Committee incumbents in Montgomery face challengers

Democrat Birge and Republican Caliguire partner with newcomers

By: Jake Uitti
   MONTGOMERY — Four candidates are vying for two open spots on the Township Committee this year — the seats of Democrat Cecilia Birge and Republican Mark Caliguire, both of whom are seeking re-election.
   The candidates agreed that the North Princeton Developmental Center redevelopment will be a central issue for the new committee.
   On the Democratic ticket, newcomer Brad Fay will join Deputy Mayor Birge in the committee race. On the Republican ticket, newcomer Walter Geslak will join Mr. Caliguire, the lone Republican on the committee, in the race.
   Ms. Birge, who has been on the Township Committee for the last three years and has four young children in the district, said, "The next few years will be critical in turning NPDC into a cultural and art center — into something that we can all be proud of," adding, "I think strong commercial ratables, whether at NPDC or elsewhere in Montgomery, can help share the tax burden that otherwise falls on homeowners. I am passionate about taxes and how to control them. Brad and I are committed to careful financial planning and municipal prudence that have been a hallmark of Montgomery’s Municipal government for the past five years."
   Mr. Caliguire, who has been on the Township Committee for about four years and has three children in the district, said, "It has been a real honor to serve these last few years and I hope to continue to stand for fiscal restraint. The state of affairs on the property tax front in Montgomery and other suburban towns mandates prudence on spending. At the same time, we need to put pressure on Trenton to get something done on their own spending problems, which ultimately impact our property tax bills. We also have a big task ahead of us in the cleanup and redevelopment of the NPDC site. It holds great potential, but also great financial risk to Montgomery if we don’t get it done right."
   Mr. Fay, who has served as president of the Van Harlingen Historical Society for two years and has two children in the district, said, "I think that one of the most important issues in Montgomery this year is the purchase of NPDC from the state and the tremendous opportunity it presents to us to create a magnificent community gathering place. I have personally been involved in that issue the last two years as president of the Historical Society." He added, "A key challenge for us in Montgomery is how to maintain the quality of life that we all enjoy, while at the same time making sure its an affordable place for people to live. I very much support the policy of the current leadership team that has maintained stable municipal taxes over the past five years, but I also think we need to do everything we can to make sure the township is affordable."
   Mr. Geslak, who has two children in the district and is the president of a small manufacturing company in New Brunswick, said, "I am looking toward the future and to make our community better. I am running because I think I can use my experience to expand the desirable ratables in town, lower spending and still have a nice community with excellent schools, better traffic flow and plenty of greenlands."