The six candidates for West Windsor Council 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.) Masters in engineering and management from the University of Florida. Efficiency engineer and business analyst for a Fortune 500 Company. Founder and CEO of a clothing manufacturing and distribution company in New York. Member West Windsor Council since 2009. Council President for two consecutive years, 2011-’12. Member of the Planning Board since January, 2013. Liaison to the Environmental Commission in 2012 and to the Zoning and School Boards in 2011. Member, Affordable Housing, in 2010.
2.) Wyeth/Howard Hughes Corp is currently having public meetings to understand the needs of West Windsor residents. The next step is to present the concept plan to the appropriate board of the township. The final plan will be presented to the governing body for approval. I would like to see a plan that improves the quality of life in West Windsor and brings in ratables to reduce the tax burden on residents.
3.) A preliminary plan has been prepared by the consulting firm. Two more studies (climate action plan and energy audit) are being conducted. A citizens task force shall study all the data and make final recommendations to the administration. Council will have final authority to approve the project. The administration has made it very clear that only the liquor license money will be used for the renovation.
4.) I support all these projects as long as they are not a major burden on taxpayers.
5.) Township office complex; various walkways; Route 571 improvement; Ellsworth Center; and Town Center.
6.) I do not see need to raise taxes beyond the state mandated cap. Taxes can be lowered by either reducing cost through increased efficiency or bringing more ratables into town to share in the tax burden. With my training and profession, I am qualified to accomplish both objectives.
7.) Property taxes; walkways on Cranbury Road, etc.; and traffic
8.) I would like to see all public places smoke free — parks, etc., and walkways leading to the station. I would like to see recreational facilities for all residents of West Windsor. For example, we need cricket fields for residents who love to play cricket.
9.) My inspiration comes from my contacts I have developed while in public service. I have great regard for most of the elected officials as I find them selfless, hardworking, and honest.
