Dick Purcell, Woodcliff Lake Republican Club President, thanked everyone for coming and welcomed them to The Tice Center in Woodcliff Lake. Before starting the forum he asked Charlotte Vandervolk to lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dick began Candidates Night by reminding everyone that the night was a serious matter as we have many candidates running for many positions here in Bergen County, and it was a critical time for the State of New Jersey. "There was a time when Bergen County was owned by Republicans. We can no longer say that," he finished. "We've lost control, and I think that the Republican philosophy is one that would bring good judgment and good sense back to what we're doing. Some of the things that are happening in the State are slipping right through our fingers. People can't afford to live here anymore," he told the audience. "Now with that said, we've invited all these good, patriotic people to speak tonight."
Each candidate would have five minutes to speak to state their position with 5 minutes for questions and answers from the audience. He explained the timing and added a word of encouragement about the five minute limit, reminding them that a man called Abraham Lincoln did it in a "speech somewhere" and they still talk about it today.
We're all Republicans, we're all Americans and we're all trying to do the same thing---bring better government to the Sate of New Jersey.
First speaker--- Scott Garret, Congressman for the 5th Congressional District
