LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, May 3
Praise for NPDC citizens’ committee
To the editor:
As recently reported by The Packet, the State of New Jersey and Montgomery Township have reached an agreement in principle over the sale of the former North Princeton Development Center property.
After I became state treasurer in 2002, I soon learned that the proposed sale of this property, and the complex issues surrounding such a transaction, had been an issue since the site was abandoned in the late 1990s. My responsibility was to complete a deal that served both the interest of Montgomery Township and the current owners of the property, who are all the citizens of New Jersey. It wasn’t easy. It is no secret that negotiations between the two parties were often difficult and strained. But despite moments when all hope for an amicable resolution between the two principal parties seemed lost, the residents of Montgomery never lost sight of the goal.
I would like to personally commend Township Committeeman John Warms for taking a leadership role with the township to hammer out the terms of a final deal with the state. Equal if not more credit, however, goes to the group that never gave up on keeping both sides at the negotiating table: the Citizens’ Committee for NPDC. Led by Valerie Smith, the citizens’ committee set a stellar example of what everyday neighbors can accomplish through public involvement, civic activism, personal commitment and dogged determination.
The committee’s phone calls, e-mails, meetings, letters and other outreach efforts, with both the state and the township, truly kept both sides focused on a successful NPDC sale to Montgomery, even when the deal reached the darkest hours and a legal dead end. Valerie persuaded the state to explore mediation for resolving deadlocked issues. Her intervention kept a dialogue open, which ultimately yielded the proposed agreement, making the mediation option unnecessary.
I was extremely impressed by the talents that each member of this committee brought to the advocacy effort, as well as the integrity and decency exhibited throughout. By staying engaged and working as a persuasive intermediary, Valerie and her team championed the interests of this and future generations of Montgomery residents.
While many small details still need to be finalized by the legal teams from both sides, I am greatly pleased by the outcome. This is a great achievement for Mayor Louise Wilson and I look forward to turning the title of this prized property over to the people of Montgomery.
John E. McCormac
Treasurer
State of New Jersey
Trenton
Communiversity 2005 was spectacular event
To the editor:
On behalf of The Arts Council of Princeton, I want to express our gratitude to everyone artists, performers, nonprofits, Princeton University students, volunteers, vendors and, especially, our more than 8,000 visitors who helped to make Communiversity 2005 such a spectacular event.
When The Arts Council and the Princeton University undergraduates plan Communiversity each year, we envision a town-meets-gown event with something for everyone: diverse music and dance performances; engaging children’s theater; art activities; outstanding artistry; food; and nonprofits. Despite the threat of inclement weather, the sun came out and so did the cheerful crowds, thrilled to be able to take part in one of Princeton’s most beloved annual traditions.
This splendid day could not have happened without the participation of the following groups and individuals:
Princeton Borough Police Department; Princeton Fire Department; Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad; Princeton Regional Health Department; Princeton Borough Department of Public Works; Lea Quinty; Bob Bruschi; Wayne Carr and his staff; all of the artists, crafters, local merchants and nonprofits; all of our volunteers; the performers; Jim and Lisa Levine; the staff and board of trustees of The Arts Council; our event planners, Kate Kaeli and Alison Donald of kma events, LLC; and all of our corporate pponsors/donors: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.; Tyco International (US) Inc.; Miele; The Times; Triumph Brewing Company; Weichert Realtors; Commerce Bank; JPMorgan Chase Bank; Patriot Media; PNC Bank; Gloria Nilson GMAC Real Estate; Mason, Griffin & Pierson, P.C.; PDQ Press; Princeton Fuel Oil Co.; Princeton Real Estate Group, LLC; Stevens & Lee, a PA Professional Corporation; Wild Oats Natural Marketplace; Bank of America; McCaffrey’s; Nassau Street Seafood & Produce Company; and Palmer Square Management.
But thank you also to everyone who came to downtown Princeton on Saturday; whether as a participant in the event, a sponsor, or a visitor, you helped to make it a Communiversity to remember.
Janet Stern
Program Director
The Arts Council of Princeton
Witherspoon Streeet
Princeton
Hsueh puts together an outstanding team
To the editor:
I am writing in response to the recent Candidates Forum piece in the local press, authored by one of the candidates, regarding the selection of the mayor’s running mates in the upcoming West Windsor mayor/council election. As one of the unidentified participants in the referenced meeting, I feel an obligation to comment on the statements about the type of questions asked in the interview. There was no line of questioning even suggesting that the committee was seeking individuals who would blindly support the mayor; I do not understand what questions this candidate may have perceived as such.
I do believe that the candidates asked to join the mayor’s slate speaks to the fact that the goal of the committee was to find individuals who are open-minded, analytical, independent thinkers who can work as mem- bers of a team for the common good of the community. Both of the mayor’s running mates, Linda Geevers and Heidi Kleinman, have years of demonstrated records of public service to our community showing a passion for working hard to understand issues and seeking to find the best solutions for the whole. Their records of outstanding community service and professional backgrounds were two significant factors in their selection as part of Mayor Shing-Fu Hseuh’s ticket.
I hope you will agree that Linda Geevers and Heidi Kleinman are excellent choices for West Windsor’s Council by supporting them and Dr. Hseuh with your vote on May 10.
Diane Hasling
Jacob Drive
West Windsor
Mayor’s team cedes higher moral ground
To the editor:
I have just read the response of Shing-Fu Hsueh’s campaign organization (The Packet, April 29) to George Borek’s letter, and I should like to share some thoughts.
The first thing Mr. Hsueh’s team did in the letter was to deny the substance of Mr. Borek’s letter. They claimed that they couldn’t have done what Mr. Borek claimed because it would have been arrogant and stupid, and they aren’t arrogant and stupid.
Mr. Hsueh’s team thus reduced the argument to "He said, they said." That is all they were required to do in order to respond. In fact, since Mr. Borek’s letter leaves open the possibility of a misunderstanding, that is more than they had to do.
Then, without proof, Mr. Hsueh’s team accused Mr. Borek of something. That is negative campaigning and cedes the higher moral ground. In response to what they called "mudslinging," they slung mud. They stooped as low as they claimed Mr. Borek had stooped.
Then, without proof, Mr. Hsueh’s team accused him of something else. That is overkill and equivalent to saying, "You pulled this on the wrong group." With this, they stooped lower.
Then, without proof, Mr. Hsueh’s team accused Mr. Borek’s running mates of something else. That is "old-time West Windsor mudslinging," to coin a phrase.
Finally, and most oxymoronically, Mr. Hsueh’s team reaffirmed their determination to "take the high road." That shows contempt for the voters. It is arrogant and stupid.
Vote for Alison Miller, David Siegel and George Borek on May 10.
Richard Guhl
Windsor Drive
West Windsor
Geevers open-minded, listens to all sides
To the editor:
On May 10, I am looking forward to voting for Linda Geevers as a candidate for West Windsor Council. Over the past six years, Linda has proven herself as a member of the West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education, both as a member and vice president of the board.
The qualities that made her a successful school board member will make her an outstanding council member. Linda is open-minded and listens to all sides of a debate before making a decision. Equally important, she is not afraid to make a tough decision.
Linda has proven her ability to work with people with diverse viewpoints, a quality that is essential to serving on the council. As West Windsor develops a township vision, Linda will ensure public participation along the way. She will ensure that the vision is actually implemented and does not remain as a plan on the shelf. West Windsor needs council members who can work as part of a team and share a vision for the township. Linda Geevers is such a person.
I hope you will join me in voting for Linda Geevers and her running mate, Heidi Kleinman, for Township Council and Shing-Fu Hsueh for mayor of West Windsor.
Meghana Tawde
Penrose Lane
West Windsor
Kleinman great choice for Township Council
To the editor:
Heidi Kleinman is a great choice for the Community Vision Team. She is the kind of council member that West Windsor needs.
The balance she adds to the team includes her assets as an architect and as an adept businesswoman. Among the many contributions she can make to the quality of life in West Windsor are those in the areas of the arts, for all ages. As an example, her expertise as an architect is helping to facilitate the conversion of the old firehouse into what will be the state-of-the-art West Windsor Arts Council. Classes and programs in dance, and in the visual, performing and theater arts, to name but a few, will enhance the lives of the very young through the very old, with many activities for the teen community.
My association with Heidi has allowed me to know firsthand her dedication to West Windsor, and the abilities she will bring to the council.
On May 10, vote for the Community Vision Team: Heidi Kleinman, Linda Geevers and our incomparable mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh. You will be assuring a wonderful future for West Windsor.
Ina Brosseau Marx
Claridge Court
West Windsor
First vote will be for Community Vision Team
To the editor:
Heidi Kleinman, Linda Geevers and Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh are true public servants.
As a founding member of the West Windsor Arts Council, Ms. Kleinman helped organize an Indian, Chinese and Iranian film series and an art exhibition, the proceeds of which benefited the West Windsor Community Foundation. Having worked with her at the events, I have seen firsthand her devotion to promoting the arts and preserving our town’s cultural diversity and heritage.
During her six years of service to the school district on the Board of Education, Ms. Geevers was also a member of the Strategic Planning Team, through which we met. She helped craft the mission statement, core values and long-term strategies of the schools. Her knowledge of the district’s educational vision serves as a bridge between the schools and the township.
Alison Miller has said, "Once we know what the kids themselves want, we can move forward and find out who can help us give it to them." For the past year, Mayor Hsueh has been moving forward with his monthly Youth Advisory Task Force meetings; he directly involves the perspectives of students, a constituency that most officials neglect to know.
It is rare to find adults who respect the ideas and concerns of the town’s youth. As a student in the district since first grade, I am thrilled that my first vote in my first election supports the Community Vision Team.
Sherry Zhang
Wellington Estates West
West Windsor
Hsueh and team will continue to move forward
To the editor:
I support a sound cohesive and comprehensive community vision. If, like me, you’re tired of fence-sitting and recognize that time is truly of the essence, then commit to stop the politics and continue the move forward. We need a dedicated group in West Windsor’s governing body that can work together to get things done a professional team willing to listen to different sides of any issue, act and take responsibility for those actions.
It’s finally happening. West Windsor is attracting outside funding from the state and the federal governments. Let’s not turn off this tap and squander the goodwill that has been painstakingly built. There is more to come and a cohesive electorate can effectively represent our township’s best interests and secure these funds.
At little or no taxpayer expense, public-private partnerships have been developed. Programs have been established to obtain the critical items and resources that provide improvement in our safety (e.g., contributions toward additional West Windsor patrol officers).
If you want to see more funding for cultural and arts programs, environmental programs and open space I strongly suggest that you vote May 10 for the Community Vision Team Heidi Kleinman, Linda Geevers and Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh
Shing and his team can and will get us more.
Barbara Pfeifer
Beardsly Court
West Windsor
Council endorsement shows trust in Hsueh slate
To the editor:
Mayor Shing-Fu Hsuesh and his Community Vision Team can bring this town together.
Our council members in West Windsor Franc Gambatese, Charlie Morgan and Kristen Appelget have openly endorsed Shing, Linda and Heidi to help move this town forward. Shing has built the trust necessary to complete the projects that he has initiated. There are so many factors in getting funds into this town, getting state support and expediting approvals but the one factor that Shing has displayed is that he can build trust; because of this one factor, he can get things done.
It’s something that this town needs, someone who cares.
Vote May 10 for the Community Vision Team Heidi Kleinman, Linda Geevers and Mayor Shing Fu Hsueh.
Matti Prima
Stuart Lane East
West Windsor
Keep momentum going by re-electing Mayor Hsueh
To the editor:
I attended two of the debates the West Windsor candidates had recently. I read the editorial endorsement of The Packet. After living in this community for 35 years, I am more than convinced that Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh is the right man to lead West Windsor for the next four years.
We don’t need to hire a grant expert, as suggested by the opposition candidates. We have one. Dr. Hsueh has proven that grant funds can be gathered by perseverance and having the right contacts. He has brought in over $20 million from outside sources and has been very successful in recruiting qualified volunteers who care about this town. His techniques and talents have enabled all of us to benefit in various ways.
His running mates, Heidi Kleinman and Linda Geevers, are well experienced in their own right. They have paid their dues by volunteering their services on the Planning Board, Arts Council, Board of Education and numerous other activities. It is easy to criticize from outside, but bringing results takes hands on experience, knowledge, passion and leadership.
The opposition will have us believe that every complicated problem has a simple solution, but it is almost always wrong. After decades of inaction, Dr. Hsueh has started the momentum. Let us give Dr. Hsueh a chance to move his vision to action.
I am convinced the Community Vision Team of Hsueh, Kleinman and Geevers has the required attributes to take West Windsor forward and make us proud to beWest Windsorians.
Ram Ramachandran
Jefferson Park
West Windsor
Democrats, Republicans alike support Hsueh in WW
To the editor:
I have been a resident of West Windsor for over 30 years, having served as an educator, active in youth programs and various other forms of community service, and I must say I have never seen a candidate for public office receive such strong support from both Democrats and Republicans as Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh and his team for election this May.
I find Shing to be a man of integrity and intelligence who has a positive vision for West Windsor and has successfully articulated it to the members of the community. Additionally, he has sought and received state and federal funding which will help bring these many projects to fruition.
He has also put together a team that has already demonstrated a willingness to serve the community in a positive and productive way.
I urge my friends and neighbors to join me in casting their votes for the Community Vision Team on May 10.
Don Rizzo
Wellington Drive
West Windsor
Medical marijuana law is needed in New Jersey
To the editor:
On behalf of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey, I would like to thank the Princeton University students who invited us to speak to them on campus April 20. I would also like to thank those students on behalf of the tens of thousands of New Jersey patients who are being denied proper medical treatment by the federal government’s irrational prohibition of medical marijuana.
The Princeton University chapter of the Students for a Sensible Drug Policy got a chance to hear how the federal government denies the scientific evidence supporting medical marijuana, and systematically blocks scientific inquiry into the benefits of this useful drug. The Princeton students also heard the human side of this issue, as two caregivers of New Jersey medical marijuana patients described their experiences. Don McGrath explained how his son, Sean, used marijuana to ease the nausea associated with chemotherapy; Jim Miller talked about how his wife, Cheryl, used marijuana for her multiple sclerosis.
It is our sincere hope that the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act will soon be passed into law to end this needless suffering. For more information, see our Web site at www.cmmnj.org.
Ken Wolski
Chief Executive Officer
Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey
Spruce Street
Lawrence

