LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, May 24
Princeton Future should be heard first
To the editor:
The following letter was sent to members of the Princeton Regional Planning Board:
I have closely followed the activities of Princeton Future since its initial meeting in the fall of 2000. For the next two years, I attended all of their public meetings, and was fascinated by the unfolding view of Princeton and the efforts of so many citizens to understand and solve the problems of the downtown. Now, as a member of the Steering Committee of Princeton Future, I have a deeper understanding of the goals and procedures of this citizens’ group. Starting in September, they began to focus on the evolution of Witherspoon Street and the eventual development of the hospital site after the hospital moves. I have great respect for their public work.
Since the fall, Princeton Future’s many public meetings and workshops have gathered a wide spectrum of ideas from the residents of the hospital neighborhood and the town. A volunteer advisory group drawn from these participants has worked incredibly hard and in good faith to draw planning guidelines and a range of concept plans for the site. This whole undertaking represents a high level of civic cooperation in addressing a complex problem that impacts us all. It is exactly this kind of broad-based, inclusive involvement of citizens that can lead to wise planning.
For these reasons, I urge you to continue the public process begun at the April 21 meeting of the Planning Board. The report to be given by Princeton Future on May 26 represents an important engagement by the public in the discussion of the hospital site. The public has spoken through all the meetings held by Princeton Future. This public voice should be given ample time to be heard before specific options are brought forth by other groups.
Susan Hockaday
Fitzrandolph Road
Princeton
Compromise prevails on Snowden Lane
To the editor:
After nine months of machination between residents and township officials, the controversies that affected us now seem to have dissipated. The reconstruction of Snowden Lane will begin after Memorial Day with both sides feeling that their views were respected. Compromise was the order of the day.
In looking back over the situation, I’m struck with several thoughts:
Most township residents are unaware of the high degree of professionalism and expertise that exists in each department of our local government. Kudos to Bob Kiser, Greg O’Neil and Officer Geoff Maurer for making the extra effort necessary to address the concerns of the Snowden Lane residents. We’re fortunate in having people of such high caliber in service to our community.
In a similar vein, we can all look to our Township Committee as a governmental body that strives to make Princeton a great place to live. Bill Hearon and Bernie Miller were there to hear our side of the argument and present this to their colleagues on the committee. The entire committee is to be commended for their fair-mindedness and their desire to explore every avenue before making their decision.
I’m sure each participant is not 100 percent in agreement with the final decision. However, one comes away from this with the feeling the final decision was best for all involved.
Howard Buckwald
Snowden Lane
Princeton
Tax increases make case for consolidation
To the editor:
Last week’s news was that the Princeton Borough Council was able to pass a new budget with spending at the same level as last year. Despite that remarkable feat, the borough taxes are still going up 5 cents per $100 of assessed property value. When combined with the school budget increases, the borough taxes are going up a total of 14 cents per $100.
The council and the school board are congratulating themselves on a job well done. What is not being said is that the tax increase for homeowners for next year is a whopping 8.8 percent. Have any of you received an 8.8 percent pay increase this year? Have you retirees received an 8.8 percent increase in retirement benefits this year?
I do not know a single person who is not distressed by what is going on with our taxes. We have received record tax increases over the past several years to pay for the school construction and now an additional 8.8 percent. When the council and the school board talk about "pennies per hundred" and "average assessed value," they hide the hard calculations.
There is one very quick and relatively painless solution that could hold down taxes is future years. It is time to end the duplication of government services for the 14,000 borough residents and the 16,000 township residents. Our community of 30,000 can barely afford one city government, and for us to have to support two is ludicrous. The merger could be phased in so that the pain to our dedicated community workers is not severe, and in many cases like the police department, the size of the combined force would be the same as the two individual departments. But surely, the best way to really care about our community expenses is to eliminate the duplication that created the township and borough halls.
My bet is that the only vigorous defense of the two governments will come from the elected officials themselves.
Stephen T. Schreiber
Prospect Avenue
Princeton
Ah, the joys of a techno-free summer
To the editor:
Imagine the horror on my children’s faces when I announced that all screens would be removed from the house this summer. No TV. No computers. No hand-held videos.
I was responding to a complaint from my 21-year old, a junior at Drew, who called a few weeks ago to complain to me that he doesn’t know how to do anything. "I can’t build anything," he said. "I don’t know how to grow food. I have no practical skills. I wish they would dis-invent television."
Dis-inventing television was a bit out of reach, but I could reduce the toxic effects on my two remaining kids, ages 17 and 12. These machines, however wonderful, have drug-like effects on children’s brains. They are getting in the way of teaching my children what I know, my primary responsibility as a parent.
I told my neighbor about my summer plans. Envious, but fearing her daughter’s wrath if she banished instant messenger, she said. "You’re the bravest person I know."
My 17-year old got it. He has assured me that once he’s gotten through withdrawal, he will look back on a summer learning practical skills at "Camp Mom" with gratitude. He gave me 20 hours of community service at the Riverside School gardens for Mother’s Day.
The 21-year old plans to strand himself in Hawaii on an organic farm, where he will have no choice but to learn some practical skills.
The 12-year-old, whose life I have ruined, said, "Oh fine. I’ll just ride my bicycle to the library and use the computers there!"
Did she say "bicycle" and "library" in the same breath?
Dorothy Mullen
Patton Avenue
Princeton
Derby Day party benefits senior center
To the editor:
On May 7, the Princeton Senior Resource Center enjoyed a spirited Kentucky Derby Day Party to benefit the PSRC. Many thanks are in order for making this day a great success, especially to the board of trustees and staff for all their hard work. We are very appreciative of our corporate patrons and sponsors, and wish to thank them publicly: McCaffrey’s, The Princeton Packet, Acorn Glen, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Patriot Media, Pennswood Village, PNC Bank, Princeton HealthCare System, RBC Dain Rauscher, Stonebridge at Montgomery, Buckingham Place and Mason Griffin & Pierson all gave generously.
We are also grateful to those who donated prizes for our silent auction andfestivities: Bon Appetit, Chico’s, CJ’s Variety, Inc., Construction Management Services-Cliff Tyler, EY Staats, Forest Jewelers, Go for Baroque, Kitchen Kapers, Luttmans Luggage, J. McLaughlin, Masala Grill, Nassau Club, Personal Paperwork Solutions, Peterson’s Nursery Garden Center, Piccadilly, Princeton Public Library Store, Ricchard’s Shoes, Simon Pearce, Ten Thousand Villages, The Cafi, The Ferry House, Thomas Sweet, Wegmans, The Winged Pig, Zazendi.com. and many individual donors from our board and community.
Thanks go also to The Occasional Dixieland Band for their great music.
The success of this event will help the Princeton Senior Resource Center to continue to provide enriching cultural, educational, health and social-service programs that benefit the seniors of our community, as well as their families and caregivers.
Liz Cohen
Board Member and Event Chair
Princeton Senior Resource Center
Terhune Road
Princeton
Festive evening benefits YWCA
To the editor:
On behalf of the YWCA Princeton, I want to thank the Princeton community for so generously supporting "Noche de Danza A Latin Extravaganza," a gala event on May 12 to benefit the YWCA’s ESL Literacy Initiative. The well-attended and festive evening at The Tournament Players Club at Jasna Polana raised funding important to the YWCA’s comprehensive ESL Literacy program that encompasses the services of the Child Care Center at the Valley Road school as well as ESL literacy classes.
The YWCA Princeton extends special thanks to June Pecora, Pamela Bristol, Mb Barber, Susan Carril, Jane Dennison, Suzanne Dyckman, Margee Harper, Alisha Hastings-Kimball, Judy Klitgaard, Marie Matthews, Suzanne McCroskey, Harriette McLoughlin, Doodie Meyer, Barbara Purnell, Carol Salus, Marge Smith, Barbara Straut and Andrea Taylor for their special talents, hard work and dedication as part of the benefit committee.
The executive chef at Jasna Polana, Ryan Dionne, Scott Anderson of the Lawrenceville Inn, David Erolano of Chambers Walk and Karen Child of Village Bakery presented a carefully chosen and finely crafted four-course gourmet dinner steeped in Latin flavors. The YWCA also appreciates the in-kind contributions of the Flower Station, Kale’s Nursery, Mb Barber Designs, McCaffrey’s Wine and Spirits, MSM Graphics, Salsa Georgia Dance, Starbucks Coffee and The Winged Pig.
The YWCA Princeton’s ESL Literacy Initiative serves low-income, limited literacy, non-English speaking families, especially mothers and their children, in the Princeton area. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help provide early education and cultural enrichment to pre-school children at the Child Care Center at the Valley Road school to assure that they achieve school success and kindergarten readiness, mindful that research clearly shows that early intervention is more effective, long-lasting and sustainable than later remediation. Many of the families in the program receive scholarship assistance that will be supported by the May 12 event.
For adult family members, The YWCA’s ESL Literacy Initiative provides classes at minimal rates so that participants can attain greater self-sufficiency and can be active educational partners with their children.
The YWCA Princeton deeply appreciates the generous support of corporations, foundations and agencies that have helped to fund the ESL Literacy Initiative including Bristol Myers-Squibb, Family and Children’s Services of Central New Jersey, Grad Group of YWCA Princeton, Healing House, J. Seward Johnson Sr. Trust, Losam Fund, Mary Owen Borden Foundation, Mercer County, PNC Bank, Princeton Area Community Foundation, Rotary Club of Princeton, The Fred C. Rummel Foundation, The Gertrude E. Skelly Charitable Foundation, Starbucks Foundation, Tyco International and United Way of Mercer County.
On a personal note, as I have recently assumed my responsibilities with the YWCA Princeton, I am deeply moved by the extensive involvement of the community with the very worthwhile work and life-altering programs of the YW. I am particularly gratified to see the eagerness with which corporations, volunteers, members and supporters embrace the many undertakings of the YWCA to provide opportunities for women and their children to learn and grow. Thank you, the Princeton community, for your open hearts and generous support.
Diantha Johnson Allenby
Director of Development
YWCA Princeton
Paul Robeson Place
Princeton
Winning candidates grateful for support
To the editor:
The Community Vision Team would like to thank you, the voters, for giving us your overwhelming support in the 2005 West Windsor municipal elections. Throughout the campaign, we had multiple opportunities to listen to your issues, concerns and hopes for our community. Please continue to communicate with us. We will work hard to make West Windsor an even more desirable place in which to live.
We’d also like to take this opportunity to give a special thank you to all of you who gave assistance by campaigning with us door to door, hosting coffees, putting up signs, creating Web sites and making donations and phone calls. The extra effort was phenomenal a job well done.
We look forward to serving all West Windsor residents with exciting plans for the future.
Shing-Fu Hsueh
Mayor
Linda Geevers
Council Member-elect
Heidi Kleinman
Council Member-elect
West Windsor
Find common ground in school budget process
To the editor:
As we deal with the revised Montgomery school budget, perhaps it is time for some reflection and understanding. It isn’t easy for most people to speak up for issues they believe in or feel strongly about. You open yourself up to attacks, sometimes unjustly personal, when your words are used as sound bytes in a press article, especially when people are angry and divided.
For those who did not attend, I am referring to the Montgomery Township meeting on May 4, where the Township Committee asked for and listened to input from all of their constituents regarding the school budget cuts. The subsequent article in The Packet and the editorials that followed could not and did not reflect the whole picture and sentiment expressed at this meeting.
Many people packed into the municipal room to discuss the defeated school budget and to speak for wise and prudent cuts by the township. In attendance were individuals that voted yes and no on the budget. People spoke about the numerous reasons why the budget failed. In my discussions with friends, families and seniors alike, their number-one reason was taxes. After receiving reassessment letters, many finally reached a breaking point and simply said, "no more." Additionally, there was controversy over the laptops, anger over transportation, and many people felt that the budget contained more than it needed. Some felt that the school board could have done a better job of communicating with residents. That evening, those who spoke about the defeated budget and for prudent cuts spoke out of respect for quality education in Montgomery, not out of disrespect for any voters.
Several teachers spoke passionately about small class sizes and needing the support of the community. The support for our teachers was overwhelming. Several residents also spoke passionately about small class sizes, support for our schools and keeping school programs. People were genuinely concerned about the impact the budget cuts would have on all of our kids and our teachers- regardless of how they voted.
All of Montgomery’s families work hard. We work inside and outside the home, care for our families and volunteer in many organizations including sports, our places of worship and our schools. Each one of us wants the best for our families and our community. We need to respect each other for these values we share, regardless of how we voted on the school budget or if we spoke up for careful budget cuts. There is much to learn from the budget defeat and the aftermath.
Although the township subcommittee worked diligently on the budget cuts, I suppose most people will not be happy about the cuts with some wanting more and others wanting less. At the root of much of our discontent is our high taxes and diminished school funding from the state. I’m hopeful that we can respect one another, find some common ground and move forward to work on these important issues together because our future depends on it.
Valerie Smith
Kemper Lakes Court
Montgomery
May in Montgomery is worthy local tradition
To the editor:
Thanks are due the Van Harlingen Historical Society for the delightful house tour it hosted on Saturday, May 21.
Five distinctive homes, rich in architectural detail and charm, were opened to visitors for a glimpse of the past and an appreciation of current restoration and design efforts. Gourmet sweets and savories were served, often in garden settings, and the spring landscape colored the experience.
May in Montgomery is a very worthwhile local tradition.
Diane Sliney
Kemper Lakes Court
Montgomery
Noteworthy group missing from parade participants
To the editor:
In the Friday, May 20, article about the Memorial Day parade, a group of local youth were disappointed because they were not listed. The Morven Society, Children of the American Revolution has marched behind the D.A.R. in this parade for over 10 years. This is my fourth parade.
As a member of the C.A.R., it is my responsibility to show respect to our country and to say thank you to our veterans for serving. Spirit of Princeton’s Memorial Day parade is one way we "honor the defenders of freedom," our national theme.
R.J. Peters
Morven Society President
New Jersey Children of the American Revolution
Grandview Road
Montgomery
‘Nuclear option’ is not in nation’s best interest
To the editor:
The irony of the present situation brewing in the U.S. Senate is that the Democrats have confirmed more than 95 percent of President Bush’s nominees. Since President Bush took office, 203 federal district and circuit court nominees have been approved. Only 10 have been blocked by Democratic filibusters. The president has resubmitted seven of those unacceptable nominees, and Senate leaders are planning to use the controversy as an excuse to deploy the "nuclear option" before a Supreme Court vacancy occurs.
While Republicans utilized the filibuster just a few years while in the minority, Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) is angry that Senate Democrats now have the same opportunity. Sen. Frist has made clear that he intends to use two female nominees to trigger the "nuclear option," which suggests that those who oppose these nominees are opposed to women’s progress. But what is really threatening is the confirmation of nominees like these, who are overtly hostile to reproductive rights, worker protections, gay rights and environmental protection laws.
The decisions of these lifetime judicial nominees will influence millions of lives. If anything, the Senate should be more careful about approving these nominees, not less. It is better for the country to have federal judges both parties can trust and respect. Making it easier for extremist judges to get lifetime appointments is not in America’s best interest.
Since the Republican leadership knows they cannot win playing by the rules, they are ready to break them, no matter what the cost.
Darrah Johnson
President and CEO
Planned Parenthood Association of the Mercer Area
East State Street
Trenton

