Recently much has been made in the media concerning dissension among West Windsor Council members. Democracy is best served when representatives do not think and vote in lockstep.##M:[more]## The reason our government — at any level — has separate branches is so that they might balance each other and while doing so ensure public scrutiny and public accountability.
It is an advantage, therefore, that any legislative branch includes a diversity of opinion — something that is impossible without
independence of opinion as well. For a mayor, the ideal council is one that is handpicked and supports him without asking the hard questions.
For the residents, the ideal council is one whose members represents the many differing views of the public, and yet respects each other and is willing to work together for the public good.
Candidates for Council should be able to convince us, the voters, that they will judge prospective legislation by its content and character, not by the affiliation of its proponents. Building the transit village will forever change the character of West Windsor. We must be very careful that our Council represents all different viewpoints, not just those of the mayor and the Planning Board chairman.
Barbara Pfeifer is a candidate chosen and supported by the mayor and whose campaign manager is the Planning Board chairman. Will Anklowitz is an independent voice.
Carole Carson
1439 Edinburg Road, West Windsor
Alison Miller
41 Windsor Drive, West Windsor
(The writers are former West Windsor Township elected officials — Carson was mayor and Miller served on council.)
