MORRISTOWN – Steve Shaw says he listens every day.

He means to constituents.

Politics on the local level tends to slow down – somewhat – in July.

So it’s a great time to listen. That’s what the three Democrats running for county commissioner in Morris County plan to do over four sessions beginning Saturday at 10:15 a.m. at the Chester Library.

The candidates are Justin Strickland, Jonathan Sackett and William “Bud” Ravitz. And they are trying to do what Democrats have not done in Morris for more than 50 years – win a seat on the board of freeholders/commissioners.

So, they want to hear what residents think about the county.

Back to Shaw.

He and his incumbent running-mates – John Krickus and Deborah Smith – were at a Morris Republican kickoff party a few nights ago at the Laundromat, a basement bar built to look like a speakeasy. It is a cozy spot.

That’s when Shaw kind of dismissed the Democrats’ ploy, saying that as a commissioner, he’s around to listen to residents all the time – like every day.

Shaw and his colleagues did not speak to the crowd, explaining that they were confident everyone in the place was going to vote for them. Given it was a Republican gathering, that was a good bet.

So, the night was more or less just a party – complete with karaoke. One of those prominently on that stage was Commissioner Tayfun Selen.

The crowd enjoyed an open bar and cuisine that included subs and White Castle. How can you go wrong with beer and White Castle?

Laura Ali, the county chair, said she was pleased that her son, Matt Nonnenmacher, just back from college, was in attendance.

Jack Ciattarelli was also there.

Lawyers for the 2021 – and now 2025 – gubernatorial candidate had argued a week or so ago before the state Election Law Enforcement Commission that Bill Spadea should be off the air now that the 101.5 radio host is a candidate for governor himself.

The commission said Spadea could remain on the air, but that his show would be “monitored.” That term, “monitoring,” is meant to sound more serious than just listening.

Ciattarelli said on this night that he is not that concerned with Spadea still having a morning radio show, rationalizing that the host’s views are already well known.