Despite the national trend, New Jersey residents voted, for the most part, to keep their Democratic incumbents in office. Plainsboro was no different.
Democratic incumbents Michael Weaver and Ed Yates received votes of confidence to retain their seats on Plainsboro’s Township Committee, fending off challenges from Republic candidates Neil Sutter and Anthony Cook.
Both twelve-year veterans, Weaver and Yates earned 2,701 and 2,607 votes, respectively, in their victory over Neil Sutter and Anthony Cook, who earned 1,612 and 1,596 votes, to retain two three-year Township Committee seats that were up for grabs this year.
“It was a big victory for us, given the mood of the voters, but I think that as we went through our election process, we talked to many of them, and the vast majority felt we were moving in the right direction and continue to support our efforts, and we appreciate their support,” said Weaver after the election.
“As we said all along, we will continue to focus on sound financial management and good planning and continue on the path we are on with the new hospital coming in and completion of the new Village Center, and, of course, the use of the new library,” Weaver added.
He also mentioned the township’s recent AAA bond rating (see story below).
“I feel truly humbled and honored that the residents of Plainsboro offered me this opportunity to work for them again,” said Yates. “Mike and I have worked for 12 years to make Plainsboro what it is today, and we look forward to working for another three years to improve the township.”
Added Yates: “We’re grateful for the fact that we won all 12 districts in the township. It shows the widespread support we get from the community.”
Yates, a 24-year resident of the township, is the liaison to Community Development and the Historical Society. He is a former president of the Cranbury-Plainsboro Little League, former Cub Master of Cub Scout pack 168, former president of the Gentry Homeowners Association, and a former board member of the Babe Ruth Baseball Association.
Weaver, a 26-year resident of the township, has been liaison to the Public Works Department, the Committee of Community Associations, and the Parks and Open Space, Cable Advisory, and Veterans’ Memorial committees. Weaver has also volunteered as a member of the school district’s Strategic Planning Committee, a trustee of the WW-P Education Foundation, a coach, member of the board of directors as well as president of the WW-P Soccer Association, a member and advisor of the WW-P African-American Parent Support Group, a member of the Plainsboro Lions Club, and a member of the Fathers’ Coalition, which supports youth in the community.
Despite his defeat, Sutter said he would still be involved in the township, saying it would not be the end. “We’ll see what shapes up for next year,” he said. “We’ve got to develop better bases for support. We’re going to work on that.”
He also said he worried about the township’s financial practices, citing bonds with back-loaded debt service payments. He pointed to a recent $24.7 million bond issue approved in September that starts with $5,000 payments annually, from 2012 to 2016 and increases to $1.81 million starting in 2017. After that, the payments increase annually through 2025.
“I feel like the town is going to be on the brink of financial crisis,” he said. “The amount of potential spending here in debt insurance payments doesn’t look good.”
He said he and Cook had put a lot of effort into the campaign. He thanked residents who voted for them.
