After careful consideration and discussions with many friends, I am pleased to announce my candidacy for mayor of West Windsor Township in the upcoming November election.
I ran for the West Windsor-Plainsboro school board in 2001 because I thought I could make a significant contribution to its operations. Three years later I sought the board’s presidency because I believed I could make an even greater contribution as its leader. I am very proud of the school system’s accomplishments, and I am happy to have been a part of that success as a board member for 12 years and as board president for the past nine years.
Despite steady student growth and unexpected external challenges created by the recession and the state’s financial situation, the WW-P school district has steadily improved. During these years our relative annual per student expense dropped — we were $300 above the state average in 2002 but were $1,000 below it in 2011, the last year for which data are available. Even with limited financial resources, we have consistently ranked at the top academically in both state and national listings. Our students have also excelled in extra-curricular activities and sports.
Looking ahead, West Windsor Township faces serious challenges, including budgetary pressures and the management of continued growth. My 12-year record of dedication and leadership on the school board demonstrates my ability to handle tough issues by working collaboratively toward a positive outcome. I am now prepared to focus that same energy and depth of experience on West Windsor because I believe a change in leadership will be healthy for our community.
Over the next few months, I hope to visit with as many West Windsor residents as possible in order to listen to your concerns personally and discuss the issues facing our township.
I will have two well-qualified and concerned running mates — Linda Geevers and Peter Mendonez Jr. Linda served on the school board for six years and is currently in her second term as a West Windsor Council member. Peter is an entrepreneur with a focus on energy sustainability and engineering infrastructure. Though a relatively new West Windsor homeowner, Peter brings a fresh and energetic perspective to council deliberations. In the coming months we hope to earn your trust as future leaders of the township’s government.
I believe that, together, we will make a fresh start toward achieving more effective and transparent government in order to ensure continued improvement in our quality of life.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
Hemant Marathe
