West Windsor voters will decide between two slates offering distinct visions for the township’s future in the Nov. 4 nonpartisan municipal election.
Incumbent Mayor Hemant Marathe and his “Proven Leaders for West Windsor” team are seeking re-election, while the “West Windsor Together” slate is led by mayoral candidate Sujit Singh.
The mayor’s seat and two Township Council positions are on the ballot, each carrying four-year terms.
Marathe is running with Council Vice President Linda Geevers and newcomer Joe Charles, a certified public accountant and 17-year township resident. Singh’s team includes council candidates Ajay Tomar and Andrew Winters.
Both sides say they are committed to responsible growth, fiscal discipline and maintaining a high quality of life, but they differ sharply on how to achieve those goals.
Marathe, who has served as mayor since 2018, says his administration has focused on steady leadership and careful planning to protect the township’s character.
“If given a choice, I would keep new housing developments in West Windsor to a small scale and restrict commercial development to industries that are less labor intensive and along Route 1,” he said.
Marathe adds that his strategy of acquiring open space and repurposing large parcels of land has helped reduce the number of new housing units required under state affordable housing mandates. Marathe says the township’s proactive planning has positioned West Windsor to meet its obligations while minimizing disruption to existing neighborhoods.
Singh and his West Windsor Together slate are calling for change. They argue that the current administration has approved large-scale projects that have strained infrastructure and eroded public confidence.
“Economic development must be pursued thoughtfully, with a clear understanding of its long-term impacts on quality of life, infrastructure, neighborhood character, and environmental sustainability,” Singh said.
The Proven Leaders team points to a record of fiscal restraint and transparency. Marathe said that during his tenure, the average municipal tax increase for homeowners has been about eight dollars per year. Charles, who is seeking a council seat, said that his background as a CPA will help the township make smart budget choices.
“I serve as a trusted adviser, people leader, and inclusive mentor,” Charles said.
“A prime example of rational cost-benefit analysis is reducing twice-a-week summer garbage pickup to once a week so those funds can be redirected to higher priorities such as police and emergency services,” he said.
Geevers, who has served two decades on council and previously on the school board, said her long experience in budgeting and planning helps her balance community needs with financial realities.
“I strive to listen to residents at public meetings, community events and privately,” she said.
“There are significant needs for additional police, fire and EMS services, and the township has hired additional public works employees to keep up with park maintenance and other public services,” Geevers said.
The Proven Leaders slate emphasizes that it has preserved more than half of the township’s land as open space, expanded traffic improvements, and advanced environmentally sustainable policies.
Marathe says he plans to continue those initiatives, including adding electric vehicles to the municipal fleet and adopting green development standards for future projects.
The West Windsor Together platform calls for “a smarter approach” to growth, including mixed-use development instead of large warehouses.
Singh’s slate opposes the Bridge Point 8 complex and criticize the recently built warehouse on Princeton-Hightstown Road, describing them as damaging to the environment and community character.
They say the township should focus on creating walkable centers with restaurants, retail and recreational amenities that strengthen community ties.
Council candidate Ajay Tomar, who has lived in West Windsor since 2007, says he supports innovative and sustainable economic development.
He said the team will focus on attracting new industries such as technology and wellness businesses that “create jobs and attract visitors, all while building the spirit and sense of community in West Windsor.”
Tomar added that responsible fiscal management will be key to delivering services while stabilizing taxes.
Andrew Winters, a relative newcomer to town, said his background in finance and strategy gives him a fresh perspective on municipal priorities.
“Traffic isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a quality-of-life issue, and we will treat it as such,” Winters said.
He added that smart signal technology, expanded bike routes and greater participation in the Vision Zero safety initiative are among the slate’s goals.
On affordable housing, Singh’s team said they support fulfilling legal obligations but want the process to be transparent and sensitive to existing neighborhoods.
“Affordable housing is misunderstood by too many,” the slate wrote in its joint statement.
“AH is for a diverse population including young professionals, young families, seniors, teachers, EMT workers, firefighters, and police officers. They are integral to our community.”
Both sides also express strong positions on transparency. Marathe said he welcomes resident engagement through social media and direct outreach.
“During my last reelection, an opponent mocked me as ‘Facebook mayor.’ I take that as a compliment and proof of responsiveness,” he said.
Singh’s team, meanwhile, is promising “radical transparency,” including a civic app to report issues and monthly community updates to keep residents informed.
On environmental issues, Singh’s slate said it would pursue aggressive open space expansion, green building standards, and stricter flood protections.
The group said, “Sustainability is not a slogan; it’s a responsibility to future generations.”
With early voting approaching, the candidates have been meeting residents at neighborhood events and small gatherings. The two slates had been expected to participate in a community forum on Sept. 28, but the event was canceled after the sides could not agree on its rules.
Both campaigns say they are focused on the same goal — making West Windsor a great place to live — even as they differ on the path forward.
“I have a 24-year record of public service,” Marathe said. “I tell it straight about what can and can’t be done and ask voters to judge me by my record.”
Singh’s closing message to residents is that “this election is about the future of West Windsor, and what kind of town we want to be.”
