For Hsueh Et Al
It was 1982. Doug Forrester, the mayor of West Windsor, married me and my husband at our home. Since then, the growth has been exponential. The matrix shifted from primarily Caucasian people to a wonderfully multi-ethnic environment in which I and my family thrived. In the midst of that came our mayor, Shing-Fu Hsueh. In all the places I have ever lived, I have never seen so much change for the better in a town than during his administration. Even if we had paid for everything with our own taxes, which we did not, the things he has done would have been worth it — the skate park, the bridge, the clean up at Grovers Mill Pond, to name a few.##M:[more]##
Shing-Fu’s ability to network and come to agreement with other state and county lawmakers, businesses and citizens, recommends him to this job in a unique way. Mr. Morgan just does not have all of that going for him. The fact that the mayor has been known to work up to 90 hours a week shows me he is no politico. I figured out that he gets paid less than my teenage daughter at a summer job, yet when I said this, his only concern was whether or not the people had noticed or cared about the work he had done. He is a man of discipline, integrity, and kindness. Mr. Morgan’s persistent investigation of the mayor, on two occasions, only proved that the mayor is a man of impeccable character. I wonder if Mr. Morgan would have survived the same scrutiny.
My husband and I often encounter the mayor at the health club, where he keeps himself in shape on the treadmill, a good place to catch his ear. He is highly visible and approachable. It is primarily due to his hard work and dedication that West Windsor is as successful as it is today, one of the most desirable towns to live in in the USA, according to reports.
I believe in change. Our mayor has brought us that change and will continue to do so.It is not only what a person has done that is the measure of a man, but who he is. Please support a mayor who really cares about you and your town.
Irene Nemser
25 Revere Court
The fundamental issues for me in the upcoming West Windsor municipal election are responsible and frugal leadership, integrity, and support of community improvements that can be funded with as little impact as possible on local tax rates. That is why I am supporting Shing-Fu Hsueh, Linda Geevers, and Kamal Khanna.
Linda Geevers has done a fine job this past four years; she led the opposition to Council salary increases last year. She should be re-elected. Kamal Khanna would bring his skills and business experience with planning, budgeting and efficiency engineering. Council needs those skills.
Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh has provided responsible leadership and brought many grants for community improvement to West Windsor (park enhancements, the Alexander road bridge, the Senior Center addition, the dredging of Grovers Mill Pond, totaling $43 million improvements). He has encouraged and worked well with many volunteers to strengthen the township.
Anyone who has participated in local government knows that a redevelopment plan needs to be adopted in order to maintain control over development. It can be changed as desired by the community, but West Windsor needed a Council-approved plan not only as a mechanism for managing future growth, but also in order to obtain future federal, state, and county-funded projects. That it took so long for any plan to be adopted, and thus led to the loss of $178 million in road improvements (Vaughn Drive and Route 1), is due primarily to Mr. Morgan’s delaying tactics. Not to mention the additional cost of $200,”000+ that was added to the budgeted $400,”000 because Council deliberations took longer than necessary.
It is important that citizens carefully examine the accuracy and honesty of statements made by all candidates. It is essential that the West Windsor First team of Hsueh, Geevers, and Khanna be elected.
Lynn Livingston
Astor Court
As a long-time West Windsor resident, I am very concerned about the upcoming election. I am concerned because two out of three candidates running for mayor are opposed to controlled growth. When Charles Morgan cast the only no vote recently against the Master Plan (aka Redevelopment plan), that was a vote against controlled growth. Peter Weale, has also voted against the plan, though in a less official capacity perhaps, by continually raising objections to the plan at council meetings.
The Master Plan for the train station is designed to manage growth in that area, growth that will happen anyway — plan or no plan. And without a plan the growth will be haphazard and probably hazardous. The plan zones for residential areas, commercial and retail areas, and it stipulates parameters for the amount of growth.
For developers, the Princeton Junction train station area is prime for development. It has one of the busiest train stations in the country — not the state, the country. The developers are already proposing large retail housing developments for the area. The Master Plan will contain and manage the development so that it is workable and esthetically pleasing.
Fortunately, we have one mayoral candidate, Mayor Hsueh, who is planning for our future. Mayor Hsueh is the person who got the ball rolling on planning for our future. We must vote Mayor Hsueh back into office, along with his running mates, Linda Geevers and Kamal Khanna for council positions, to make sure we continue to have an eye toward the future.
Lindsay Diehl
2 Colonial Avenue
Shing-Fu Hsueh’s two terms as mayor have been filled with accomplishments. Everyone can see the tangible benefits: Alexander Road Bridge. Restored Grover’s Mill Pond. Open Space project land. Improved Community Park. Expanded Senior Center.
Some of the accomplishments have been intangible, but just as important: Cost effective management of the Township’s administration, including a slight reduction in personnel since eight years ago without any reduction in services. Township’s strong financial condition and AAA credit rating. Our mayor’s consistent position against raises for Council members and himself. West Windsor’s recent award as our nation’s most family friendly community.
Mayor Hsueh’s accomplishments would not have happened without his community commitment, hard work, analytical skills, good relationships with officials at all government levels, and his decisiveness. In short, we benefit from Mayor Hsueh’s exceptional character.
Shing-Fu Hsueh has been known in our community for many years as a man of impeccable integrity, academic and professional achievement, sound judgment, optimism, and a practical approach to problem solving.
In the mid 1990s, the Princeton Chinese Language School conducted elections of its leadership at an important turning point in its history. The parents of the school sought Shing-Fu Hsueh as an impartial and trusted observer of the election proceedings to ensure their fairness and accuracy. The election went very smoothly, resulting in a 90 percent turnout. The election results were embraced by the school community, largely because of Shing-Fu Hsueh’s role as observer.
Shing-Fu Hsueh has been an adjunct professor in environmental science and engineering. He has served, by appointment, as a member of several professional and research organizations’ technical review committees. He has taught Tai-chi classes every weekend for many years. He is an amateur artist, having created a number of art works. He is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
As such a well-rounded man, Mayor Hsueh has the broad perspective not only to understand our community’s issues on many fronts, but to resolve those issues in the most cost-beneficial manner. Our Mayor’s broad view and experience in life is an especially important part of his character for our culturally diverse community.
No wonder Mayor Hsueh has the endorsement of many elected officials at federal, state, and county levels. It is an easy choice to reelect Mayor Hsueh to a third term.
Nord F. Winnan
As a West Windsor resident for over 20 years, I am casting my vote for the re-election of Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh, Linda Geevers and Kamal Khanna.
Why? Because Mayor Hsueh has waged a dignified campaign devoid of negativity and I have no doubt about the mayor’s honest and open nature and his record of transparency.
During these interesting times, the mayor has steered the town in a positive direction. We have a triple A bond rating, a new Alexander Bridge, a much improved Grovers Mill Pond, and so many other small amenities that he has supported over the years. I have attended cultural events sponsored by the mayor, observed the respect that other people have for his skills (including mayors of neighboring towns, state government agencies, township residents, etc.).
I remember Charlie Morgan’s criticism of Mike Herbert, architect Bob Hillier, and even the mayor himself. Being an observer of this type of behavior, I can’t even begin to understand his motivation.
Concerning redevelopment, I believe West Windsor can get it right with the proper leadership. I have attended many meetings, where dedicated people have provided great input and helped shape the plan. I understand the redevelopment plan calls for less than 500 condos and apartments. I understand that the plan was developed over the last few years to provide planned growth, a sense of place, more parking, and to help manage future township traffic growth that will occur. I also believe that the redevelop plan that we all will contribute to, will enable us to have an outcome that will totally enhance the value of our town.
I have seen Charlie lead marathon redevelopment meetings. After all this time, I really don’t know where he stands. I know he was the only council member to vote against the redevelopment plan that was recently passed. Is he not proud of the plan that he, being the council president, and other council members developed? I have heard him say that he doesn’t want another MetroPark. So why is he against the redevelopment efforts. The primary purpose is to not have another Metropark.
In conclusion, if signs soon appear that says “NO TO 1000 HOUSES,” that is a signal for the type of negative and misleading leadership that a mayor Charlie Morgan will bring to our town.
Andy Bromberg
Princeton Junction
Linda Geevers has served West Windsor admirably for the past 10 years as an elected official. As our current councilwoman and a former WW-P school board member she has proven to be an intelligent, well-informed, hard-working public servant who, without drama or fanfare, studies all sides of an issue, welcomes public input, and then moves forward decisively with an eye towards fiscal prudence and the public interest.
I have appreciated Councilwoman Geevers’ responsible and disciplined approach to fiscal policy. In the early stages of the economic downturn she was the only Council member to vote against raising Council salaries by 50 percent. To his credit, Mayor Hsueh vetoed the salary increase ordinance, which would have granted him a pay increase as well.
Councilwoman Geevers and Mayor Hsueh advocate a conservative budget for 2009 that safeguards the surplus fund. Their opponents propose draining the surplus to unreasonably low levels, which is not prudent given that top economists are uncertain about the length and depth of our nation’s current financial crisis. With tax revenues down, replenishing the surplus would be difficult-our federal government has provided a dramatic example of what happens when government fails to preserve a surplus. Linda Geevers and Mayor Hsueh have wisely rejected quick-fix election year gimmicks and have instead remained focused on the strong, long-term financial health of the township.
Geevers has exercised discretion in spending taxpayer money by working to move the redevelopment process to a constructive conclusion. She understood that after publicly formulating dozens of goals and policies in the redevelopment plan with her colleagues, it was finally time to take a vote and end the costly drain on taxpayers.
Councilwoman Geevers and Mayor Hsueh sought public input in the creation of a flexible, comprehensive redevelopment plan that requires developers to demonstrate that their site plans are tax positive. The redevelopment plan will also allow for more parking for West Windsor residents, create a vibrant town center, and enable the people of West Windsor, not developers, to control residential growth and make much needed infrastructure and circulation improvements. The adopted redevelopment plan communicates to potential investors as well as state and federal government agencies that West Windsor is open for business and is seeking to increase its ratable base.
Catherine Foley
While conversing with friends about our recent trip to Florida, the topic invariably turned to the rampant corruption in local Florida politics. Interestingly, most of the people we spoke with felt the politicians in their hometowns were similarly corrupt.
What a pleasure it was for me to point with pride to the accomplishments of Mayor Hsueh’s administration in West Windsor. How fortunate for us to have a mayor whose integrity is above reproach and whose honesty is unquestioned. We have enjoyed the benefits of Mayor Hsueh’s thoughtful decision making and the transparency that has been a trademark of his administration.
We also commend Mayor Hsueh’s running mates, Councilwoman Linda Geevers and Kamal Khanna. Linda has served West Windsor for ten years as a Council member and as a school board member. Kamal, a 30-year resident, is a successful businessman who will bring more integrity and new insights to Council discussions.
Let’s not take honesty, integrity and fair-mindedness for granted in our elected officials. Let’s ensure four more years of trustworthy government in West Windsor.
Steve & Susyn Kraham
Stonebridge Lane
Let’s talk about risk. Risk has become a dirty word because of the terrible risks taken by self serving, irresponsible individuals that have shattered our economy and the lives of many of our fellow citizens. But risk is as much a part of our lives as the air we breath and the gravity that holds us to earth. We spend large sums of money to insure ourselves against many kinds of risk but on May 12, election day, we will be able to insure ourselves against a very significant risk at no cost.
On May 12 the future of West Windsor will be at risk because those elected will be making the decisions that will guide West Windsor through the next four years, a time frame that will be among the most important in our township’s history. That is why it is so necessary to vote for Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh and his running mates . They will provide the guidance required to achieve our objectives.
The re-election of our mayor is an excellent risk. Whether it be the new Alexander Road bridge, the rehabilitation of Grover’s Mill pond, the obtaining of a Triple A bond rating for the township or the expansion of the Senior Center, his record of accomplishment is awesome. But it is not only his past record that shines, it is also his vision of the future for West Windsor. It is a vision that is based on cooperation and hope rather than divisiveness and fear. He believes in the potential that exists for West Windsor and he is committed to realize that potential.
The mayor brings an impressive set of attributes to the table. His career in state government as a planner and supervisor has familiarized him with the procedures required to obtain funding for West Windsor’s future.The Alexander Road bridge and roundabout, a $24 million addition at no cost to the taxpayer, is a prime example of how valuable the mayor’s experience has been and will continue to be.
Alvin Lerner
67 Rainflower Lane
We are disappointed that Charlie Morgan has justified the calling of a 5 p.m. council meeting recently to discuss the townships budget by suggesting that other council members were lying as to their availability at that time. The nature of his remarks with respect to his colleagues on the Council is unfortunate and unbecoming of one who is seeking higher office in this town. Mr. Morgan, this is one of the reasons why the voters get disgusted with politics.
Since Morgan refers to one of the real issues of the campaign as being open government, we should address it. While the agenda for the 5 p.m. council meeting may have been a large one, it is inconceivable to me that Mr. Morgan in setting that time did not consider that the members of the public are ending their work day or are preparing dinner for their families at this most inopportune time.
Regardless of how the other council members felt, Mr. Morgan should have exercised leadership and insisted in the interest of open government that the meeting be held at a more reasonable time when members of the public might be available to listen to an exchange of views by council members on such an important subject as the township budget.
Instead, pathetically, Mr. Morgan ran a council meeting at 5 p.m. — alone with no other council members present to express their views on the budget in an open public forum for almost a half hour. So much for democracy and common sense.
Paola and Andrew Blelloch
281 Clarksville Road
I was appalled by Council President Charles Morgan’s proposal of spending down Township’s “surplus funds” in order to reduce our taxes, even if such a move would ruin Township’s AAA rating on its municipal bonds.
Let me try to understand Mr. Morgan’s proposal by using analogies in our everyday personal money management.
As reported in the newspapers, Township Chief Financial Officer Joanne Louth explained that “the term ‘surplus’ is synonymous with ‘fund balance,’ which is the amount the township has on hand to pay bills, and it is not necessarily excess funds.” As an analogy, I have personal bank accounts with cash balances. Why do I keep cash balances in my accounts? It’s because I am paid only twice a month as a salaried employee. But I have to pay bills and buy groceries on a daily basis. I have to keep enough cash in my accounts before my next paycheck arrives.
So I believe what Township CFO Louth meant is that “surplus funds” are the cash balances in Township’s bank accounts. It is necessary because the residents pay taxes on a quarterly basis, but Township has to pay bills on a daily basis.
What is the consequence if the Township spends down its surplus funds? It is like I spend down all my cash balances in my accounts in order to enjoy an expensive vacation. What will be the consequence? I will have no cash to pay electric and gas bills, and no cash to buy groceries. I will have to borrow from my parents, my brothers, or even my children!
The equivalent of the AAA rating is my personal credit. We all know why we have to maintain our personal credits: Without a good credit, you can’t get mortgages, car loans, or credit cards.
What are “municipal bonds?” My understanding is that “municipal bonds” are IOUs from a government body when it borrows money from lenders. The money is used to pay for projects such as road repairs. It is like my mortgage and car loan. I might not need a loan today. But I know I am going to have to replace my six-year-old car soon. And I know that it’s easy to ruin my good credit in a day, and it’ll take me a long time and great effort to rebuild it.
What Mr. Morgan proposed is this: Let’s spend down our “surplus funds” so that we have to borrow from our future generations. And let’s ruin our AAA rating so that we can’t borrow any money.
If we do as what Mr. Morgan proposed, yes, we will get splendid tax cuts for one year. If I spend down my personal cash balances, yes, I can take my family to Hawaii for a splendid vacation, flying first class and staying in a hotel costing $1,”000 per night. But what will happen after that?
Charles Wan
120 Fisher Place
The List of Mayor Hsueh’s accomplishments — money he has brought in, improvements he has made, awards and certifications he has won or earned in the field of township management — is quite long. I am not aware of any actual accomplishments by his opponents nor even a claim of having accomplished anything concrete. I know one of his opponents has tried very hard to increase his salary and have me pay for his lunch but luckily he failed in that.
Mayor Hsueh runs our town so well that we have received a AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor. One of his opponents wants us to believe that the AAA bond rating is costing us money. Does having a good credit rating cost any of YOU money? Do you want that kind of logic managing your tax dollars?
I haven’t the space to list and you haven’t the time to read all of the misstatements, quotes out of context, hyperbole, and wild promises that need correcting. I will point out that it is easy to make wild promises like a 12 percent tax cut, or instant free garages, if you know that saner heads will prevail and you can claim the credit of having tried. While it is difficult to try to determine who is right without pouring hours of research into these issues, I point out:
— Mayor Hsueh brought us over $43 million in outside money to improve our town
— Mayor Hsueh vetoed and Linda Geevers voted against a 50 percent salary increase for council.
What have his opponents done for us and where did they stand on the salary increase?
Mike Donnelly
We have being living in West Windsor for 10 years and have really enjoyed the beautiful environment and great school systems, as well as excellent facilities and services the town provided. Like many in West Windsor, I commute by train into New York everyday and have young children that I am raising with my wife. I want to contribute to our great community, but I have little time and smaller inclination to spend listening to four-hour council meetings where little seems to get accomplished except exhibitions of personal egos and political agendas, as well as delays of actions and increased taxpayer costs. I know that this is not how most of us work in at our jobs.
I keep my job by how well I identify issues and work with others as a team to solve problems. To me, anyone who gets my vote must be a team player; he/she must be trustworthy with integrity and skills. To vote for anyone without these qualities would be a disaster for our great town and community.
That’s why I will vote for Mayor Hsueh and his teammates Linda Geevers and Kamal Khanna on May 12. While others squabble, Mayor Hsueh is improving quality of life for me and my family and everyone in this great town.
Jay Liu
I will vote for Mayor Hsueh and his team of Linda Geevers and Kamal Khanna on May 12 because Mayor Hsueh has consistently and patiently provided our town with improvements at little or no cost to us, he runs the town well, and he does all of this with integrity.
Mayor Hsueh has obtained millions and millions of dollars from outside sources to build for us bridges, bike path improvements, open space acquisition. I was delighted to read about his Grover Mill Pond restoration.
When four of the council members sought a 50 percent pay increase while residents were losing their jobs, Linda Geevers voted against it. When that pay increase passed anyway, Mayor Hsueh vetoed it. Where else in New Jersey does that happen?
Dondapati Chowdary
Priory Road, Princeton Junction
From the Mayor
As mayor of West Windsor I have the responsibility of guiding the township through trying times. With the national economy in turmoil, that responsibility is only compounded.
Through a campaign of fear and innuendo, one of my opponents has attempted to describe what I want for the township and how I intend to achieve it. Each candidate should clearly state what he will do if elected, rather than spreading fear and false stories on others.
I submit the following promises I intend to keep if re-elected. You can easily check the promises I made during my tenure and delivered.
1. I will work tirelessly for all residents of West Windsor, regardless of their political affiliation.
2. Every decision I make will be made in the best interest of the Township.
3. I will never use fear as a means of getting support.
4. I will not endorse a redevelopment plan that will change the nature of West Windsor.
5. I will never make deals behind closed doors with developers.
6. I will not support any redevelopment that places a tax burden on residents. Instead, I will seek state, county and federal resources to pay for elements of any plan.
7. I will run a financially efficient and responsible administration without jeopardizing the long term fiscal health of the Township.
8. I will treat everyone respectfully.
9. I will not manufacture stories about anyone who opposes my candidacy to discredit them.
10. I will not abstain, contradict myself, or constantly change my mind on important issues.
Shing-Fu Hsueh
Out below
Now that the main election is coming up and everyone is talking about whom they should vote for and why, I wanted to share with people how I feel about this election and politics in general.
On May 12, I will vote to re-elect Mayor Hsueh and Linda Geevers and to elect Kamal Khanna to council because the members of this team have proven their integrity and commitment to improving my quality of life with their actions.
Mayor Hsueh has held important offices in state government. He retired from the state to provide us with his expertise full time at a part-time salary. Mayor Hsueh’s planning expertise is so well regarded by state officials that he was asked to serve on the State Planning Board where he has access to top state officials and emerging trends in state planning.
Mayor Hsueh has gotten us millions of dollars to fund several new bridges, road & bicycle improvements, open space acquisitions, sidewalk repairs, recreational facilities, and parks improvements.
I am very impressed with the integrity of Mayor Hsueh who vetoed an ordinance granting him a raise, and with Linda Geevers who was the lone council member who voted against the same ordinance that would have given her a 50 percent raise. In this economy, we can only trust leaders like him to guide us through the difficulties without having to worry about misuse of we tax payers’ money for any personal purposes.
