This Saturday, February 19, from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Plainsboro Firehouse, residents of Plainsboro will have the opportunity to elect two Fire Commissioners to serve for three years and to vote on the annual Fire District budget.
See the news section of this issue for an article about the election. The News also invited the four candidates to submit letters explaining their reasons for running. Two candidates replied:
Michelle Holder
As one of the candidates for Fire Commissioner, I’m committed to ensuring the fire tax rate does not increase for Plainsboro residents and at the same time continuing to provide quality fire protection service to the community. It is vital to have trained and knowledgeable personnel to respond to the needs of Plainsboro. I will focus on the retention of the volunteers and paid firefighters who serve our community. It is also important that we work on involving the community with the Fire District by improving communication and outreach activities.
Leading up to this election, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many residents who have expressed surprise that there is an election in February, and that there is a budget to be voted upon. Community matters such as these need to be better communicated and I pledge to do that.
I have been a resident of Plainsboro for 15 years and a Plainsboro volunteer firefighter since 2000. I’ve also had the honor of serving as a Plainsboro Fire Commissioner from 2006 through 2009. It would truly be an honor to have the opportunity again.
Even though it is cold and snowy this time of year, I hope that you will venture out to offer me support on Saturday!
Phil Giusto
As the Plainsboro Fire Company celebrated its 50th year this past summer, I reflected on the meaning of township community. I am so very proud to be a part of it as a Fire Commissioner for the past 15 years. There were township residents lining Plainsboro Road watching the fire and rescue companies as well as our police departments pass the review stand. East and West Windsor, Cranbury, Princeton, Hightstown, PPP&L (and the list goes on) came to join in the celebration. This exemplified to me what community, service, honor, respect and integrity means to me as a resident here in Plainsboro.
Here, my family grew over the past 20 years. We were all connected at on time or another as volunteers in Plainsboro Township for the Library, Rescue Squad, Fire Department, Church, Historical Society, Plainsboro Preserve and other organizations, not to mention being involved in scouts and sports.
The vitality that our volunteers contribute to our community is very important to me and as a Fire Commissioner, so is the safety and well being of every township resident and neighboring communities. Key accomplishments:
The District has maintained the tax rate for the last 7 years including this years new budget.
The Fire Department Building erected in 1999 is now mortgage free.
A responsible cost effective Apparatus Plan was commissioned and implemented and all new replacement vehicles will be debt free by next year.
We support the dedicated volunteers and provide professional career staff during the work week.
Continuing as Fire Commissioner for the next three years will allow me to continue my efforts, working as a team with the Plainsboro Fire Company and other township services to provide state of the art fire equipment and services.
I will also continue to follow best practices for maintaining balance in the tax structure for the Plainsboro residents.
I value open communication from township residents and appreciate all the support you have given me in my past 15 years of service to you.
I look to contribute my time and service to our township and ask for your vote in this coming election for Plainsboro Fire Commissioner.
