Dear TUF,

When candidates decide to run for local public office, they must be residents of the community in which they are running, file a petition showing residency, and if applicable, the post office address. The candidate swears to being a resident and legal voter in the jurisdiction. If elected, residence in the locality should continue for the duration of the term of office.

When there is a serious question of residence of a township council member, the council members must determine if the facts warrant asking that council member to step down and have that council member's political party nominate other people for the seat.

In a recent newspaper article, Mayor Levine said "While attending to the town's business is important, there is something to be gained from being a full-time resident. I'll be at Dunkin Donuts and someone will come up to me with a problem or I'll be driving around and see something I think should be fixed. It's one thing to be at the meetings, but to be fair that is only part of the job."

If citizens are concerned about this issue, they need to ask "What constitutes residency?"

If non-residence becomes a serious issue for citizens, since the Democrats control the Council, then the Democrats should look into the issue.

One option is for a concerned citizen, with evidence and not allegations, to write a letter to the Chairman of the Municipal Ethics Board stating that Ms. Ashley-Williams is not a resident of Franklin Township and, as a Councilwoman, should step down from her numerous Council posts. The Ethics Board would discuss the request. If warranted, the Board would send a letter to Ms. Ashley-Williams requesting proof of residency in Franklin Township and then act accordingly depending on her response or non-response.

In the interest of fairness and for the benefit of the citizens of Franklin Township, the Franklin Township Republicans hope that the Democrats do the right thing.

Sincerely,

Bob LaCorte
Municipal Chair
Franklin Township Republican Organization