PACKET EDITORIAL, Oct. 23
By: Packet Editorial
In Montgomery Township, both the Republicans and the Democrats would have voters believe there are major philosophical differences separating their respective slates of candidates for three Township Committee seats at stake in the Nov. 6 election.
In truth, there are few differences in the positions the candidates have taken on the key issues facing Montgomery managing growth, preserving open space, controlling the deer population, maintaining the township’s quality of life. Where the candidates do differ is in the amount of preparation each of them has had to serve on the governing body of one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing municipalities.
In this regard, we believe incumbent Democrat Louise Wilson and Republican newcomer Paul Kadri are the best-qualified candidates in the race for two full, three-year terms on the Township Committee. In the contest to fill a one-year unexpired term, Republican incumbent Mark Caliguire rates a very slight nod over Democrat Karen Wintress.
Ms. Wilson and Mr. Caliguire both were appointed to the Township Committee to fill seats left vacant by resignations. Ms. Wilson, who took office in February, has distinguished herself as a forceful and articulate advocate for smart growth, putting forward proposals for preserving the rural character of Montgomery through innovative zoning, conservation design, transfer of development rights and other progressive policy initiatives. Mr. Caliguire, an attorney and president of a specialty paper-products company who was named to the Township Committee in September, has used his brief tenure in office to familiarize himself with the details of many issues facing the township. He couples this new-found knowledge with obvious intelligence, earnestness and clear thinking.
Mr. Kadri, a graduate of Johns Hopkins and the Wharton School, served as director of operations for the city of Jersey City and special assistant in the Newark public school system before assuming his present post as assistant superintendent in the Trenton public schools. This impressive background and experience in policy-making positions more than compensates for Mr. Kadri’s relatively brief residency in Montgomery, and makes him the preferred candidate over his Republican running-mate, Fred Gladstone, and Democrat Jennifer Wall in the race for a three-year term.
Mr. Gladstone, who serves on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Site Plan Committee, and Ms. Wall, who got involved in local politics representing the interests of residents of the Montgomery Woods development, are sincere, well-meaning candidates who, against lesser competition than Ms. Wilson and Mr. Kadri, would certainly merit support. We hope they will remain active in local issues and keep their names in consideration for elective office.
And we strongly encourage the talented Ms. Wintress to stay involved; she is a thoughtful, energetic, public-spirited individual who has demonstrated her deep commitment to environmental and social issues both in her work with American Re-Insurance and in her volunteer efforts. Unfortunately, in our view, Ms. Wintress is running in the wrong race this year. If she were on the ballot for a three-year term against Mr. Kadri instead of a one-year term against Mr. Caliguire, we would be endorsing her in this election. We hope she will give us the opportunity to give her our enthusiastic support in the future.

