Does Roselle need a political party?

“All politics is local” is a phrase commonly used in politics — and nowhere are we seeing that more evident than in my hometown of Roselle. Three candidates running for village trustee as part of the newly created Roselle United Party declined their invitation to the Roselle Elementary District 12-hosted public forum, citing concerns about the “political” nature of the event and the impartiality of the moderator.

Since my father was the planned moderator, I take a special interest in this discussion. The implied accusations of a politically charged motive by him or by candidate Barb Hochstadt could not be farther from the truth. My father is a man of great character and planned the forum simply to educate the public.

But another question must be asked: Why does Roselle need a political party? Americans across the country are tired of the continuous political posturing in Washington often at the expense of real progress. Why bring that atmosphere into our backyards? Not to mention the pure impracticality of having a political party with no other party to compete against. Of what use is establishing a party when there is no alternative?

Those in the RUP would probably respond that their common platform ensures party members are united by a common set of values that will make developing and passing policy easier. I'd like to think Roselle is a community small enough and close enough that all of its residents already share a common set of values.

Why draw an artificial line in the sand? Roselle is a simple community where character and personal reputation still matter most. Instead of fabricating political conflict where there is none, the RUP candidates should redirect their energies toward defending themselves and their positions in public (as opposed to at pay-per-plate events).

Mike Della Penna

Notre Dame, Ind.