Editor’s Note: George Borek first ran for West Windsor Council in 2005. He was elected in 2007 and served two terms. He lost his bid for re-election in November, 2015, by 20 votes. He was interviewed by Vincent Xu of the News.
#b#What have you learned after serving on Council?#/b#
Being on Council, housing seems to be the predominant issue.
Serving in municipal government is like a moving target, dealing with services and schools.
One insight is how much the community has to be self-reliant. The state legislature and governor, sometimes their hands are tied. There should be more home rule, or when there is development on County or state land, they should at leave come to West Windsor for a review.
#b#What will you miss?#/b#
The phone calls and E-mails from residents whom I tried to help. I’ve always been fond of handling people’s concerns. Many are busy day to day, and they don’t know everything that is going on. Council members are good facilitators, they might just put two people together.
#b#What won’t you miss?#/b#
The long nights. I can be home watching Council do what I used to do.
#b#What are the biggest issues going forward?#/b#
Dealing with affordable housing because of the inaction of our governor and the state legislature. We have to protect the community from unfavorable builders. Residents need to understand what affordable housing means. It is not for the poorest but for people who fall in different categories.
#b#How can Council-Administration relations improve?#/b#
Council members must leave egos and poltiics at the door. Everyone’s the same, no one is on top of another. I have never gotten mad on the dais. Don’t let personal feelings get in the way. We’re all on the same team. It’s not about blaming. If things go wrong, what are we going to do for a solution?
Also, there is unfair criticism of township employees who work day in day out. They are working very hard and aren’t getting paid very much.
#b#Will you run for public office again, maybe at a higher level?#/b#
I’m gone from Council but I’m not gone from the community. I’m involved in softball and baseball with my kids. All I’ll say is two years goes by really quick. I’ve been at the statehouse working on issues on behalf of firefighters. It’s all lobbyists there. Here in West Windsor you hear from residents. I think it has been the greatest place to be, here on the local level.
An exit interview with former Council President Bryan Maher will appear in the January 22 issue of the News.
