Green Party is getting the message across

Friday, October 31, 2003

By PETE McCARTHY
Staff Writer

Green Party Assembly candidates in the 1st and 3rd Districts are all relative newcomers, but said they want to make a name for themselves during the upcoming election.

Although Greens do not have a strong following yet -- 422 registered voters throughout the state -- one candidate said her mission has been accomplished.

"I think I have already been successful in bringing new people in and making people aware of the Green Party -- aware of the issues," said Carly Massey, a first-time candidate in the 1st district. "That was my main goal. Obviously the Democrats and Republicans have a lot more money than us and a lot more standing power, but I think I have already been successful.''

Massey is running with fellow Somers Point resident Mary Snyder, who was not available for comment.

Snyder is running in name only, according to Massey, a recent graduate of Rutgers University.

Other outsiders to the world of politics are Charles Woodrow and his sister, Peggy Murphy, both of Mantua Township and running in the 1st district.

Woodrow admitted his sister is not very active in the campaign, but said he encouraged her to get involved to help him get the word out about the growing party.

"I agreed to do the bulk of the work when the campaign came around," said Woodrow, a former Democrat who became interested in the philosophy of the Greens when he decided to change parties.

He is strong on his beliefs.

"To me, the Democrats have moved from being a progressive-type party to being middle of the road at best," he said. "I don't see much difference now between the Democrats and the Republicans. Both parties have been taking these large, corporate campaign contributions. Both parties are serving corporations. The laws being passed are laws favoring corporations."

Massey stressed she does not take donations from major corporations.

"We are really speaking on behalf of the people," she said. "People aren't happy with the way things are going today. Most of the politicians have to speak on behalf of these corporate donations. It's sort of like an agreement, but the people are starting to see that."

One popular issue in Massey's district is completing construction on Route 55, so it goes all the way to Cape May.

Her idea is to create better mass transit to help with traffic problems.

"I understand the expansion of roads is sometimes necessary, but legislators don't plan for future problems," Massey said. "There is no doubt population is going to keep growing, but we really need better future planning. You fix the problem now, but we all know population is going to multiply."

Green candidates said they will continue to run until their messages become better heard by voters.

"This has been quite a growing experience," said Massey.