After publicly considering the idea of not seeking election to the Township Council seat to which she was appointed (“I’m not going to dive into the cesspool until they clean it up,”) Barbara Pfeifer has taken the plunge, making her official announcement Wednesday, September 6. The site of the announcement: The Princeton Juncion train station, the redevelopment of which, Pfeifer said, “will significantly shape our town’s identity and our destiny. The Princeton Junction Station truly represents a ‘diamond in the rough’ in the Heart of New Jersey.””
Pfeifer’s announcement followed a press briefing in which the counil member escorted media representatives to various sites that she considers in dire need of clean-up, including areas within the proposed redevelopment area. (See Photo.)
“Through decisive leadership we have an excellent opportunity to improve the quality of life for residents and claim a prominent role for our town within our region and our State,” said Pfeifer.
Pfeifer was selected to her current position by her fellow council members when Kristin Appelget vacated the position mid-term. Both the process by which Pfeifer was appointed and the application she submitted for appointment have been the subject of controversy. The other person who has announced candidacy for the position is Will Anklowitz, a West Windsor native, attorney, and shop steward for CWA Local 1033.
Pfeifer chose the train station as the place to make her announcement since it is the centerpiece of the township’s redevelopment initiative. “West Windsor has begun to embark on one of the most significant and historical journeys, which will benefit residents for generations to come. The redevelopment of the train station area will create a new, thriving Town Center and will address long-standing infrastructure challenges,” said Pfeifer.
Said Pfeifer: “I pledge to continue to be a strong advocate for greater public information and participation in all issues that come before Council.” Pfeifer once voted against the recording of executive sessions for public record, and once walked out of a council meeting after being asked to stop reading a prepared statement, and before township business was discussed.
Pfeifer supports “Open space we can all enjoy now,” according to the announcement. She says she is “working towards making our roads safer and is committed to making West Windsor an even greater place to call home and raise a family.”
Pfeifer is an advocate of “exploring all avenues to bring in quality ratables,” including the pursuit of economic development ideas to reduce high property tax burden on our residents.
Among the other planks in her platform are support of open Town Hall meetings, public input for Transit Village development, timely road safety improvements, more bike lanes, side walks, and recreational opportunities.
Dr. Ram Ramachandran wrote Pfeifer’s press release. He says he is a retired scientist, and a neighbor of Pfeifer’s. He has known her since she came to him a year ago with ideas for products to be developed. He doesn’t have an official title. Her campaign manager is Marvin Gardner.
Gardner was the campaign manager for Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh in his bid for re-election, as well as Hsueh’s running mates, current council members Linda Geevers and Heidi Kleinman. Gardner is the chairman of the West Windsor planning board.
She has previously served as a member in the Planning Board and Ordinance Review committee.
Barbara is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University (MBA); Wm.Paterson University (BA); and Samford University (AGS). She and her husband Andrew have a 7 year old son. Barbara is a member of the PTA.
“Pfeifer is an enthusiastic supporter of Open Space we can all enjoy now, is working towards making our Roads Safer and is committed to making West Windsor an even greater place to call home and raise a family,” states the press release.
