It’s easy to understand the constant pronouncements by Council candidates Borek, Diehl, and Samonte and their supporters about how much they favor the proposed InterCap development. These statements coincide with those eye-catching, full-page color ads depicting enormous plazas, low buildings, and very few people or cars. But what these candidates are really doing is confusing both themselves and the public and diverting attention from our more pressing priorities.
The simple fact is that the InterCap question is out of Council’s hands at the present time. There are no pending votes, and there’s little that can take place at that level now. The controlling decisions will be made by other independent bodies: the West Windsor Planning Board and its consideration of the local tax question, the NJ Department of Transportation (including both roads and NJ Transit issues), the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, and Mercer County. With input from the public at the proper times, all of the above entities will carefully weigh the substantial impacts that this development would have on their respective jurisdictions.
So let’s get realistic for a change. It’s time to move on to other topics, such as the constant high increases in our municipal tax burden and what to do about it in these difficult times for us all. Council candidates Bryan Maher, Lauren Kohn, and Gary Zohn have excellent ideas as to this and other important matters, such as encouraging the right kind of development along our actual Main Street, Route 571. The InterCap property is off in what amounts to an inaccessible cul-de-sac and couldn’t ever be our real downtown.
Please join me in voting for these fresh, enthusiastic, and financially savvy candidates on November 8.
John A. Church, West Windsor
I’ve known Bryan Maher for more than a decade. Over the years, he has, like the rest of us, become increasingly concerned about the rising cost of living in West Windsor. In these grim economic times, many of the people living here are concerned with the feasibility of remaining in this town, especially once their children are out of the school system.
Bryan is running for Town Council as a concerned citizen who would like to see a change in the way scant resources are allocated –– not a man with lifelong political aspirations. Who could be better suited for the job than someone with extensive financial management experience who has shown his commitment to this town by investing 15 years with his family here?
Those of you who know Bryan or have seen him at town meetings know that he is an outspoken, often blunt man. However, make no mistake: he is neither a grandstander nor a time-waster. This campaign is not about him and it’s not about party politics; it’s about getting things done in a timely and financially prudent manner. It’s about using Town Council meetings that cost us $500 per hour efficiently to make smart decisions. It’s about putting decades of redevelopment bickering behind us and finally realizing a viable town center.
There are those who talk and those who do. Bryan Maher and his running mates, Lauren Kohn and Gary Zohn –– the Strong Leaders for West Windsor –– will get things done.
Allegra D’Adamo, West Windsor
Tired of paying municipal taxes that have increased more than 120 percent since 2001 — that is, more than doubled — while West Windsor’s population has increased only 21 percent during the same time period? Has your own compensation more than doubled in the past 10 years?
Tired of hearing about things long after they have been approved? Tired of feeling you have no input to decision making and not really knowing how your tax dollars are spent?
Take back council by voting for Bryan Mahen, Lauren Kohn, and Gary Zohn on November 8.
These three candidates for West Windsor Council have the business, financial analysis, and marketing backgrounds to know how to bring all relevant facts to light and correctly assess them, without getting forced to decide prematurely or to base decisions on incomplete information.
Maher, Kohn, and Zohn know how to keep voters abreast of situations so that voters can have input.
They have the skills, integrity, and energy to help expedite needed and worthwhile activities, while explaining why they can’t support any proposed actions not in the voters’ best interests.
Visit their website to learn more about their education, professional experiences, families, and contact information: www.StrongLeadersforWW.com. I encourage you to meet and talk with them. Learn for yourself. Then, I think you’ll want to vote for Maher, Kohn, and Zohn as my family will on November 8.
Sandra Donovan
Sapphire Drive, West Windsor
