Writer wants answers on use of Manalapan political mailing permit

It may be legally acceptable for members of the Manal-apan Township Committee, under the guise of the Manalapan Democratic Club, to interfere and/or influence the democratic process of a senior condominium community electing its own trustees.

The Manalapan Democratic Club produced and mailed to the 1,557 units of Covered Bridge I a very professional and official-looking election flier.

The intention and effect was to assume that residents voting in this trustee election were also selecting the choice of the Township Committee of Manal-apan. It was hugely successful. The mailing permit for this flier, Permit No. 6, is issued to the Manalapan Democratic Club.

When the candidates were questioned at a "Meet Your Newly Elected Trustees" public meeting, three Township Com-mittee members were present.

The questions to the two trustees were, "The flier that had both your photographs, including your message for your re-election, included a statement, ‘Paid for by the Committee for a Better Covered Bridge.’ Who is the Committee for a Better Covered Bridge?"

The response was they did not know. Who paid for the printing and mailing of the flier? Same response, "Don’t know."

A direct question to the seated committee members was that the printing and mailing was made by your Manalapan Democratic Club, and why would you be interfering and unethical? Your actions greatly influenced the outcome of the election.

Finally, one of the newly elected Covered Bridge trustees stated he heard that the mailing was in fact provided by the aforementioned organization.

The expenses paid out would be reimbursed, especially the postage. The postal service claims a mailing permit may not be loaned to other individuals or organizations. It is to be used by the name and profile listed on the issued mailing permit.

What do you think the opinion of the New Jersey election enforcement commission or the state Department of Community Affairs might be? We will find out.

Martin Chaiet

Manalapan