After reading Paul Pitluk’s May 27 letter to the editor, one has to wonder whether he supports higher municipal taxes or is just playing politics by questioning the three Republicans on Council for taking the lead in proposing a leaner municipal budget. While the votes on the budget amendments were 3-2, the final budget vote was 4-1. Councilwoman Alison Miller, a Democrat, joined us in lessening your tax burden.
Mr. Pitluk claims that “following this year’s budget process, it is obvious that the non-partisan form of government no longer exists in West Windsor.” I don’t find that to be true, as throughout this year there have been mostly 5-0 votes and some 4-1 votes with varying dissenters. Council has worked hard at listening to our residents, to one another, and toward building consensus. At the meeting where the budget was introduced I indicated that I would continue to independently review the budget for possible further changes, as could any other council member. It is the right of any Council member to suggest amendments prior to their vote. Sometimes during deliberations there will be strong, differing opinions and split votes will occur. This is a democracy after all.
Perhaps Mr. Pitluk felt compelled to write a political piece that attacks the Republicans on Council in order to boost his standing in the local Democratic party. Note that he was running for re-election in the June 7 primary for a Democratic committee seat in the 16th district (Village Grande). How timely it was of him to chastise three Republicans and essentially a fellow Democrat for approving a trimmed-down budget that lessens the tax burden on senior citizens and hard-working residents.
Linda Geevers
Princeton Junction
Geevers writes as an individual member of West Windsor Council.
