Edition of Oct. 26
During this general election season, this column will include letters and statements from and about candidates for public office.
For Knights, Nettles
To the editor:
We , the mayor and current and former members of Hopewell Borough Common Council, wholeheartedly endorse David Knights and David Nettles for reelection.
Both Mr. Nettles and Mr. Knights have served our town well over the last few years. We urge Hopewell Borough residents to vote for them.
George Padgett, mayor; Tom Dallessio, council president; Alice Huston, councilwoman; David Mackie, councilman; Henry Wittman, councilman; Marcia Bridger, former council president
Thirty years long enough
To the editor:
Did you know it has been almost 30 years since a resident of Hopewell Valley has held a seat on the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders? Did you also know that the Freeholder Board has jurisdiction over county facilities such as the Mercer County Airport and the Mercer County Correctional Facility on Route 29? Its jurisdiction also includes all county parks and open space expenditures, county roads, the Mercer County Improvement Authority, and a whole array of additional programs and services which impact the lives of Mercer residents on a daily basis.
I am currently serving in my second term as councilwoman in Pennington Borough. In February I was chosen at the Mercer County Democratic Convention to run for the freeholder seat being vacated at the end of this year by Jim McManimon.
I am running for several reasons. First and foremost I want to see the county take a lead in encouraging a more regional approach to planning by controlling the sprawl of development and directing greater resources towards the development and redevelopment of our already-existing urban centers. As a member of the Hopewell Valley Mayors’ Task Force on Trucks and Traffic I have worked for tougher controls on truck traffic at the local level and would like to lead a more concerted effort in that regard at the county level. As freeholder I would also fight for stricter environmental controls on existing and future development and work to ensure the continued protection of new parcels of open space throughout the county.
These would be my priorities as your freeholder, but it won’t become a reality, without the support of you, my fellow Hopewell Valley neighbors. I would greatly appreciate your vote on Nov. 7. Thirty years is long enough.
Elizabeth Maher Muoio, Pennington Borough
Webb introduces himself
To the editor:
My name is Steve Webb, I am running for a seat on Hopewell Borough Council. I would like to tell you about myself, my experience, and why I decided to run for office. I was born in New Brunswick and am proud to call myself an "Army brat," having lived on several Army post while my father was in the military.
I discovered Hopewell when I met my wife, whose family has lived here for the past 32 years. I am a former federal police officer with the United States Capitol Police in Washington D.C., and am currently a fire and housing inspector for Princeton Borough. I am also a firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician with the Hopewell Fire Department and Emergency Medical Unit.
Working with the Capitol Police, I was one of those guys you sometimes see on television, who provide protection for the president, vice president, members of Congress, foreign dignitaries, and other heads of state and believe me, political office was one of the last things that I though I would ever consider. However, after attending an informal meeting with several of my neighbors and a member of the council, I decided to, as they say, throw my hat in the ring.
The main reason for my running for office is my opposition to the proposed rail stop in Hopewell Borough. Don’t get me wrong, I am a strong proponent of the use of railroads and anything that will decrease the amount of vehicle traffic, both commercial and commuter, on our roads, but, having a train stop in the borough, with its parking lots, security lights and traffic is not the right path to take.
I feel, along with many of our neighbors, that there are better locations for a train stop nearby, that can be utilized by everyone, and not have it adversely affect the town that we know and love.
I am a strong advocate of public safety and as a member of the fire department and Emergency Medical Unit I have been one of the top 10 responders to both fire and medical calls since I joined almost four years ago. I will bring that dedication that I have shown toward the people of Hopewell to the office of council member.
Even though I am running as a Democrat, I am not a person who votes along party lines. I will not tell you what I will do if elected, because we all know most of that stuff is just talk. What I will say is that I will listen to the people of Hopewell, and will ask your opinion on what you feel is right or wrong in our town, what you feel needs to be done and will work hard so that your concerns are heard and addressed.
Steven Webb, candidate, Hopewell Borough Council
‘They’ve earned your trust’
To the editor:
I am writing to ask the residents of Hopewell Borough, Hopewell Township and Pennington Borough to vote for candidates that will make each community a better place to live, work and raise a family.
David Knights has worked tirelessly in Hopewell Borough over the last two years as a councilman to oversee the restoration of our historic train station. It serves as a reminder of the architectural beauty and significant history of our town. And, it is spurring economic development while revitalizing the surrounding neighborhoods.
In Hopewell Township, John Hart has been a fervent advocate of open space and farmland preservation. I had the pleasure of working with John while he was Mayor and Township Committeeman to protect lands around Hopewell Borough. I can honestly say that John’s dedication and advocacy guaranteed that these and other lands were preserved.
In Pennington Borough, Ken Baker brings energy and common sense to local government. His interest in serving his community exemplifies the best qualities found in elected officials. And, his ability to think and act strategically to build consensus and implement common goals is truly needed today in Pennington.
I urge all voters in Hopewell Valley to remember to vote on Nov. 7. When you reach the bottom of the ballot, please vote for David Knights, John Hart or Ken Baker. They’ve earned your trust. They’ll serve you well.
Tom Dallessio, president, Hopewell Valley Republican Association
Threat of sprawl
To the editor:
I believe, as do the majority of residents in Hopewell Valley, that the overriding issue facing our township today is the threat of sprawl. This is an issue that impacts our families, our homes, our neighbors, and our everyday life.
Hopewell Township is a beautiful place to live and work. It is understandable that people would want to locate here. But if not handled correctly, this development could destroy what all of us cherish. My pledge to this community is that I am committed to not allowing that to happen. I would never have allowed Merrill Lynch to rewrite our land use laws and double the Floor Area Ratio. We must now deal with 11,000 employees versus the far more reasonable 6,000 originally planned.
Other corporations will be knocking on the door to Hopewell Valley. Currently Bristol-Myers Squibb is seeking to expand its facility to allow 25 percent more employees than originally approved. Issues such as water quality and quantity, traffic and school growth, must be analyzed from both sides of the ledger, quantifying both the costs and the benefits.
These questions are complicated. Answering them requires a first-hand knowledge of large corporations, and a balanced, thoughtful professional approach to putting residents first. I have that approach. As a Certified Public Accountant, I have worked with corporations, solving problems and finding solutions. My skills and training provide me with the ability to qualify, quantify and effectively communicate the impacts of development on our community. We must weigh the cost of further development on the pristine beauty of Hopewell, the trees, valleys and open space, along with the financial strain on our municipal services, versus the possible tax benefit received from development. There are financial tools which could assist us in determining these impacts. I have performed financial analysis in my professional capacity as an accountant, and with your support will bring this experience to the township level as well.
Fran Bartlett, candidate, Hopewell Township Committee
Respect for property?
To the editor:
Does Fran Bartlett have any respect for private property?
On Saturday, Oct. 21, I saw a volunteer for Ms. Bartlett’s campaign placing signs willy-nilly on properties at the intersection of Scotch Road and Pennington-Washington Crossing Road. Oddly, some of the signs were placed next to signs for John Hart. It seems inconceivable to me that a property owner would permit a sign for both candidates on his or her property. I can only surmise that the signs were placed without the property owners’ permission.
I decided to visit property I own at the intersection of Route 31 and Marshall’s Corner-Woodsville Road. Anyone who follows Hopewell Township politics-and I should presume that Ms. Bartlett would find local politics of interest-would know that my property, on the northwest corner of the intersection, is the subject of a rezoning effort by the current Hopewell Township Board. Sure enough, there was a Bartlett sign on my property.
I shudder to think that the hundreds of local residents who have opposed the Hopewell Township Board’s rezoning efforts would think that I would permit the placement of a Bartlett sign on my property. To anyone who saw the sign, I emphatically state that I do not support Ms. Bartlett’s campaign.
Ms. Bartlett, I suggest you educate your volunteers. You are responsible for their actions.
Theresa M. Vogler, Hopewell Township
A vote for Bartlett
To the editor:
Having lived in the Township for the past five years, I have witnessed many changes.
I realize our community has many lifetime residents as well as those who have more recently chosen to live here.
Let’s not think only in terms of lifetime residency when we discuss experience. To do so is to limit our resources. We should enlist the talent and insight of all our citizens and act to bring a wide variety of opinions and viewpoints to the table.
As a CPA who has lived in several communities in the Northeast, Fran Bartlett has the kind of experience and knowledge that will be a tremendous asset on our township committee. I believe she is exactly the even-tempered, fair, rational leader we need.
Please join me in voting Nov. 7 for Fran Bartlett.
Ralph Acquaviva, Pennington
Democrat for Hart
To the editor:
As Election Day approaches, I urge my fellow Democrats to get out and vote for John Hart for Hopewell Township Committee.
With the strong Democratic ticket of Al Gore, Joe Lieberman, Jon Corzine and Rush Holt, a voter may be tempted to vote for Fran Bartlett as part of a Democratic sweep. This, I believe, would be a grave disservice to the people of Hopewell Township.
The Hopewell Township Committee race is not, at heart, Democrat versus Republican. It is a race between the experienced leader John Hart, who favors sensible zoning and sensible growth for our township, and the neophyte Ms. Bartlett, who wants to make the township New Jersey’s version of Disney World’s Main Street USA. A theme park is fun to visit, Ms. Bartlett, but most adults don’t want to live in one.
The majority on the Hopewell Township Committee, whom Ms. Bartlett can be expected to follow, practice an interesting version of economic apartheid. In their view, jobs are good, if they are not in this township. Housing is good, if you can afford a mini-mansion on six acres. Airports are good, if the planes fly over someone else’s house. That’s no way to ensure a vibrant community. Rather, it’s a foundation for the creation of a mere bedroom suburb for the wealthy and well-employed.
Ms. Bartlett will serve as a mere rubber stamp for the four committee members who reflect an anti-growth message that ignores the needs of the township as a whole. I’m sorry, Ms. Bartlett, but your views do not reflect the Democratic principles that I have supported for over 20 years.
By reelecting Mr. Hart, Hopewell Township residents will be assured of having a reasoned, experienced voice on the committee. He will ensure that the views of all residents are fully considered.
Let’s send a strong Democratic message by voting for Al Gore, Joe Lieberman, Jon Corzine and Rush Holt. But when it comes to the Hopewell Township Committee, choose the experienced, independent voice of John Hart on Nov. 7.
Michael Ruger, Hopewell Township
Road problems severe
To the editor:
With a 16-year-old daughter about to begin driving in our township, we are especially concerned about the ever increasing problem of tractor trailers on our road, Route 29. We are personally affected by some of these accidents which often occur in our very front yard and have on more than one occasion almost affected our very own family, relatives and neighbors. Some say that almost doesn’t count, but our hearts beat very quickly when we are awakened in the middle of the night by stone and metal crunching accidents here on the street where we live.
Both of us have had near death experiences going in and out of our driveway and the gas station where the most recent tragedy occurred. It has become increasingly menacing due to the tractor trailers hauling other people’s trash through our state into Pennsylvania. We have been carefully watching, counting, even filming the truck traffic on Route 29 for several years. It is a new problem that is getting worse, many times worse than when we moved here 13 years ago. Those were the days when we lived very comfortably with the Trap Rock and local delivery truck traffic which John Hart still seems to think is the gist of the problem.
We understand that Fran Bartlett is also informed and concerned about this problem and will support us and our desire to keep our town and our roads safe. We’d like to encourage others to consider this a severe problem and support Fran for Township Committee in this coming election.
Dale and Maryellen Birdsey, Titusville
Non-partisan approach
To the editor:
In his recent letter to the editor, Richard Bailey pointed out the obvious – that Fran Bartlett will be the fifth Democrat on the Township Committee. However, he does not ask the key question, "How is it in a township where Republicans outnumber Democrats approximately 3 to 2, that the Democrats were able to regain seats on the Township Committee after over 20 years of no representation?" The answer is simple. A coalition of Independents, Democrats and Republicans, including former Republicans Kathy Bird and Marylou Ferrara, worked toward a non-partisan approach to local government.
This election is no different. We are voting on issues, regardless of party loyalty. Ms. Bartlett is supported across party lines because of her commitment to develop a better community for all of us. This is a time for new leadership and ideas; versus living in the past. Hopewell Township residents deserve the best and brightest in its leaders who are willing to make difficult decisions, which will benefit our community in the coming decades. Let’s take this opportunity to vote in the leaders who dare to challenge what we can be for our children and ourselves. I am a Republican and invite you to join me in getting Fran Bartlett elected for Township Committee.
Michael Bruno, Hopewell Township
Hart an asset
To the editor:
Recently we attended a meeting where Hopewell Township Committee candidate John Hart spoke. Mr. Hart and some of his backers spent more time explaining the issues that John stands for and supports. After we left, I was certain that John is the candidate that I wish to support in November’s election.
John has worked to reduce truck traffic – this is a needed undertaking. John has pursued (and gotten) farmland preservation moneys for his farm – we need to support agrarian efforts and open space. Also, John was instrumental in attracting Merrill Lynch to relocate to our town – this effort will result in thousands of jobs and tax revenues.
I have followed the election issues. I have weighed all of the factors. As a result I can proudly say that I will cast my vote for Mr. John Hart. I feel that he has been an asset to Hopewell Township in the past. I encourage fellow residents to allow him to carry on his work in the future. Please elect John Hart to Hopewell Township Committee.
Carol Stawski, Hopewell Township
Not our advocate
To the editor:
Carol Hager’s letter last week hit the mark. John Hart has not been our public advocate.
He was not our advocate when, as mayor, he repeatedly ignored the findings of the Mayors’ Task Force on Trucking and Traffic and claimed that interstate trucks were not a problem on our roads. The recent successes on limiting trucks are the result of enormous pressure brought to bear by the new members of the Township Committee.
Mr. Hart was not our advocate when he spoke against open space acquisitions at nearly every opportunity. He now suggests that he had a hand in preserving 15 square miles of the township. In fact, of the many parcels now successfully preserved as open space, he agreed to township participation in only two, which together amount to less than two square miles.
Mr. Hart was not our advocate when, as mayor, he administered a 27 percent increase in the municipal tax rate.
Mr.. Hart was not our advocate when the county moved maximum-security prisoners into the Route 29 workhouse.
Please join me in supporting a candidate for Township Committee who will be a true advocate for the issues important to Hopewell Township. Please vote for Fran Barlett on Nov. 7.
Edward Hoag, Titusville
Want Hart as spoiler
To the editor:
As a longtime Hopewell resident, I have seen many changes in the political tide. Currently, our Hopewell Township Committee has swung toward the Democrat platform. While this by itself is not bad, I worry that control by one side is not representative of Hopewell’s populace. The current Committee is comprised of four Democrats and only one Republican.
I will vote for John Hart’s reelection to Hopewell Township Committee. I feel that he is a representative voice for Hopewell Township’s long-term residents. Rather than witness a group comprised of one political party, I count on John to play the role of spoiler. This is a necessary function to keep government from leaning too far to one side.
Walker Gresavage, Hopewell Township
How long will Bartlett stay here?
To the editor:
On Thursday, Oct. 19, many members of the "tree streets" community attended the Hopewell Township Committee meeting to ask the Committee to be accountable for the lack of action on their community’s severe sewerage problems. Their speeches and questions seemed to fall on deaf ears as Mayor Ferrara, Jon Edwards, Kathleen Bird, and Bob Higgins covered for each other. We had to assess need", they said. I thought the need has been obvious for some time. And now – they say that more study is necessary. Why not utilize those funds to fund the expansion of the Stony Brook Wastewater Treatment Plant so these poor people can get some relief from this long-existing "need".
A very well-spoken high school student actually got up and stated that be thought the Democrats were more interested in open space preservation than in helping the township with its sewerage problems. He said that he thought that if the Republicans had been elected in 1998, we would already have a solution to these problems. If a 16 to 18 year old can see this, what is wrong with so many of the adults in this township?
I also attended the debate held at the Watershed on Wednesday, Oct. 18. The debate was eventless, but Fran Bartlett was able to get in her pre-rehearsed jabs. Fortunately, John Hart kept smiling. Even when she hissed, "I guess we have something in common," Mr. Hart replied, "We have a lot in common."
I find it hard to believe that the "clever" and "articulate" Democrats actually think they invented the concept of sprawl, or that they believe they can convince the community that their opponent, John Hart (lover of the land and farming), could ever promote haphazard development of our land. It was interesting to listen as the "educated" and "articulate" Fran Bartlett repeatedly used catchwords in her presentation, My favorite was "I’m a numbers crunchier" which she repeated at least four times.
I am sure that Ms. Bartlett is a well-meaning and hard-working member of this community, but she certainly does not display the strength or experience needed for a seat on the Hopewell Township Committee. She left the meeting early, which suggested to me that she may have time constraints that could make it difficult for her to fulfill her responsibilities as a committee member. In addition, after her comments on all the places she’s lived in the northeast, I really have to wonder just how long she and her family will stay in Hopewell Township.
Cynthia Goldsmith, Hopewell Township
A vote for Bartlett
To the editor:
As a five-year resident of a community developed in the 1950s and 1960s in the southeast Route 31 section of the township, I have grown increasingly impatient with the wastewater politics that have divided our leaders and wasted a lot of time and energy in the process.
I attended the Sept. 27 Wastewater Needs Analysis/Feasibility Study meeting that apparently lasted until midnight. The $25,000 report, allegedly completed in June, evaluated lot size, number of lots, soil suitability, septic problem trends, surface water and ground water quality in 18 township communities. Overall, the Assessment Summary Matrix contained 63 boxes of N/A; however, they did compile data to evaluate the ratio of human/animal waste in our surface waters. Although groggy from boredom, I was able to glean that you want this ratio under 2:1 and that the Ingleside and Timberlane communities were measured at 40:1 and 17:1, respectively.
To summarize, which I wish our presenters could have done, the engineers further validated what’s been known for years. The mentioned communities, and a few others, require, and, quite frankly, deserve attention, now. I’ve been told that it’s an all or nothing proposition. If it is, I believe we’re neglecting their core purpose. Sewers are first and foremost intended for areas that cannot naturally dispose of their wastewater. Politics should not dictate our posturing on this issue.
How about a phased plan, focused on the critical areas first. If we play it smart, we could probably avoid sprawl and enhance our already developed landscape. So what if a pipe was run down Route 31 from the circle and it brought commercial business to that 1 mile stretch. I’ve got to believe that those residents would be glad to sell their properties at a handsome profit to a proprietor seeking the Route 31 traffic.
I know Mr. Hart is a proponent of, pardon the expression, relief to the highly publicized distressed areas of the township. However, based on my observations of the dynamics of our current township committee, I don’t believe his well intended, deeply rooted ideals can prevail on the platform. On election day, I’m going to vote for Fran, and trust that a unified committee will ultimately do what’s rational and right for the community.
Robert S. Campbell, Hopewell Township
Return Bartlett signs
To the editor:
Only in America can members of various political parties exist, meet, campaign, and vote, without fear of being persecuted. arrested, tortured, or executed. I have lived in a foreign country just after a military coup, and have seen personally the reticence and fear of the people to speak out.
Even in America it is unlawful to enter personal property to steal or vandalize. Last Friday night, in less than a day from posting the Bartlett for Township Committee sign was taken from my yard, and two others in the neighborhood were pulled from their stakes and laid on the ground. This is not the American Way. Please return the sign, in the cover of night again if you wish, no questions asked.
Hannah Suthers, Hopewell Township
Hart for all residents
To the editor:
I am writing to express my opinion regarding the upcoming election. I feel that the current members of Hopewell Township Committee have banded together as a partisan political unit. The lone Republican on the committee is seeking reelection. I will vote for John Hart because I feel that he will best represent the residents of Hopewell – not just the residents of Hopewell with a friend on the Committee.
Mr. Hart visited my home recently and explained his platform to me. John stands for preservation of open space, stable taxes, and recreation areas for our youth. These are the issues that I identify with and support. As such, I fully support Mr. John Hart for Hopewell Township Committee.
Gabrielle Charette, Hopewell Township