CANDIDATES FORUM, May 30
Chad Goerner
Democratic candidate, Princeton Township Committee
I am running for a seat on the Princeton Township Committee in next Tuesday’s Democratic primary election because I believe it is time for a new voice and a fresh perspective on the Princeton Township Committee. The central themes of my campaign have been clear: encouraging more community involvement, fiscal discipline and preserving the character of our town.
Before we can talk about fiscal discipline and preserving the character of our town, we need a foundation of active community involvement. That means that we need to encourage more discussion and debate on local issues and, as I’ve said to many voters I’ve met during this election, I do not believe the current township meeting environment is conducive to that. I’ve proposed holding more informal public meetings on a specific subject, with a set agenda, and announced to the public far in advance. I have also proposed an open application process for all appointed municipal board positions. This will allow us to dive deeper into the great pool of talent we have in Princeton.
While I naturally support a special legislative session to address the property-tax issue on the state level, I believe it is up to our local government to create the most efficient budget-control framework possible to help alleviate the portion of your property taxes that we do control. With over nine years of finance experience and as a certified financial planner and institutional finance consultant, I will bring a great deal of experience to our local government.
Nevertheless, this is not a job for a few people. That is why I have proposed that we post all budget data online and have called for the formation of a nonpartisan budget advisory commission that would exist to initiate specific budget reductions and recommend operational efficiencies.
We also need to address the challenge of balancing a need for new development, including affordable and senior housing, with the preservation of our town character. I have proposed exploring Neighborhood Conservation Districts to find a balance between preserving the diversity of our housing supply while still supporting suitable new home construction and development. I also support the Route 206 Vision Study and its goal of creating a safer environment for pedestrians and bikers while slowing down truck traffic.
The Packet wrote on Friday, May 26, ""Mr. Goerner has a bright future ahead of him in politics. He is engaging, sincere and full of ideas." I believe the future is now and we need concrete ideas to face some of the critical issues we face as a community. I hope I can count on your support on June 6.