To the Editor:
Pros & Cons
Of School Budget
These are incredibly difficult times, there is no doubt in saying that. Deciding what our priorities are, especially where finances are concerned, requires due diligence and balance. Our schools are the breeding grounds for future generations of citizens who will make or break the society they live in. ##M:[more]##
I vote to keep funding the schools as a priority for our community. I have seen what our schools are producing through my own children’s education and through the volunteer work of West Windsor Plainsboro’s High School South student group, GREEN.
These students diligently helped at the Greening of West Windsor Environmental Fair at the West Windsor Farmers Market and at other winter farmers markets in the region this past year. They show the adults they come into contact with that our schools are creating educated, aware, and caring people who will step in to work on the issues facing their future communities.
Our schools are the future and funding them should be at the top of our priority list. Vote to pass the WW-P budget on Tuesday, April 21. Beth Feehan
Clarksville Road
Extras Are Costly;
Should Kids Pay?
This is response to the letter by Jenni Kim in the March 20 issue of the WW-P News. I found it refreshing to hear how much Miss Kim enjoys her academic co-curricular activities, and I understand and empathize with her frustration that the budget for such activities is being reduced, however, what Miss Kim does not seem to understand is that in trying economic times such as these, these “extras” are the first to go in any budget.
The income of the taxpayers that fund the W-WP School District is limited more now than ever, and with the increase in unemployment and home foreclosure rates, as well as increased costs of health care, insurance premiums, and groceries, many West Windsor and Plainsboro residents are already doing without many of the necessities, let alone extras, that they previously enjoyed.
While I have not always agreed with or supported decisions made by the WW-P School Board, in this instance I am happy to see that they are decreasing funding for extras rather than increase taxes above the cost of living at a time when so many residents and homeowners are struggling to afford basic necessities, requests for help from local food pantries are multiplying at an alarming rate, and several of my neighbors have lost their jobs.
I would like to suggest to Miss Kim that since the Cognetics program means so much to her that she and others who would also like to continue the program look into alternate routes of funding, such as fundraisers, corporate grants, or corporate sponsorships. The budget for these programs is not being cut completely, but is being reduced by 2.5 percent as Miss Kim states.
I think it is fair and reasonable that students be asked to contribute to raising funds for the extra activities in which they participate, and I wonder if perhaps the added responsibility might make them appreciate this learning opportunity even more. While I and others in WW-P have no doubt as to the benefits of these programs, our first priority right now must be to keep our own households afloat (by keeping taxes in check), and this must take priority over extracurricular programs. Hopefully when times are better more funding will be available. Sheryl Brown
Linden Lane, Plainsboro
Plainsboro Incumbents
Deserve Re-Election
School Board Elections will be held on Tuesday, April 21. As a parent of a middle school student I would like my child to continue receiving excellent education in WW-P school district. For this to happen, it is important to elect responsible, experienced school board members, who have a track record of involvement in our district and who have shown commitment and ability to work for our community.
There are two incumbents running from Plainsboro. Both these incumbents, Anthony Fleres and Anjani Gharpure, have shown the commitment by actively volunteering in the community and at the school district for over six years. For the past three years, both the incumbents have gained the experience in governing and functioning of our school district.
The March 20 edition of the WW-P News mentioned that two assistant superintendents will be leaving our school district by June. In the next few months the school district will hire new assistant superintendents and in the coming year the school district will face many other challenging issues. Anthony Fleres and Anjani Gharpure have worked on many such challenging issues as Board of Education members and with their knowledge and understanding of the workings of the WW-P school district; they will help the Board and the administrators in making these tough decisions.
When the decisions made by the Board of Education will impact my child’s education, as a concerned parent, I would like to request all the registered voters in Plainsboro to elect members who will bring much needed experience to the school board — Anthony Fleres and Anjani Gharpure. Uma Kher
School Funds Well Spent
The Administration and Facilities Committee of the West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education has focused its efforts on addressing important topics facing the district, including policy development, special services, guidance, enrollment, athletics, building use, and facility management.
We have worked to address the needs of all of our schools. Two of the buildings are landmark structures — Dutch Neck Elementary School was built in 1917 and Wicoff Elementary School was established in 1919. Allocating resources to maintain 10 schools, that are occupied virtually 18 hours most days by students and community groups, presents an additional challenge in these trying economic times. As members of this important committee, we take our responsibilities seriously and wish to assure you that we have been very prudent in allocating monies to maintain facilities in order to ensure their structural integrity and safety.
In January, 2006, voters approved a $27.5 million referendum project that added classrooms at Dutch Neck Elementary School and at High School South. The core facilities at High School South were upgraded to provide a new auditorium, gymnasium, art and music classrooms, and auxiliary gym.
Both High School North and High School South benefited from the construction of turf fields. Two elementary schools — Maurice Hawk and Wicoff got a facelift. Another science lab was added at High School North.
This work has been our paramount focus over the last three years and we are very proud to say that these projects were completed ahead of schedule and fiscal constraint was exercised. The committee met regularly with the architect and project manager, toured ongoing construction, and reviewed construction reports and budget requests. We also studied change orders, timelines, and all bidding and awarding of contracts.
It was a primary goal of the committee to be the watchdog of your tax money and to ensure that funds were properly expended. The referendum project will reach final completion in June when the High School South pool enclosure is opened. The entire project kept to the proposed timeline and the money taxpayers approved. We also kept our promise not to exceed our debt financing level. These new facilities will provide an environment that reflects our commitment to excellence in education.
As parents whose children have benefited from a WW-P education, we urge you to vote on April 21 to support our school budget so we may continue to provide students an outstanding educational experience as we prepare them to be the leaders of tomorrow.
Anthony Fleres
Randall Tucker
Ellen Walsh
Members, Administration & Facilities Committee, WW-P School Board
Get Out the Vote: In 2008 Less Than 10 % Voted
Many of us have moved to West Windsor or Plainsboro townships because of the school district. In spite of education being our topmost priority in this district, less than 10 percent of registered voters in Plainsboro and West Windsor voted in last year’s School Board election and budget vote.
It is important not only to find out what is happening in our own children’s classrooms, but it is equally important to know the implication of the decisions being made at the district level that will impact our children’s education now and in future.
Just as in prior years, the school district has been trying to inform the residents of the township about the budget and the elections since January. There is information available on the district website, there are presentation held at the board meetings that are open to the public, there are articles in the newspaper, and there are discussions held at PTA/PTSA meetings. All these resources are for the residents and parents to get more information about the school district’s budget and the school board’s elections on April 21. I would like to request all the parents to follow the budget process. Here are few interesting facts about our school district and the elections to be held on April 21:
WW-P has two of the highest ranked high schools in the state, and WW-P scored in the top five for SATs in the state.
WW-P is one of two New Jersey school districts awarded a AAA bond rating, which shows that we have managed well, including “conservative budgeting strong fiscal policies and manageable debt burdens and strong capital planning profiles.”
Nine members of your community serve as the School Board and are the governing body of the school district. Four members on the Board of Education are from Plainsboro and five from West Windsor. This year John Ferrell is the incumbent and only candidate from West Windsor. Anthony Fleres and I — Anjani Gharpure — are the incumbents from Plainsboro and are running for a second term. Please consider supporting both of us in the election from Plainsboro.
YOUR VOTE COUNTS. Less than 10 percent of registered voters in Plainsboro and West Windsor Townships voted in last year’s School Board election and budget vote. The last day to complete an absentee ballot for the School Board election and budget vote is Tuesday, April 14. The School Board election & budget vote is on Tuesday, April 21.
Anjani Gharpure
Member,
WW-P Board of Education
Massive Risks
I expect many have grown weary of all this transit village hoopla, I know I have. Let’s go back five years at where we were then and where we are now. Five years ago there was near unanimous consensus in our town that we wanted to insure all residents in West Windsor that needed parking at the train station got parking at the train station. And, if it didn’t cost much, it sure would be nice to beautify 571 and create a downtown atmosphere in that area with some restaurants.
What’s got accomplished on those two basic objectives? Basically, nothing. We have:
A transit village’ plan for 500 plus condos near the train station with an open ended increase clause above that amount.
NJ Transit was not adequately engaged on the project plan. They disagree with it and won’t use it in their plans to provide parking.
571’s appearance has improved marginally via the building of two new banks at no cost to the tax payers. And, this work was completely outside the `transit village’ planning.
We’ve spent over $2 million on planning and not met any of our objectives. All we really got out of this is more condos and future headaches. Clint Eastwood in Heartbreak Ridge had a two word term for a bureaucratic snafu that I think perfectly describes the mayor’s transit village planning process and leadership.
A couple questions you may want to ask the current mayor on his transit village leadership:
Why don’t we have parking yet for our residents? Hamilton had parking in 1.5 years from the time they made a decision they wanted it, why didn’t we do the same thing?
Why does he insist on leading us down his path to the urbanization of West Windsor? West Windsor is not a town dominated by condos, it is suburban — mostly houses and some picket fences. It has a nice neighborhood feel to it.
Why do our taxes keep going bone crushingly up, up, up? And, what do we do if the transit village sends our taxes up $3,”000 to $7,”000 per year?
Why does he keep using the euphemism “Smart Growth’? Does he understand that sometimes “No Growth” is even smarter growth?
And, the key question the mayor has never answered is why do we want to be a transit village? The answer is clear why developers and our neighboring communities want us to bear the cost in many ways to be a transit village, but why do the taxpayers of West Windsor want to be a transit village? Don’t we really just want parking for our citizens and some restaurants? Why do we want 500 to 2,”000 more condos, why do we want a load of new parking spots and associated traffic for people from outside West Windsor?
The taxpayers of West Windsor can not afford his condo laden transit village plan. The upside risk of the number of condos possible via the latest transit village/redevelopment plan should put any West Windsor taxpayer that reads it in to cardiac arrest. Did anyone move to West Windsor with the hope that it would be urbanized? Outside the mayor and developers, I can’t think of anyone that wants the tax, traffic, and quality of life risks.
Based on experiences to date, the only way to deliver the message of what residents want will be at the ballot box in May.
Mike Baxter
Princeton Junction
1,”000 Home Minimum
As a resident of West Windsor I had hoped the West Windsor Council would vote no on the redevelopment plan on Monday, March 23.
We have very little to gain, but assume great risk. I have read the plan, and it is fraught with problems. There has been no overall financial analysis, no traffic analysis, and no environmental analysis. It does not include solutions to traffic problems, gives developers WAY too much power, and it does not provide for mixed use as mandated by Smart Growth.
In addition, it rezones the redevelopment area to include residential, which opens the door for a HUGE housing development. The ambiguity of the plan allows for negotiation of any amount of housing with Steve Goldin. Since his development is not economically feasible at less than 1,”000 homes, with an affordable housing component of nearly one for every two homes, we will be looking at at least 1,”000 new homes being built.
Not to mention the unanswered questions with regard to NJ Transit and the DEP — including the fact that NJ Transit has objected to the plan because they don’t want more than one crossing over the Dinky Line, yet the plan ignores that reality and can’t work without two or even three crossings.
All this, but no guaranteed benefits for our residents. How did additional parking for residents at the station and a quaint downtown turn into this?? Virginia Manzari
Or Possibly 1,”500?
It’s mind boggling to learn that West Windsor has finally voted “Yes” to the inane plan to erect a village transit center within close proximity and earshot of the Princeton Junction station. Where else has a development of this eclectic nature been built around a crowded railroad hub? Surely no one would be so foolish as to develop a transit center — incorporating retail, commercial, residential and parking spaces — in such a potentially congested location.
This development will almost certainly add to the unacceptable traffic delays and cause further chaos in the school system. The residents of West Windsor will be faced with at least 11,”000 more cars, and lengthy roadway and parking lot traffic jams.
All this will be caused by the building of at least 500 residential units — a number which could grow to upwards of 1,”500 — and many retail stores and commercial offices. The stores will no doubt draw many shoppers from out of town and more commuters will use the station. This will add to further overcrowding on the trains and cause long delays during commuting hours.
Why would anyone with a modicum of sense design a so-called “village” (traditionally define as “a small group of dwellings in a rural area”) so close to a railroad station that already suffers from rush hour congestion? Amazingly, the majority of public speakers at the council meeting on March 23 were in favor of a “yes” vote and, in the main, two unconvincing reasons were presented. One was the need for a sense of place in Princeton Junction. The other was the belief that the council’s plan, instead of a future developer’s plan, was the lesser of two evils.
If a sense of place is required, why oh why don’t we clean up the Route 571 corridor eyesore by installing boutiques, pedestrian walkways, fountains with flowers, pretty ponds, cycling paths, and, above all, an attractive bistro/cafe or two where townspeople can gather? That would give us the sense of place without a massive overload to the infrastructure. Instead, we have to live with five banks, three gas stations, three realtor’s offices, and ghastly power lines dominating the Junction.
Will anyone rush to buy or rent a condo or apartment on top of the busiest rail line in the northeast with its incessant noise from trains? And is it likely that the retail space will be profitably leased in today’s financial climate? The good news is that it will take years before building action is commenced, and by then council may have reversed its crazy decision.
Can someone please give me one sensible positive reason for going ahead with this potentially disastrous white elephant? Charles Morgan was the only “No” vote, and he should be strongly supported in the next mayoral election.
Richard Moody
West Windsor
The Rest of the Story
In Charlie Morgan’s latest diatribe against Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh, Morgan explains his “no” to redevelopment vote. What he fails to tell you is:
Morgan played a large part in developing the plan.
Morgan wasted an enormous amount of taxpayer money and time by “reworking” the redevelopment plan over and over again, only to vote against the final plan.
How many “finance committee” meetings did he call to “rework” the plan.
Morgan suggests a “factoid” that “it is illegal for a member of Council to speak with the administrative staff reporting to the Mayor and Township Administrator without permission.”
Given the waste of time and money above, I for one am glad this policy, which is common practice in our form of government, is in place. Would anything get done if the Council was filled with more Charlie Morgans?
Morgan keeps trying to associate Hsueh with redevelopment because the mayor would like to see a revitalized train station area. Is it not true that Hsueh has repeatedly urged Council to either finalize a plan or drop it, but to do so in a timely manner? It is Morgan who has held up this plan and kept this on the table, not the Mayor.
Bottom line – Why does Morgan spend a whole page criticizing a plan that HE wasted time and money “reworking” for over a year?
Under Mayor Hsueh’s leadership, West Windsor has seen Alexander Road Bridge, Grovers Mill Pond, Old Trenton Road Bridge, and many recreational projects completed with over $43-million procured from the State and Federal government.
It’s time for West Windsor voters to reject the kind of divisive politics Morgan promotes in his campaign literature. He is merely trying to create controversy in a safe, productive community whose current mayor deserves to be returned to office for another term.
Don Samonte
Caleb Lane, West Windsor
Mayor vs. Taxes
In their March 15 campaign mailing, Charlie Morgan, Anupam Gupta, and Nitin Shah included an article entitled, “Taxes: Are Hsueh and Geevers Oblivious to Our Pain?” in which they state that, in 2008, “Funds should have been taken from our [municipal] surplus to lower taxes and put more money in the hands of our residents. Beefing up West Windsor’s surplus is far less important, especially during these tough times.”
Ironically they rely on Mayor Hsueh’s chart which shows that, under Mayor Hsueh’s financial leadership, West Windsor’s cash surplus has increased from $3,”745,”598 in 2003 to $7,”573, 012 in 2008 when 55.46% of the surplus was used to reduce taxes. Thanks to Mayor Hsueh’s leadership in financial affairs and insistence on keeping a prudent surplus, West Windsor enjoys the benefits of having the highest possible municipal bond rating in the State of New Jersey.
That AAA bond rating saves the residents of West Windsor hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest charges on our municipal bonds each year. In these tough economic times, the residents of West Windsor are indeed fortunate to have a budget surplus to ease their pain. Thank you Mr. Mayor!
Frank P. Donnangelo
Blanketflower Lane, West Windsor
Hsueh’s Openness
Mayor Hsueh harnesses the strength, knowledge, and valuable skills of the residents of West Windsor, by proactively seeking volunteers. For example, Mayor Hsueh found and encouraged Cable TV Advisory Board members to invest a few hours a month to record Town Hall, Planning Board, and Town Council meetings for broadcast on Channel 27 to fellow residents. Through his desire for open communication with the community, Mayor Hsueh has ensured that more government and educational information are available to you, so that you may provide valued public comments to generate long-term economic viability ideas for West Windsor. Every good idea must be on the table to yield successful results. Informed residents provide critical thinking and innovative use of knowledge to meet the demands of our Township, efficiently and effectively.
We can not wait — we must not wait — because building a better government yields a better quality of life for our families. Through small individual contributions, we can make a historic difference together. Please contact Mayor Hsueh to learn where you can make a difference. Let there be no doubt, West Windsor residents have limitless potential.
Michael Huey
West Windsor Cable TV Advisory Board Chair
Hsueh’s Integrity
West Windsor needs a mayor with integrity. Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh is a mayor with a lot of integrity. For the past eight years, he has proven that time and time again.
When someone on Council suggested raising salaries for the Mayor and Council, Mayor Hsueh voted against it. He said times were tough and it would be in bad taste to ask for a raise during these difficult times when many residents were losing their jobs and facing hardship. All others on Council voted for the raise. All, except Linda Geevers, Mayor Hsueh’s running mate on Council.
Mayor Hsueh changed the job of mayor in West Windsor. He elected to be a full time mayor giving up his position with the state government, a position he held for many years. He knew West Windsor needed a mayor that could devote many hours to the important issues facing a growing community like West Windsor.
He has done much for the community from the youngest residents to the Township’s seniors.
During Hsueh’s tenure, he has given West Windsor teens a place to call their own. He realized this is a segment of the population that often find themselves bored which can lead to mischief. So, to give teens a place that was specifically for them, he suggested the building of a skate park in Community Park.
And, for the Township’s senior community, Mayor Hsueh has begun the expansion of a new Senior Center with enhanced services to meet the needs of this growing segment of the population. He even finds time to volunteer at the Senior Center as a Tai Chi instructor.
He has beautified West Windsor with many projects like the Grovers Mill Pond and Alexander Bridge bypass. Many of these projects were completed with funds from state and federal governments.
He has done much for West Windsor in these past eight years. I’d like to see him continue the progress he has made. I urge you to vote for the team with integrity: Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh, Linda Geevers, and Kamal Khanna.
Nick Schiera
Benjamin Court
Firehouse Debate
I understand that Mayor Hsueh recently tried to blame my administration for cost-overruns for renovations to the old Princeton Junction Firehouse. Denying that he had promised taxpayers that they would not pay for the cost of those renovations, he stated that the previous administration was responsible for purchasing the firehouse.
The new Princeton Junction Firehouse was built during my administration but the fate of the old firehouse was not decided until after I left office. I had requested an engineering study to determine the structural integrity and environmental issues associated with the building. The report led me to believe that the building could not be used by the public without extensive renovations, hazardous materials mitigation and upgrades to meet the Americans with Disabilities requirements.
I felt that the rehabilitation costs of the old firehouse were unacceptable. Consequently, I told the fire company that they should keep the building and consider selling it to benefit the fire company.
The decision to acquire and renovate the old firehouse was made by the Hsueh administration. Hsueh should take responsibility for its decisions rather than trying to shift the blame for its poor judgment to my administration.
Carole Carson
Market Lessons
In your March 20 issue, Neal Phenes claims that the current economic crisis can be laid at the feet of government intervention. Most economists (and I teach graduate microeconomics) would vehemently disagree.
The market or the price mechanism works well only when certain conditions are met. Buyers and sellers have to be well informed about the product they are trading (such as the terms of a mortgage or the risk in a mortgage backed security). External parties can’t be impacted by the transaction (as we all have been by the collapse of the lending system). Finally, even when the correct conditions are present the market does nothing to take account of justice or fairness.
It was the lack of government oversight of the mortgage industry and of the financial institutions that packaged subprime mortgages into securities that created this crisis. While no one knows if the government interventions being tried will cure the worst economic period since the Great Depression, it is certain that just allowing the market to function will only make things worse for most Americans.
Stuart Shapiro
Windsor Haven
About that Roundabout:
Please Use Your Signals
I have been a resident of Princeton Junction for 46 years and also a third generation, so I can say that I have seen a lot of changes, and not all for the best.
When it was proposed that the new bridge on Alexander Road was going to have a roundabout at the end of it, I must say I had my doubts that it was going to work. My first experience with a roundabout was in Ireland, where the people there use their directional signals, and the flow of traffic runs smoothly.
All cars have directional signals, so please use them so the flow of traffic on Alexander Road will run smoothly and the roundabout will work as it was intended. Anne Marie Mora
Berrien Avenue, West Windsor
Editor’s note: Both West Windsor Police Chief Joe Pica and Lieutenant Carl Walsh agree that using turn signals would improve traffic flow. However, they added, there have been no reported accidents at the roundabout since its opening in December.
“As soon as people get onto the roundabout, they’re concentrating their effort on turning through that very confined space, and they don’t have enough time to turn on the signal,” Walsh says. “By the time they’re entering it, they’re almost exiting.”
Walsh adviced motorists to slow down while traveling on North Post Road, approaching the roundabout. “It comes up quickly, and they’re slamming on their brakes just as they approach,” he said. “They need to use more caution and slow down prior to entering the roundabout.”
Pica also urged drivers to use their turn signals. “It would be very helpful to other motorists,” he said. “If you know the guy is going to turn, there’s plenty of time to pull out in the roundabout.”
Pica noted that much better signage is coming to the area, as well as more lighting. He said the township is waiting for the completion of some final touches, including some utility work, on the roundabout. Still, “as people get used to it, I think it’s moved a lot more smoothly than in the beginning.”
About that Skateboard Park:
Why No Helmets on Kids?
An anonymous writer voiced a concern about the safety of children. at the West Windsor Community Park skateboard park.
On a recent visit, the writer said, “not a single child there wore any pads or helmets. None of these kids appeared to be old enough to drive so I have to assume that they were dropped off by an adult, perhaps or most likely, a parent. There were easily 20 kids ranging from 9 to teens.
“Why is it not a requirement that kids wear gear. It was heartbreaking to hear of Natasha Richardson’s sad fate. Is that not enough to get a parent to tell their kids to gear up? Something is bound to happen sooner or later.”
Chief Joe Pica responded that there is an ordinance governing the skate park. Anyone who wants to use the skate park is supposed to register with the police department. “They get a sticker that’s put on their helmet, and they’re required to wear a helmet when they’re skateboarding.”
Pica said that officers ride through and check to ensure the rules are being followed. But once officers leave the area, other kids come, and there are some parents who bring their children to the skate park who do not even enforce the rules themselves.
But, Pica added, the skate park is nearing its third summer, and so far, police have not seen any serious injuries.
Easter Invitation
Easter is coming Sunday, April 12. Easter is especially important for those who hold the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as significant. The story of Easter is good news for Christians because through the resurrection of Jesus Christ they are given grace, access to God, and become part of the life giving work of God in the world. It is an old, odd and amazing story. In fact, there is no story quite like.
It is not an exaggeration to say that all Christian congregations would welcome those searching to better understand how this God works in the world and in our lives to join them in their annual observance of Holy Week and Easter. In fact, Christian communities would especially welcome visitors, seekers and all sorts of spiritual practitioners, moved by religious memory, family history or cultural influence to join them on Easter in listening to this old, odd and amazing story.
Easter is the celebration of a surprise ending of a thought-to-be-certain story. If such a possibility intrigues you; if you are hoping that there are more surprises in store, that this isn’t as good as life gets, then venture into any Christian faith community this Easter. You’ll need to pay attention, however, not to what you think you know but to what you hear about the new thing God is about. Because, more than likely, you will be met by a surprising God, known to roll away stones and startle folks with unimaginable promises and astounding tales.
Rev. Paul Lutz
Pastor, Prince of Peace
Lutheran Church
