Let me begin by congratulating Mike Todd, Chris Ciaccio and Amit Chopra, who were elected to Township Council by Robbinsville voters on Nov. 7.
I have said it countless times before, and I will say it again: Being willing to put your name on a ballot and run in an election is one of the most stressful things a person can do.
Without individuals being willing to put themselves out there our system would grind to a halt. We need people willing to serve. So, for everyone who made that sacrifice this year, I salute you.
While we are extremely thankful for the passage of the 1-cent Open Space Tax increase, we remain mindful that our schools need additional help after the district’s ballot question seeking $4.8 million failed.
Emotions ran very high for each of those questions, and the passion on both sides was commendable. Now that you have made your voices heard, please be kind to one another and remember we are all still neighbors.
I also want to acknowledge Mercer County and its Board of Elections.
According to most reports, this year’s election went about as smoothly as one could expect after last year’s disaster.
The new Dominion machines purchased by the county, a few glitches, quirks, and longer than normal waiting times to vote aside, appeared to work well.
Additionally, unlike in 2022, results were posted in a timely fashion. I want our Mercer County Commissioners, County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello, and Superintendent of Elections Walker Worthy Jr. to know we appreciate their efforts.
Another superb job was turned in by Robbinsville Municipal Clerk Michele Seigfried and administrative assistant Dianne Johnson, who was working her first Election Day. Thank you both!
While we are very much looking forward to the new Council being seated come January 15, 2024, the governing body will do so without former president Mike Cipriano, who announced Nov. 17 that he was stepping down effective Dec. 31.
We are all going to miss Mike’s infectious personality, positivity, and dedication to both Robbinsville Township, as well as the citizens of Cranbury, whom he served as a police officer for two decades.
Thank you for your public service, Councilman Cipriano, and we wish you, Justine, Alexa, and Andrea all the best moving forward.
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Congratulations to the Robbinsville High boys’ soccer team, the NJSIAA Central Jersey champions and Group III runner-up, on a terrific season. Can’t wait to dig into that Jo Jo’s tomato pie courtesy of Hamilton Township Mayor Jeff Martin!
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I recently heard from a successful owner of multiple restaurants, and that group plans to take over the former Kuo Social by opening a family-friendly, full-service restaurant with a fun bar. Their menu offerings are expected to include steaks, seafood, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and spectacular specials daily. I am excited. If everything breaks just right, they hope to open around St Patrick’s Day. I will give more details whenever possible.
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Don’t miss our annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Event on Tuesday, December 5 outside the Senior Center at 1117 Route 130. The C.A.R.E. Crafts and photos with Santa, courtesy of Jen Davis, begin at 5:30 p.m.
Dave Fried is the mayor of Robbinsville Township.
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