As I walk around town, meeting people as part of my mayoral campaign, the question I get most often is how the Marathe administration will be different from the Hsueh administration.
The current administration is misusing separation of power to avoid public discussion of issues before the mayor makes a decision. Under our current form of government the mayor does have the right to make the final decision. However, the decision should be made only after getting input from the council and all stakeholders. The discussion should not start after the mayor has already made the decision.
Let me illustrate with a current example. Last week I attended the zoning board meeting where the Ellsworth shopping center owners presented a plan to upgrade their property along with two adjoining properties they are purchasing. The plan is very nice and it includes both bike and pedestrian lanes as part of the upgrade, something I strongly support. Unfortunately, both lanes stop at the end of the Ellsworth property.
Since the administration is working on an RFP to provide such lanes on Cranbury Road, I asked whether the zoning board knows what the mayor’s vision for the road is. Is the Ellsworth plan consistent with the township’s vision for the rest of the road? Unfortunately, neither the zoning board nor residents of that area had any idea whether the plan would be consistent.
Would it not make sense for the mayor to reveal his plans so the zoning board can ensure that the proposed design of bike and pedestrian lanes on the Ellsworth property fits in with our long-term plan for the road? If the two plans are not consistent, we are either left with a road that doesn’t make sense or forced to change plans for rest of Cranbury Road based on what the zoning board has already approved for the Ellsworth property.
If elected mayor I will never hide behind the separation of power argument to avoid discussion of important topics. You don’t have to take my word for it — look at my 12-year record on the school board, the last nine of which I served as its president. As the president I have always insisted that important topics be first discussed in open committee meetings or board meetings before the administration finalizes its recommendation for vote. Especially on issues where there is disagreement among board members, I have insisted on multiple discussions so everyone is heard. As your mayor, I will carry this same practice to the town hall. This doesn’t mean we will all agree on all issues, but it certainly means that everyone will be heard. As your mayor, I will take responsibility for the final decision. However, that decision will be made and presented to the council only after everyone has had an opportunity to give input.
It is time for change in West Windsor’s leadership.
Hemant Marathe
Candidate for Mayor of West Windsor
