Democratic foes in Township Committee primary share views

Scott Carver and Chad Goerner seek seat being vacated by Bill Hearon

By: Kara Fitzpatrick
   Princeton Township Committee candidates Scott Carver and Chad Goerner aired their thoughts regarding McMansions, municipal taxes and consolidation of Princeton Township and Princeton Borough services during an editorial board session Friday at The Packet.
   Mr. Carver, 42, and Mr. Goerner, 30, will face off at the June 6 Democratic primary.
   Both candidates said the events that unfolded earlier this year as they were both being considered for a seat to be vacated by Committeeman Bill Hearon — who had announced his resignation but later retracted it — are best left in the past. In March, Mr. Carver withdraw his name from consideration after the township Municipal Democratic Committee supported Mr. Goerner. Mr. Carver cited a difference of philosophies in the local Democratic organization as his rationale.
   "From my perspective, it’s all old history," Mr. Carver said.
   The primary that has resulted is "good for our party," Mr. Goerner said, adding that the race allows for open discussion about the future of the local Democrats. Both men said if they were not victorious in the primary, they would throw their support behind the other.
   Mr. Goerner, a Bayard Lane resident who has lived in the township for more than nine years, is a senior financial adviser at Merrill Lynch. He graduated from George Washington University in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in international affairs and East Asian studies. In addition, he is a certified investment management analyst, a designation he received through the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
   A Dempsey Avenue resident, Mr. Carver and his wife, Teri McIntire, have lived in the township since 1998 and have a 4-year-old daughter, Faith. Mr. Carver, a Colby College and American University Law School graduate, is vice president and senior counsel of LS Power Development LLC, where he oversees legal affairs of the power development and asset management aspects of the company. He is a former member of the Princeton Environmental Commission and former president of the Princeton Community Democratic Organization.
   Mr. Carver, whose platform focuses on responsible land-use planning, the environment and township finances, said he believes that the township should explore the development of policy that would prevent inappropriate development on unsustainable lots.
   "What I would propose is that we have a thorough review of the zoning ordinances," he said, adding the rights of property owners and developers must be balanced with the broader community interest when dealing with the issue of McMansions.
   If elected, Mr. Goerner said he would advocate for more open government proceedings, fiscal discipline and constructive dialogue between the township and borough. He agreed with Mr. Carver that the issue of McMansions must be probed.
   "I really do think we need to find balance on this issue," he said. He suggested that a community forum on the topic would serve as an appropriate way to gain input from residents.
   Both candidates said keeping taxes steady is a priority.
   Mr. Goerner called for increased transparency in the budget process so residents could understand where their tax dollars are going. And, if elected, Mr. Goerner said he would advocate for a nonpartisan citizens’ tax advisory program to "open up the budget process."
   Mr. Carver said Princeton is at the mercy of a state property-tax system that, he said, is badly in need of reform. However, he acknowledged that property-tax reform in the near future is unlikely, and said the township must exert an effort to keep taxes stable.
   Mr. Carver said he would employ a "full-court press" in trying to get additional grants to fund township programs and services.
   The candidates said they would support looking into consolidating some Princeton township and borough services — police, for example — but both said now is not the appropriate time to consider a complete consolidation of the two municipalities.
   "It makes sense to logistically look at (consolidation) on a program-by-program basis," Mr. Carver said.
   Both candidates called for a strengthening of the relationship between the township and borough. Mr. Goerner said the "love-hate" relationship between the two municipalities is in need of consistent, constructive dialogue.
   In addition, Mr. Goerner said he would take steps to prevent the spread of gang activity in the area. "We have a lot of good children that are falling through the cracks," he said.
   Mr. Carver agreed, saying that the preservation and expansion of community resources is required to offer young people an alternative to gang involvement.