As a resident of West Windsor for 31 years, I support YZ Zhang for West Windsor Council to advocate for progressive values, such as controlled growth that includes affordable housing for our at-risk neighbors, gun safety, and alternative energy.
YZ Zhang is the only Council candidate with the political courage to recognize that West Windsor has the legal and moral duty to negotiate a practical solution to ensure West Windsor—and not a court—controls development on the Howard Hughes site. The incumbent Council candidate repeats the empty campaign slogan of “no housing on the Howard Hughes tract,” ignoring the reality that West Windsor: 1) lost a costly lawsuit that resulted in the 530-home Toll Bros. development; 2) has been ordered by the NJ Superior Court to build 1,500 affordable housing units; and 3) has just been sued by the owners of the Howard Hughes tract, which seeks to build thousands of more homes.
YZ Zhang is also the only Council candidate who spoke out against the incumbent’s vote to commit West Windsor to a five-year contract to spend $2.4 million to place armed police officers in every public school. YZ advocated for a one-year pilot program to evaluate whether police officers actually enhanced school safety. As a former member of the WW-P School Board, YZ knows that more resources—such as mental health counselling for students and teachers—are needed to address the “frighteningly high levels of stress” identified in a 2015 study of WW-P schools.
Additionally, YZ Zhang is the only Council candidate who advocated for the West Windsor Gun Safety Resolution, which opposed a NJ Senate bill that would allow gun owners from concealed carry states to carry concealed guns throughout New Jersey. The incumbent supported the NRA’s effort to allow gun owners to carry concealed guns in West Windsor.
West Windsor residents are too smart to fall for empty campaign slogans and candidates who evade taking positions on controversial local issues. Join me in voting for YZ Zhang, the only Council candidate with the courage to fight for progressive solutions for West Windsor.
— Barbara Hoffman, West Windsor
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It is my privilege to support Dr. Yingchao “YZ” Zhang for West Windsor Township Council. Dr. Zhang has been a West Windsor resident for 18 years and previously served as a member of the WW-P Board of Education.
I have known Dr. Zhang, “YZ,” for over five years. He is an intelligent, open minded, and trustworthy individual who passionately gives back to his community.
Dr. Zhang is a technology entrepreneur with 17 years of sales experience in IT solutions to many Fortune 500 companies. YZ exemplifies the saying, “if you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.” YZ efficiently tackles every issue because he is disciplined, dedicated, and committed to crafting effective solutions for our community.
Years ago, High School North piloted a program for biology and honors biology. Both students and parents were extremely frustrated about the way the program was implemented. YZ voluntarily took on the role of mediator between the school district and parents and students, devoting many nights and weekends to listen to their concerns. Due to his tireless mediation, the issue was resolved to the satisfaction of most community members involved.
Similarly, two years ago, YZ led nearly 50 volunteers to search and find a missing young woman. The potential tragedy was avoided thanks to the volunteers’ grassroots efforts.
Even though he holds a Ph.D. in physics, YZ is not a “nerd” by any means. He is a self-taught musician who leads the Dr. YZ’s One Man Band. He believes music learning supports all learning. He has performed at many local community events and schools since 2005. Last year, he performed in my neighborhood’s block party, even with very short notice. His music brought many community members, young and old, to sing along and have fun.
YZ not only volunteers his time, he also generously financially supports charities. He has contributed to the education of twin orphan boys in Haiti and supports United Moms Charity Association, a nonprofit that supports underprivileged children in rural parts of the world.
As a good friend of YZ, I have witnessed his generosity, intelligence, and dedication to public services. I strongly support his campaign and ask you to join me in voting for YZ. He is a Leader for West Windsor.
— Billy Huang, West Windsor
