Candidates agree on maintaining stable tax rate
By: Becky Diamond
HIGHTSTOWN Taxes, redevelopment and youth programs were the major issues addressed by the four candidates running for two open seats on the Hightstown Borough Council at a forum held last week at Hightstown High School.
All the candidates agreed that maintaining a stable tax rate is essential, but there were some differences in how they would tackle the problem.
Republican Ron Sackowitz, who was appointed to the council in February, said he would like the focus to be placed on lowering the school tax. Mr. Sackowitz, an employee of Western Monmouth Utilities Authority, pointed out that the municipal tax is only 20 percent of residents’ tax bills, with 60 percent going to schools and 20 percent going to the county. He said senior citizens cannot afford the school tax, and repeated that he would oppose a municipal budget that exceeds the Social Security cost-of-living increase of 4.1 percent.
His Republican colleague, Nancy Walker-Laudenberger, who is seeking her third full three-year term on council, advocated utilizing tax revenue from the redevelopment of the former mill property and other businesses as a means to bring in needed tax income.
Ms. Walker-Laudenberger emphasized her years of experience on council as an asset, including her participation in the downtown revitalization plan, which includes the mill property.
Democratic candidate Constance Harinxma said she would like to attract more service-oriented businesses for families with children, such as Gymboree and Pottery Barn Kids. Her running mate, Ryan Rosenberg, said the borough needs to manage tax dollars wisely and support candidates on the state level. Mr. Rosenberg owns a graphic design business.
Although all four candidates said they feel Hightstown is already a family-oriented community, the challengers said there needs to be more of a focus on the needs of the borough’s youth and families.
"Youth recreation programs are a priority," said Ms. Harinxma, a social worker and three-year resident of Hightstown. "Safer streets and youth programs are not a luxury; they’re a necessity. We need to keep youth involved in positive activities."
She also cited pedestrian safety as a concern, with the need to look at the current speed bumps and speed limits in the borough.
Mr. Rosenberg said he, too, would like to see more youth recreation programs and services for families, such as the "arts in the park" programs offered by other area towns.
"The borough is lacking in focused activities for high school youth," said Ms. Walker-Laudenberger. "I would like to get a group of students to work with the town council. We have many churches in our community but it is difficult to put the burden on them. We should embrace their (youth) spirit and have them tell us what they want."
Ms. Walker-Laudenberger also said she would like to see more sidewalks in the borough "so children can feel more comfortable."
Mr. Sackowitz said he feels the community should look to the school district for some youth programs. He pointed out that the borough already has a Police Athletic League, YMCA, and a summer parks program for children.
"We know we are paying high taxes," he said. "We need to balance (the budget) and be realistic with financial considerations."
Ms. Harinxma agreed that there are some recreational programs in the borough, but those with an arts and science focus are "piggybacked" off East Windsor and can exclude borough children when the township programs become filled. She suggested Hightstown either improve its partnership with East Windsor or establish its own programs.
Tuesday is Election Day, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Oct. 27 candidates forum was sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

