The three candidates for West Windsor mayor were asked to give a brief biography and provide answers to the questions below. Their responses are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
1.) Please summarize your background, career path, academic credentials, etc.
2.) What do you think should happen to the Wyeth/Howard Hughes land at Quakerbridge Road and Route 1? What steps would you recommend to achieve that result?
3.) A plan has been advanced to renovate the township office complex at a cost of several million dollars. What is your opinion of that expenditure?
4.) Several projects have been proposed to enhance the downtown area of West Windsor, including the pocket park next to the 7/11 and a proposal for landscaping the pond area in front of the Junction train station. Would you continue these efforts? Add other projects to the list? If so, how would they best be financed?
5.) What areas of township operations or infrastructure are most in need of immediate improvement?
6.) Do you anticipate a need to raise property taxes in the foreseeable future? Why or why not? Do you have a plan to lower taxes? How would you implement that?
7.) Long-term what are the biggest challenges facing West Windsor?
8.) Are there any other issues that you would like to raise?
9.) Is there a public figure or personal acquaintance you look up to as an inspiration or a role model?
1.) I have worked extensively for the last 34 years in both U.S. and international companies as a business development executive, sales executive, and engineer, predominantly on energy projects and sales to steel producers throughout the world. These projects have provided me the opportunity to work successfully in over 30 countries.
I received a BS in mining engineering from Penn State.
2.) First and foremost the property has been zoned for commercial use in all township Master Plans. The buyer of the property has known this from the very beginning. That there would be approval on any change in the zoning was pure speculation by the property owners. West Windsor Township should not agree to change the zoning. I believe the mayor and council as the elected officials of the township should work closely with Howard Hughes to achieve this goal.
The negative impact on quality of life issues and the schools in West Windsor and Plainsboro by accepting any plans for mixed-use development is unacceptable. There is commercial development, as demonstrated in Plainsboro, that provides jobs and opportunities to residents. This type of commercial development is well suited for the Route 1 corridor. This type of development will ultimately lead to maintaining our schools and quality of life.
3.) I do not believe that this plan is good or proper for the taxpayers of West Windsor. I will not support this extensive plan under the guise that this will benefit the township by making the municipal building a green building. My first objective as mayor would be to inventory, categorize, and develop a plan for addressing the safety issues concerning sidewalks and pedestrian hazards. After a plan has been developed and communicated to the public, I would then consider proper improvements to the municipal building.
4.) Yes, I would continue these two projects. I believe these and other projects like this enhance the appearance and have a welcoming or positive effect on the town. I also believe that the bulk if not all of these projects should be done by our Department of Public Works under the supervision of the township’s landscape architect. Neither of these projects are so complicated that they should require specialized contractors. Our DPW needs to take on such projects to fully utilize the 50-plus vehicles and equipment they have in their fleet. In addition, we would always consider new ideas for additional areas to beautify. One project I will emphasize is the unfinished Duck Pond Park.
5.) We need to streamline and improve our building and permitting process. We need to encourage and support any new business looking to expand, build, or open new operations in the township. Communications consistency is the key to any successful operation or interaction with our residents and businesses. These operations will help us make West Windsor business friendly and, more importantly, taxpayer friendly.
Infrastructure, especially in the older parts of town, is beginning to face the end of its useful life. Plans and actions must be put into place to begin improving these facilities, including sewers and water lines, by taking preventive measures.
6.) At this time I see no need to raise property taxes in West Windsor. I would look to better manage the resources we already have. I would look to return a significant portion of the $7 million fund balance to taxpayers which is undoubtedly a major source of the money wanted to improve the municipal building. In addition, I would look to monetize the liquor license we have, and not just have it sit there. West Windsor needs to make sure that its current $37 million budget is well managed. All township vehicles will have GPS installed to enhance the safety and improve efficiency.
7.) Excessive residential growth and poor planning to utilize the advantages a town like West Windsor has. West Windsor has and wants to keep a high-quality school system and a high quality of life. Extensive residential growth at the Hughes property will negatively impact both of these issues.
8.) We have had a mayor in office for 12 years. We have a mayor who has never worked in private industry. We have a mayor who has never had to make a profit to insure a company’s long-term survival. I think it is time for term limits in West Windsor. Change is healthy and promotes new ideas and approaches to government. It also helps to stop corrupt practices that tend to help people stay in office.
9.) No, unfortunately, there are no current public figures I look up to as either an inspiration or a role model. My inspiration to run is my family.
My parents taught me to work hard, never give up and never ever do anything illegal or unethical. I try everyday to follow this wisdom. One other person is my son, I fully know and understand the struggles he has had to face in his life. I work every day to try and make life easier for him to handle the hurdles he faces. I will not fail at this.
