I’m running for West Windsor Council this November. In three years, based on 2,000 West Windsor families’ concerns, I have led efforts to solve/initiate seven West Windsor problems/programs, taken eight infrastructure and transportation training courses, and communicated with regional officials, all for identifying proven successful measures to lower our taxes and strengthen our community. I’m asking for your support so we can work together on the following three priorities for West Windsor, our home.
1. Limit residential growth. If West Windsor is built out, where less than 5 percent buildable land remains undeveloped in a township, our population will grow by 40 percent, and our taxes will increase by 30 percent. I’ll work with the township to limit residential housing construction on our remaining buildable lands—the 650-acre Howard Hughes property by meeting our Affordable Housing obligation, and 500 acres of unpreserved farmlands with timely preservation.
2. Grow local businesses. Residential property tax accounts for 60 percent of West Windsor’s budget. Meanwhile, 25 percent office/ratable spaces are unoccupied. I have been promoting our new businesses—Woo-Ri Mart and Ramen House, and will continue such activities and the below initiatives to usher in ratables and reduce our dependence on residential taxes.
3. Introduce initiatives. Many N.J. towns have reduced taxes and improved residents’ lives with initiatives—lately, Hopewell Township cut $2 million debt and mproved road safety with road preservation; our county restored native plants in two county parks with deer control. I will introduce these programs to West Windsor.
Let me tell you a little about myself: I am a wife and mother of two (ages 7 and 3); I hold a Ph.D. from University of California, Berkeley; a professor, Washington University in St. Louis; a physicist at Princeton University; and a political newcomer fighting for West Windsor values since 2015.
My accomplishments include: Helped solve the Mews shuttle noise problem; worked on the dollar a trip community shuttle program to the train station and township entities; promoted local culture food businesses (WooRi Mart and Ramen House); volunteered for the Mercer County Trail Crew, Lions Scout, Maurice Hawk Parent Teacher Association, and WW-P 8th grade project judge; raised $400 for the Peace Day event as a Human Relations Council member; completed eight training courses at Rutgers University on infrastructure and transportation; and helped co-design one of the first N.J. protected bike lanes at Canal Pointe Boulevard.
— Yan Mei Wang
Wang is a candidate for the open seat on West Windsor Council
