The opinion piece that I wrote was published by the Asbury Park Press (click here to read it) recently. Somewhere between then and now, my words have appeared on the front page of Barnegat's Republican Party website. I am truly disgusted that the Republicans of our Township Committee have sunk so low as place my words on their website, no less preface them with a caption that indicates I am pleased with them. My words clearly state I was not sharing my approval of any particular political party. My praise went to Officer Mike Mitchell, the Barnegat Board of Education and the Barnegat Police Department.

If Mr. Cirulli, Mr. Melchiondo and Mr. Novak are so intent on bringing my politics public, then let me set the record straight here on DowntownBarnegat.com . I do not support Mr. Cirulli. I do not support Mr. Melchiondo. I do not support Mr. Novak. And if Mr. Hartman ever runs for office again in any capacity, he will not garner my support either. I have dealt directly on a one-on-one basis with the Republicans of our Committee as a past President of the Barnegat First Aid Squad. I was lied to by all of them, more than once. I was personally attacked by the Committee at a Township Meeting. I find these men to be dishonorable, dishonest and lacking in integrity. These men know how I feel about them. To allow the posting of my comments in such a twisted way on their website is unconscionable.

There may come a day that I will vote for a Republican in Barnegat again. But it isn't this year, I can assure you that. Please don't accept my name on their website as an endorsement.

Susan B. McDermott