#b#Questions for the Candidates#/b#
1.) Please summarize your background, career path, academic credentials, etc.
2.) Given the progress at the InterCap and former compost sites, what steps should be taken next in West Windsor’s redevelopment area?
3.) For many people, the WW-P school district has stood as a prime reason to live in West Windsor. Aside from work in the redevelopment area, what could West Windsor do as a township to enhance its image and attract homeowners?
4. a.) How would you foster a better business climate in the township? b.) How would you encourage ratables, and how would you contain the costs of those ratables?
5.) What item or items would you cut from the town budget to minimize the tax burden?
6.) What would you do to maximize the effectiveness of the mayor-council form of government?
7.) Is there a civic or political leader you look up to as an inspiration or a role model?
#b#George Borek#/b#
1.) I am a 10-year resident of West Windsor and a 30-year veteran firefighter with the Jersey City Fire department. I was elected by my peers to be vice president of the 5,000 member New Jersey Professionals Firefighters Association and have served in that capacity for six years. As the VP for NJPFA, I work with legislators and government officials at the federal, state, county, and municipal levels. I manage the union budget, and work with affiliates to resolve contract disputes.
I have served on the Zoning Board of Appeals in Jersey City, and in West Windsor, I have served on council, the public safety committee, and as council liaison to the Affordable Housing Committee. These experiences have left me with a deep understanding of the issues that affect West Windsor at all levels of government, relationships to forge partnerships with government entities, and the skills to understand and manage budgets and contracts for West Windsor.
2.) With the recent approval of the InterCap project, which will provide a public gathering place with shops, a promenade, a new home for special events, and residential units, we must now focus our attention on planning for the other properties within the redevelopment area. We need to work with the state and private property owners surrounding the train station to expand upon the parking improvements we began two years ago when the process for developing the compost site for parking began. We need to work with state agencies and property owners to plan and fund roadway improvements such as the Vaughn Drive Connector. We also need to work with DEP and other state agencies to protect the environmentally sensitive areas and to improve storm water management in the redevelopment area. We also must encourage the county to move forward with its project to make Route 571 a safer roadway for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
3.) I believe West Windsor has made great strides to improve our image and quality of life. We are fortunate to have two great assets, a preeminent train station and a top notch school system. Two areas that need our attention are 1.) encouragement of commercial ratables and retail shops similar to the addition of BlackRock Financial Services to University Square and the recent approvals for expansion of Trader Joe’s and Bobby Flay’s Burger Restaurant in Market Fair Mall and 2.) continued development of our parks and recreational areas to provide additional playing fields for our residents of all ages and playgrounds for our children. I am particularly excited about our development of Duck Pond Park, which will add a fishing pond, playground, and other amenities for our residents to enjoy.
4.) In order to attract and retain business growth within our borders, we must further streamline project approvals by the Township and contain costs to future developers in obtaining their approvals. Helping them with considerations regarding traffic flow and signage are key to this initiative. I also believe that retaining our business partners is just as important and would like to see the Township encourage an ongoing dialogue with our partners through a task force or committee that meets on a regular basis to tackle issues that will encourage our businesses to grow and prosper.
5.) Although it is a tremendous challenge that all municipalities face to strike a balance between providing key municipal services and lowering taxes, I am wary of making bold statements about eviscerating budgets and future tax reductions. We need to understand that as a growing and expanding community, providing full services to our residents will come at a cost. I support the reduction of budgets, where possible, through enhanced productivity and use of technology to reduce operating costs and implementing shared services. I would also encourage expansion of our environmental sustainability programs to include increased use of solar power to reduce our electric costs and explore further reduction of our municipal garbage and waste stream with exploration of expanding recycling to include food waste composting.
6.) Whether at the national level or here in West Windsor, it has been proven time and time again that contentiousness and refusal to compromise is an ineffective strategy. The relationship between Administration and Council in this form of government has to include strategies that encourage collaboration, communication, and above all, compromise in achieving mutual goals to protect our residents and enhance our governmental operations.
7.) I admire and am inspired by Charlie Appleget and his family. Charlie served West Windsor for 50 years as a volunteer firefighter, farmer, and role model. When I look at the commitment Charlie has made to West Windsor for so long and selflessly, it inspires me to continue to want to serve. I still see Charlie around town helping a fellow farmer bringing in his crop or assisting neighbors and his community in some other way. That is what public service is and ought to be.
#b#Lindsay Diehl#/b#
1.) As a 22-year resident of West Windsor, I am honored to have the opportunity to run for town council. This town has supported me in my most difficult times, such as when I was widowed early on in my married life and left to raise my two young sons on my own. I made the decision at that time to stay here despite being far from my extended family, and looking back I know that was the right decision. My sons have since grown to have great success in their academic and business careers. Now it is my turn to give back to the community.
In addition to being a long-term resident, I have had a long and successful business career in market research and currently work locally as a divisional sales manager. Academically, I have a B.A. in Art History from Tulane University and graduate studies in business from Rutgers. I am an avid sportswoman, playing tennis, golf, and swimming and have a background as a world class swimmer.
2.) Given the developments at the InterCap and former compost sites, it is critical for the town council and town administrators to continue to monitor the next stages in the development, such as site specific plans, to ensure that they do not deviate from the overall objectives for the area. In addition, as soon as we secure the authority over the redevelopment area, (when it is officially designated as a redevelopment zone) we must work with the state to obtain financial and technical support to improve traffic circulation, additional parking, storm water management, and environmental protection in the area
3.) Aside from work in the redevelopment area, there are many ways in which West Windsor can enhance its image and attract new homeowners to the area. For one, we could enhance our natural assets — our train station and our open space. For the train station, we could not only make it more accessible and surround it with mixed-use development, as is planned, but we could also entertain the idea of a new design for the train station, a cutting edge design that would make us unique and enhance our image in the arts community. West Windsor is also unique for the amount of open space we have procured — almost 50 percent. We need to make some of this open space more usable for residents, for passive and active recreation or cultural facilities, for example an amphitheater.
4.) I would foster a better business climate in the township by establishing a committee dedicated to working with the business community; to be their voice and their source of information. This committee would also be assigned with reaching out to new businesses to encourage them to move to the area. In addition, I would strongly encourage enhancing the train station area so that this becomes a more attractive transportation hub, such as what I mentioned above to make the train station itself more accessible, more vibrant, and more unique architecturally.
5.) I believe there are many ways to tighten our belt to minimize the tax burden on residents. For one, as a council member, I would work hard to make our council meetings more efficient so that we can cut down on the time spent in meetings and thus cut down on fees paid to lawyers and other professionals who attend the meetings. In addition, I would encourage overview of the town administration to see if there are areas to streamline our work habits and practices and to share services with other towns.
6.) To maximize the effectiveness of the mayor-council form of government, I would make sure that as a council member I am well informed on the issues before they come before the council and do my part to keep meetings short and efficient. I would also make sure to keep the lines of communication open between the council and the Mayor so that we can work together. This type of town government is intended as a checks and balance system, with each side doing its job and not overstepping its bounds.
7.) There are a number of civic and political leaders who inspire me, including some well-known leaders and some more local leaders, all of whom are doing good works. At the top of my list is Martin Luther King, who inspires me for his lifelong dedication to fighting the injustice of racism.
#b#Greg Harris#/b#
1.) CEO, Zydor LLC. 12-year resident with three children in the district at High School South. 25 years in technology and business. Using personal computers since early 1980s, I left SUNY Albany to pursue career in new area of corporate micro computers. Built and managed IT and software development departments for companies including the United Way and Dow Jones.
Started business in 1997 building websites for startups, until the burst of the Internet bubble. Since 2000 I have conceived, designed, developed, marketed, managed, and exited from more than 10 “bootstrapped” web and mobile technology businesses. Sold five businesses, closed a handful, and continue to run the rest. I have extensive experience finding “out of the box” solutions, and have experience in every facet of business from the initial idea to the sale of a business to public entities.
2.) Our focus going forward should absolutely be on revitalizing Route 571 from Wallace Road to Clarksville Road. 85 percent of residents I surveyed made it clear that they want Route 571 to be our main downtown.
While InterCap spends the next five years getting off the ground, we should work with the county and local businesses and get our existing downtown into shape. Let’s slow down traffic, make it safe for residents, get some great new businesses, and then connect to the InterCap site when it’s ready.
3.) According to Zillow, home prices here have been fairly steady, and are now up about 12 percent since January, 2009. During that same period, the suburban Long Island town I grew up in has declined 10 percent, as has the state of New Jersey on average.
While I don’t think that attracting homeowners is an issue, we do need to enhance our image. We need to complete the transformation of Route 571 into a vibrant downtown as I describe before. It’s no longer the embarrassment it was a few years ago but still needs a major facelift. We need to work with the county and the WWBPA to put in crosswalks, landscaped medians, traffic lights, and turning lanes.
4.) I’ve recently seen firsthand what it’s like to open a storefront business here when my brother opened Liberty Martial Arts in the Acme center. Considering that the Acme center looked like a war zone, I was surprised that the township did nothing to assist the landlord or the business with incentives or guidance. With all the vacant stores we have seen in town in the last five years, why are we not “recruiting” businesses proactively?
I envision a program where a member of the town “new business committee” sits down with the business owner to assist and market our community. We should have an incentive program to reduce barriers for businesses. Waive or reduce fees for permits, applications, site plan reviews, sewer, power surcharges, utility setup, etc. Give tax breaks to landlords so that they can pass them on to tenants who are opening new businesses.
Simple permits and inspections should be quick and easy so businesses are not paying rent for months without revenue waiting for a simple five-minute inspection.
5.) Understand: The only thing that Council has direct control over is the 15 percent of property taxes that go to the town. Out of a $10,000 tax bill, only $1,500 goes to the township. Cutting 5 percent off the bill only saves about $75 a year! Most residents would rather keep the services we have for that $75.
We should not incur more long-term debt in bad economic times. Adding three more parks to our already superior facilities may have to wait. And we don’t need to be expanding buildings if others we already own right next door may end up vacant.
6.) As long as there is partisan politics in our non-partisan town, the effectiveness of government will suffer.
We should consider breaking the township into wards, a single council member for a section of the township. Let the council members be voted into office directly by those that they represent and have to answer to.
Fix ordinances that govern how the Council and Mayor share information. Make any changes needed to close possible loopholes. And consider term limits for both Council and the Mayor.
7.) Governor Christie. There is nothing more reassuring then a leader who will look you in the eye, tell you the facts, explain the consequences, and then rip the band-aid off. A leader who represents what the majority of the people want, and makes no excuses about his actions, is a real leader.
#b#Lauren Kohn#/b#
1.) My husband, David, and I have been raising our three children in West Windsor for nearly six years. I have a BA in English from the University of Texas at Austin. I have worked as a freelance writer, developing telehealth and medication management manuals for healthcare providers. In 2010 my husband and I started Software Advisors LLC, a financial software development company. Handling the administrative matters for our company has allowed me to pursue my interest in healthcare, including being a member of the Twin W First Aid Squad.
2.) As we progress in the redevelopment area, we must carefully evaluate the present infrastructure issues so as to make future improvements. Traffic congestion, stormwater management, and the appearance of the Route 571 corridor are matters that require attention. We must urge the county to move forward and secure funding for the improvements to Route 571, which were approved years ago with much community input. These changes, especially a traffic beacon to protect pedestrians crossing to the Windsor Plaza shopping center, will make the area safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists. Improvements could also include adding left turn signals to the existing traffic light at Wallace Road and Route 571 with the goal of preventing rush-hour back-up.
3.) First, we must control the tax burden so that we can attract buyers and encourage families to stay in town after their children graduate from high school. Second, we should continue to support our schools and maintain our commitment to providing quality services to residents, such as last winter’s timely snow removal. Third, I will prioritize quality of life issues and communication with residents, working to ensure that small and large issues are addressed in a timely, cost-effective manner. I would like to explore the possibility of using the police department’s successful social media experiment during Hurricane Irene as a model for the rest of the township.
4.) To foster a better business climate, I would continue to focus on tax management. A lower overhead means a larger profit margin, and when less money has to go to pay the rent each month, it’s easier for businesses to flourish. To attract new businesses to West Windsor, we should look for ways to streamline and reduce the costs of our current system. Alternatively, we could consider incentives for those would bring their companies to West Windsor and occupy some of our (roughly) 2 million square feet of empty commercial space. Ultimately, developing West Windsor’s business-friendly status benefits our community by delivering tax revenue with a minimal draw on services and providing residents with places to gather and shop closer to home.
5. Many families have been affected by the difficult economy and have been forced to find ways to reduce their personal budget. I believe that the township should do the same, and I will remain cognizant of the fact that many families continue to face economic challenges. I am calling on the administration to work towards a zero-cent increase in the development of next year’s budget. I will also give special attention to a careful analysis of surplus levels, overtime, and oversight of consultant, litigation, and attorneys’ fees. Where it makes sense, I would like to see professional contracts put out for bids to reduce costs.
6. I will promote a healthy and respectful relationship between Council members and the mayor by establishing clear guidelines as to what Council’s expectations are for the administration. I have seen numerous instances of issues being “walked on” to the agenda, which inhibits the ability of both Council members and the public to review and evaluate the matters at hand. I will support policies that promote sufficient time for review of materials and public awareness. The mayor-council form of government was set up to encourage vigorous debate, and I believe that we can work towards solutions in a proactive manner.
7.) As we’ve progressed along the campaign trail, it has been my good fortune to receive advice from many who have served our community as leaders and volunteers. At a recent Council meeting, a member of our community asked the Council candidates to remember that they are working for the residents, something that resonated with me. I believe that there is something to be learned from everyone, both inside and outside of politics. West Windsor residents are no exception, and it has been both a pleasure and an inspiration to talk with people about their visions for our community and places where they see room for improvement.
#b#Bryan Maher#/b#
1.) I have been a financial analyst since the mid-1990s and specialize in covering real estate, lodging, and gaming and leisure companies. The Wall Street Journal has named me an All-Star Analyst four times for my industry coverage and Money Magazine named me one of the “Four Most Trustworthy Analysts on Wall Street.” I have a degree in finance from Clemson University and an MBA in strategic management from Georgia State University. I grew up in this area in the 1970s and have lived in West Windsor with my wife and three children since 1996.
2.) Each landowner along Route 571 between the train station and Alexander Road needs to be contacted to see how we can work together to improve the look and feel of this important part of town. We need to find out what it is that’s keeping them from upgrading/redeveloping their properties. Is it finances, concerns of delays in permitting, the economy, etc.? It’s only through proactive communication and cooperation that this natural town center can be reinvigorated. Our team has the business acumen and financial expertise to creatively generate solutions to begin this long-overdue process.
3.) West Windsor must seriously begin to control its property taxes. Increasing property taxes over the past several years — particularly during the worst recession since the Great Depression — was unconscionable. Over the past 10 years, our municipal tax levy has increased 124 percent — nearly six times the population growth rate (21 percent).
I know several people, including my mother-in-law, who would love to move to West Windsor, but will not because of the high property taxes. I know even more people who have moved away for the same reason. An ongoing discussion at many gatherings is how soon after the last child graduates from high school is the “For Sale” sign going up on the front yard. This has to stop. People should be able to afford to retire in the community where they raised their children. Children should be able to come “home” from college to visit friends and family — not to some new location their parents moved to in order to save money on property taxes.
4.) The cost of servicing business ratables is a fraction of the cost of servicing residential ratables. Business ratables typically only generate modest increases in police and fire expenses, whereas residential development adds those costs plus a material education expense.
Our goal would be to reduce the headache associated with doing business in West Windsor, thereby encouraging more business ratables. We should not be hearing — as we do — that businesses do not want to move here because it is a hassle getting permits and approvals for construction and/or upgrades. This should be seamless and expeditious. Also, by minimizing property tax increases, businesses would be more inclined to move into vacant office space along Route 1 and Alexander Road — thereby boosting non-residential tax income for the town. Land owners and developers would also be more inclined to invest in upgrading properties along Route 571 with shops and restaurants — similar to what is found along many train stations in attractive suburban towns elsewhere.
5.) The first thing we need to do is ratchet down the $7 million cash surplus by about $2 million, which should not adversely impact our AAA credit rating. It is both expensive (the cash earns virtually no interest) and unnecessary. I have reviewed in detail the municipal budgets for the last 11 years and there was never a year during that period when “actual revenues” came in less than “anticipated revenues.” In fact, actual revenue typically exceeded anticipated revenue by $2 to $5 million per year. So my question is “why the big surplus?” This equates to almost $1,000 for every residence in town. As an offset, we could set up a credit facility of $2 to $3 million for unforeseen expenses — similar to what many businesses and homeowners do.
6.) Council needs to work with the mayor to maximize services while minimizing expenses. This can be done through thoughtful suggestions on where savings can be made and when opportunities exist to increase business ratables. It needs to be made clear to the Administration that tax bills must stop rising incessantly and that council will not approve budgets that are inconsistent with this goal.
7.) Ronald Reagan. He was a master at seeing past partisan politics, forging economic growth, and leading the country out of the morass of the 1970s. Community and political leaders can take a lesson from his playbook and build consensus while simultaneously leading constituents back toward economic viability and a sense of togetherness.
#b#Kristina Samonte#/b#
1.) Public Affairs and Communications Professional. 15+ year career in public policy at the federal, state, and local levels of government as well as in the private sector for a Fortune 500 corporation at headquarters in New York City. Attended George Mason University; graduated as a Bachelor of Arts in international studies. Policy interest areas include community and economic development, environment, healthcare, and transportation.
2.) As the township continues to serve as a redevelopment entity, the council will still have to vote on the planning board recommendations. Additionally, the council will also have the opportunity to work with the administration to access funding sources at New Jersey Department of Transportation and New Jersey Transit to improve traffic circulation. It will also be important to work with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to delineate environmentally sensitive areas for preservation and protection. The council and administration can also work on finalizing a regional storm water management system to control flooding in the redevelopment area.
3). As a township, West Windsor could establish a community marketing initiative. The goal of this initiative would be to highlight our quality of life and the numerous amenities West Windsor residents enjoy. This initiative could be a public-private partnership. For example, the township could work with local businesses and media to run a contest for a “slogan” coined by residents that would reflect the West Windsor lifestyle. This slogan could be used widely in a marketing campaign and would also be a boost to the township’s economic development efforts.
Likewise, I would like to see the township’s communication vehicles — website, social media, and print material — reflect the new West Windsor vision. We should be advertising and communicating West Windsor’s accomplishments.
4.) As a council member, I would look for opportunities to meet with local businesses, take inventory of their ideas, and communicate their concerns to the Administration. I would also support the creation of an economic development commission made up of residents, local business owners, and the township. This commission should employ best practices for economic development. Likewise, the economic development commission should evaluate the cost benefit analysis of retaining and recruiting businesses to West Windsor and in turn make independent recommendations to the administration and council. As a council member, I believe that a professional and objective approach is best for the municipality and our residents.
5.) As a council member, I would work to minimize the tax burden for our residents by:
— Securing the maximum amount of federal, state, and county grants available;
— Seeking opportunities for shared services with other government entities;
— Evaluating municipal operational efficiency and productivity; and
— Encouraging public-private partnerships to reduce the municipality’s expenditures on applicable projects
6.) Inherently, the “mayor-council” form of government establishes strong checks and balances. In this structure, the mayor is positioned as a strong central executive charged with the responsibility of policy development and implementation. Conversely, the council acts as a legislative body which has the authority to enact ordinances, provide oversight on budgets and make policy recommendations to the administration.
As a councilmember, I would pay more attention to the horizontal dimensions of council leadership — shared visions, empowering residents, collaboration, engagement and coordination of policy — rather than focus on the vertical dimension which encourages struggle for individual leadership power and control. This balanced approach will maximize positive results for our residents.
7.) Tip O’Neil. He was known for his careful attention to his constituents and his famous phrase “All politics is local.”
#b#Gary Zohn#/b#
1.) I moved to West Windsor with my family in the summer of 1997, since my wife and I were looking for an ideal town to raise our three children. Key determining factors were to be able to commute to New York City, stay close to our families, and have fine schools.
I am a graduate of Temple University, with a BS in Marketing and Distributive Education. My career in finance spans more than 28 years. I have been an institutional and retail floor broker in both equities and options on the floors of several exchanges. These include the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange, and most recently the New York Stock Exchange Euronext. I hold several licenses in finance.
2.) Route 571 has always been our downtown and will clearly remain so in the future. The InterCap project is years away. Despite what its promoters say, it’s off the main thoroughfare and will never serve as our real downtown. We should therefore concentrate on making 571 the best it can possibly be.
With the upgrading or replacement of buildings along 571, we will start feeling good about West Windsor again. One of our main jobs as new Council members will be to encourage and push for additional renovation and replacement projects. The administration and local boards must of course follow the necessary approval processes, but we will strive to make sure that delays are minimized.
3.) We need to enhance the look and feel of all of our main thoroughfares. When a potential homeowner drives through our township, they need to see a vibrant and fresh mosaic. When they see empty or closed storefronts, a negative message can be sent. The annual reports on our school system, on the other hand, send a very positive message to potential homeowners. We have been an educational leader in the state for many years and must continue to be so.
4.) With so much available office space, we need to prepare a plan of action to get these filled. By working with potential lessees, we can provide incentives to help fill these empty spaces. No one wants to be that first tenant in these buildings. We have to make arrangements for an easy transition for possible tenants.
Obtaining the necessary approvals to operate in West Windsor is a very long and costly process. We need to streamline it as much as possible to make the township more business-friendly.
5.) After public safety, debt service at $5.67 million is the largest item in the 2011 municipal budget. We need to keep any new debt load at a minimum. This means distinguishing between items that we “must” have and those that we would “like” to have. We also need to seek better ways to refinance existing debt. All budget items should be examined regularly for appropriateness and cost-effectiveness.
An example of key questions to be asked on every budget item include whether an expenditure (a) is really the responsibility of all taxpayers because it affects everyone and the greater good, or whether the expenditure more appropriately belongs to a private organization or group? (b) can be trimmed? (c) is comparable to what private industry pays or is it being subsidized? (d) has been competitively bid or simply awarded because that’s the way it’s always been? (e) can be renegotiated because of identified excesses?
6.) The relationship between the mayor and council has to be improved. We must establish a constructive dialog between the two in which information is freely shared on a timely basis. Ordinances can be passed that require the mayor to inform council of pending decisions in sufficient time for them to study the issues. When council requests information from the administration that they require in order to make informed decisions, the mayor must comply in a reasonable period of time. Both bodies exist solely for the benefit of West Windsor residents and the relationship between them must, therefore, be transparent, cooperative, and effective.
7.) Our governor, Chris Christie, has received national attention with his willingness to make the hard decisions required to eliminate waste and restart the economy. While West Windsor is in far better shape than the state as a whole, our mayor and council need to be equally vigilant in scrutinizing our expenses, eliminating red tape for businesses, and planning for a vibrant future.
