It’s been 50 years since the last contested Republican primary in Cinnaminson.
What follows is an example of what happens after 50 years of unchallenged elections!
During the March meeting of the Cinnaminson Republican Club, Township Committee candidates Anthony Minniti and June Neuman were invited to introduce themselves to the club and were each given an opportunity address the group. At the end of the meeting, several people asked when we would be able to hear from two additional candidates, who are also running in the Republican primary election. Initially, the group was told that Ernie McGill and Ryan Horner would not be given this opportunity.
After some heated discussion, and a vote which went overwhelmingly in favor of allowing them the same opportunity, McGill and Horner were told that they would be allowed to speak at the April meeting.
This meeting was to be held April 24 at the community center. Rather than allow equal time to all Republican candidates, at the last minute the Republican Club officials cancelled this meeting! Several excuses for the cancellation were offered including, “McGill and Horner have cancelled, so they will not be speaking,” which was an outright lie! It tells me that they feel they can’t win an election on their own merit, and will resort to anything!
Despite all efforts to stop the meeting, up to and including Township Committeeman Ben Young standing outside telling people to go home, a meeting was held. The room was filled with people who want to make an informed decision on election day, and Ernie McGill and Ryan Horner were given the opportunity to talk with them.
For 50 years in Cinnaminson, all that a local candidate had to do to win was vote for themselves. This year, the decision is finally in the hands of the voting public, and we want to be informed, regardless of how badly the established candidates want otherwise!
Paul Conda
