For too many years, WW Council and its peripatetic Administration have cried crocodile tears in their quest to enact sign ordinances. Common sense seems to remain missing in action as long as our loco politicians achieve their personal exemptions.
In contrast, New York City has upheld $527,400 in fines against mayoral wannabe and NYC comptroller John Liu’s 2009 campaign for hanging political posters on public land, including utility poles. During the same campaign in 2009, NYC Public Advocate Bill de Blasio agreed to pay $300,000 plus interest for poster violations.
Instead of a mayor and council focused on improving the appearance of West Windsor, these politicos enrich the lawyers charged with drafting what other communities throughout the US have done for years. Countless cost-effective suggestions have been made to a feckless Council but this form of government precludes accountability. The public cannot ask Council any questions. If public comments are unflattering, there is a time limit. If you praise the Council, you can talk nonstop until next Halloween.
Solutions? (1). Contact the Princeton Borough Administrator to find out how Princeton handles its sign challenges. Or call Mayor Pete Cantu in Plainsboro.
(2). Instruct the WW Police Department to capture all illegal signs — including the weekend violators whose signs appear after 5 p.m. Friday and remain until Sunday evening. Police take a digital picture before they are removed and zoning issues a summons.
(3). Change the protocol precluding interactive public comments in a public forum.
So there. Township revenue increases due to the enforcement of existing ordinances. Township staffers can still ignore their responsibilities that are somehow suspended on weekends.
WW officials and administration should outsource themselves. Governor Christie is on to something by calling for municipal consolidation. Pete Weale
Penns Neck
