##M:[more]##1.) I’m not in favor of 1,”000 housing units. I haven’t been convinced that there will be a drop off in students in the next five or six years. Or that 1,”000 units will only generate 300 new students. This is West Windsor, and if we build it people will move in just so their children can go to our great schools.
If they were all one-bedroom apartments, families with children would still move in. I also feel that 1,”000 housing units mean 2,”000 more cars on roads that are already stressed out. Even with improvements to our infrastructure, I think this would really cause problems. I wouldn’t mind 200 to 400 units spaced out over time, but not 1,”000.
I think senior housing would be the best route to go. This would be a win, win for everyone. I’d also like us to reach out to Princeton University and see if they would consider building faculty or graduate housing in the area. Infrastructure in lieu of taxes? Who knows? The Dinky would be a natural shuttle from the university to Princeton Junction and we could create more of an Ivy League feel to the project.
2.) We need to take care of our Fair Share obligations in house. We can’t avoid it, nor should we. That got us into a world of trouble in the past. Part of the obligation has to be addressed in the RD Zone. This would seem like a natural fit. If we sit back and do nothing we’ll run the risk that a developer can come in and do what they like and we’ll have very little control over it under the current zoning. The whole idea about Redevelopment is to control our own destiny and not let the developers or the courts decide what we will do.
3.) There needs to be a formal plan as to what we’re going to do with the 25 percent now going to maintenance and development. There needs to be a sports field inventory taken and a “needs assessment” created. Our residents wisely voted to use their Open Space monies to develop and maintain more space for passive and active recreation, so we need to be able to give them the biggest bang for their buck.
We desperately need more soccer, football, and baseball fields. We need to use the funds to enhance the quality of life for our residents as sports are a huge part of the community’s culture. Nature is also a part of that culture.
I think we should also invest in passive recreation as well by building nature trails, enhancing our waterways and designating a fair amount of money into reforestation. I’m big on this, and I mentioned at a recent Council meeting that we need to make reforestation of indigenous trees a priority. We have a global warming crisis looming and need to do our part in easing the strain on our environment. Let’s start by expanding our own Green Belt.
4.) I really think the issue of teamwork needs to be addressed by the governing body. I have been on Council now for four years and I see this as a major stumbling block. There are too many times when we could be getting so much done, but we spend more time debating what is right or wrong with a particular process then just putting our egos aside and getting the job done.
We should be less concerned about who’s right and who’s wrong and more concerned with moving the township forward. Part of this stems from the non-partisan form of government where members for the governing body don’t feel any obligation or loyalty to one another as part of a team. Ideally, in a non partisan form you would think that people would be eager to work more closely, but that isn’t always the case here. We need to come together as a team and be more concerned with the end product for the residents.
5.) I can analyze an issue, make an assessment and come to a decision very quickly. I have great instincts and I don’t play games with people. My business relies on me being a strong leader and decision maker and being accountable for those decisions that I make. I can see very clearly and I’m not afraid to make the tough calls. That’s what I was elected to do.
I’m not a populist, and I don’t believe there needs to be a referendum on every issue. I’m just an average working guy with a wife and three kids trying to do what I think the average West Windsor taxpayer would want me to do. I’ve lived here for 10 years and I’ve run home centers here for the last eight years. I see dozens of residents everyday in my store and they talk to me all the time, so I understand their needs and concerns. I try to represent the majority the best as I can, as honestly as I can.
I love the community, I want to stay here forever and not move away in my sunshine years. I want to improve the quality of life for all of our residents, many of who have come to depend on my candor and judgement. I’d like to finish the job I started but I don’t think I’m there yet. It’s going to take me about four more years. I hope that most of the residents agree.
