, address, and the governor’s name. Be sure to include the specific issue or topic you want to address. Always be respectful and concise in your communication. Sending a letter to our local governor can be an effective way to share your thoughts and contribute to the discussion on important matters in New Jersey.

Tell the Governor that small towns need legal protection from big lawsuits. We choose to adhere to the NJ State Planning Commission’s Warehouse Siting Guidance. 

Tell him to support Senator Shirley Turner’s bill requiring the warehouse siting guidance to become mandatory. Read about it here: Bill S3356

You can contact Governor Murphy here: Office Of the Governor Contact Form

Share your letter with the press

Here is a list of Environmental Journalists

Share your letter with this list of state and local officials.

Legislators

Department of Environmental Protection

Somerset County Commissioners

Mayor of Franklin Township

X (tweet) and Tag frequently

Here is a list of journalists interested in environmental cases

  • @jonahurdle
  • @mrMattSimon
  • @Kbratskeir
  • @AlexCKaufman
  • @elizabarclay
  • @iamjohnoliver
  • @lizabio

Other X’s to consider

  • #askgovmurphy
  • @govmurphy
  • @firstladyNJ
  • @mattplatkin
  • @jerseyoffice
  • @NJsenTurner
  • @philmurphy
  • @shawnlatur
  • @nancysolomon2
  • @newjerseyDEP
  • @newjerseyDOT
  • @newjerseyOAG
  • @RepAndyKimNJ
  • @RepBonnie

Call and write your representatives and they will answer!!

17th Legislative District Representatives

Standard Contact form to contact all 3 representatives: NJ Legislature (state.nj.us)

State officials

  • NJ DOT commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti @NewJerseyDOT
  • Governor Murphy @GovMurphy or #AskGovMurphy
  • Lt Gov. Sheila Oliver @LtGovOliver

US house of representatives

Senator Robert Menendez (senate.gov) @SenatorMenendez
U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey (senate.gov) @senbooker

Reminder how you can help: Next Event

We look forward to see you at the next Planning Board hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, September 6 at 7:30pm in the Franklin Township Board of Ed bldg, 2301 Rt 27, Somerset, NJ 08873. We are very close to the finish line and just can’t let up at this critical juncture! Please plan to attending and encourage all your friends to as well.

Credit: This page and some of its info was influenced by Mercer County Defense League who has similar fights against warehouses.

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