Three Democrats will make up the majority after the annual Township Committee reorganization on Jan. 3
Hopewell Township Committee members Vanessa Sandom and David Sandahl and Committeeman-elect John Murphy have announced their goals for 2006 and declared "a focus on protecting and preserving key quality of life issues for area residents."
The three Democrats will make up the majority after the annual Township Committee reorganization on Jan. 3.
"Our first priority is to strengthen all aspects of land use planning and management in Hopewell Township," said Ms. Sandom. "Whether you are a homeowner, a landowner, a business person, interested in preservation, or concerned about the impact of development, you can be confident that your concerns will be heard and addressed as effectively as possible by township government."
"We all agree that the township will be facing major challenges on the use of land for many years to come," said Ms. Sandahl. "Major initiatives will be to work with our fellow township committee members to improve the Affordable Housing Plan and resolve some long-standing issues such as the future of the Martin Tract and the appropriate use of many of the properties that the Township has acquired as open space over the years."
According to Committeeman-elect Murphy, another Township Committee goal will be to develop a more constructive relationship with other government bodies, ranging from Hopewell and Pennington boroughs and the Hopewell Valley Regional School District to Mercer County and the State of New Jersey. "In the past, we’ve not done enough to explore how we can provide our residents better service at a lower cost," said Mr. Murphy. "A major goal will be to work together to fill gaps in services, like those for our growing senior population."
Ms. Sandom, Mr. Sandahl and Mr. Murphy also have said they will work closely with fellow Township Committee members Mark Iorio and Judy Niederer to take practical steps to increasing township recreation facilities.
A common goal for all the committee members will be to select the best sites and find funding to build much-needed playing fields in Hopewell Township.
Mr. Sandahl echoed the focus on recreation, saying, "I am particularly interested in advancing the Lawrence Hopewell Trail. With the new year, plans are moving ahead to select and build trail segments that will give township residents a safe, enjoyable place to ride their bikes, hike and walk."
They also stated that they will make upgrading the lighting and septic of the municipal athletic field a priority, an initiative Mr. Iorio and Ms. Niederer have been working to advance this year as well as improve services for our senior population by working with the boroughs to provide a Senior Services coordinator.
"We are keenly aware of how much it costs for taxpayers to live here, and how much it affects their quality of life," said Mr. Sandahl. "In 2006 we’ll renew our commitment to find more efficient, cost-effective ways of serving the residents of the Township, keeping expenses on a tight leash."
Ms. Sandom, Mr. Sandahl and Mr. Murphy said they will work closely with their Republican colleagues as well as the departments, boards and committees that serve the community stating that they have much to offer.
"We’re on a positive track," said Mr. Sandom. "Township residents can expect, and be confident in, having a township committee that is results focused, and emphasizes hearing all points of view before making important decisions."

