I would like to thank Patricia Ward for her response “Correcting the Record in West Windsor” (The News, May 15). As the mayor’s community development director, I believe Ms. Ward’s presence during twice-monthly Council meetings would be both appropriate and within the scope of her employment. This is particularly critical given the absence of the mayor.
Our horror arises when our Council cannot make timely decisions because mayor is absent. In most communities’ government, decisions are made by the elected officials who have a reservoir of knowledge. Our business administrator, on the job for a relatively short time, does not have the critical, historical details to save everyone time, and ultimately, money.
When Mayor Hsueh was most recently running for re-election in November, 2013, did he inform voters that he was too busy and lacked interest to represent taxpayers during Council meetings? Had he done so with integrity, the voters would have known what to expect.
I contend Mayor Hsueh didn’t craft the municipal budget he submitted because he was not present during the budget hearings to defend or justify what he proposed. The budget was tossed to the Council to dissect and critique. This sloppy accounting results in excessive funds being squirreled away for the government’s use at its discretion.
Ms. Ward is a paid, exempt Township employee unlike members of the public who freely give their time and expertise to make West Windsor more affordable.
The area behind Ellsworth Center is a classic example of a languishing asset that has not benefited the landowner(s) or taxpayers for more than 23 years. The mayor should be front and center to ensure this property results in a win-win instead of sustained litigation.
Perhaps I misunderstood West Windsor Township had TWO engineers: Mr. Guzik and his assistant engineer. If they are not doing active engineering, why not replace them both with a grants manager to mete out the no-bid professional service contracts to FORMER township engineers.
Why does West Windsor need a landscape architect when the Township-wide residents’ and municipal trees are in serious decline? The Township’s landscape and trees are in CRISIS.
As submitted, the Township should have no need for TWO financial professionals for a nominal municipal budget. There should be full disclosure regarding how much taxpayer money is currently held in numerous bank accounts.
The former American Cyanamid/Howard Hughes parcel along Clarksville Road, Quakerbridge Road, and Route 1 has deteriorated due to neglect. It is generally agreed the Township does not need more housing stock. However, we remain vulnerable to some potentially bad court decisions while Lawrence Township is thriving with its commercial ratables built along our common border.
For the last several months, following a presentation by the West Windsor Arts Council, it was requested the West Windsor Historical Society provide an accounting for its use of taxpayer money. Since the mayor is not present, his administration has neglected this repeated request.
The reference to litigious counsel is that MOST townships seek to avoid litigation. Compare what neighboring townships pay the Herbert law firm for its services.
Many of the aforementioned issues would be resolved in situ if the directly-elected, fully-accountable mayor were present during Council meetings. Thank you.
Pete Weale
Penns Neck
