West Windsor’s council meeting on April 16 was a disappointment to most everyone in attendance. It could have been different. But unfortunately, for the folks who pay the rent, it wasn’t. Instead it was a circus. And it was a serious setback for decency and openness in our local government.
You can watch it for yourselves and draw your own conclusions. The meeting is being rebroadcast on Comcast and Verizon FIOS.
However, if you are too busy to tune in, I’ll offer you a brief summary of what you would have seen:
1. The council had an opportunity to reduce local taxes without having to ask for a cut in community services or a reduction in administrative salaries or township benefits. In fact it didn’t even have to request that town spend a dime less than what was spent this year.
2. But Mr. Khanna, Mr. Borek and Ms. Samonte wouldn’t vote for a budget that would have saved us tax dollars. Instead, they voted to spend more of your money and mine, even when it wasn’t needed.
3. These folks lost sight of the fact that you and I pay the bills. We write those quarterly property tax checks. And we have been asking for relief, real relief. But they ignored us.
Two other council members, Bryan Maher and Linda Geevers tried to act on our behalf but they were out voted. Maher and Geevers proposed keeping the tax rate flat. But they were ignored.
Maher is the most financially astute member of council and he did all the legwork for his colleagues. He showed that the mayor’s proposal had overstated budgeted expenditures and understated expected revenues. But his effort was to no avail.
Khanna, Borek & Samonte disappointed all of us and they were aided by a township attorney who made a mockery of Robert’s Rules of Order. This township attorney forgot his role and opted instead to promote a partisan stand. Instead we should be paying for and receiving thoughtful, reasoned advice.
West Windsor deserves better representation and it’s time we demanded more from our elected officials. Mayor Hsueh pulls the strings as chairman of the West Windsor Democratic Committee. Not surprisingly, the council members who voted for his budget are all active members of his political organization. Nonpartisanship in West Windsor has been cast to the wind. Political self dealing is now the order of the day.
Marshall Lerner
3 Sapphire Drive, West Windsor
