Don’t like Mironov? Leave township
To the editor:
Enough knocking Mayor Mironov and calling her unfair for not allowing the IACC Indian project to commence in East Windsor!
Mayor Mironov did the right thing and I applaud her! Our mayor very meticulously researches any and all projects that would benefit, hinder, cause unnecessary hardships for the residents of East Windsor, and her decisions are always researched for the benefits of East Windsor township residents.
We voted her in, so respect her decision and stop the strong wording as "a knife stab in the back," when referring to our mayor. Those of you who are not happy with East Windsor, move out. There are plenty of people waiting to come into our town.
I think what we should put in place of the IACC project is perhaps an "American Heritage" facility so that the people coming in from other countries can learn how we live and start living the way we do and stop trying to change the American way of life.
You are in the United States of America … dazzle yourself and be an American.
Carol Higgins
East Windsor
Sikorski reminded of outsourcing need
To the editor:
The other day in the midst of trying to update my computer service, I needed to call technical services and had my call transferred to a technician in a foreign country for assistance. I reflected for a moment and thought that if corporate America outsources its services, why not local government?
Interlocal agreements, outsourcing and regional agreements are approaches to address the issue of escalating local property taxes. The devil is in the details. It is time to start the process.
Walter L. Sikorksi
Hightstown Borough councilman
Mr. Sikorski is the Democratic candidate for mayor of Hightstown.
Patten discusses economics, taxes
To the editor:
It’s the political season again and I have been walking. As I have visited with Hightstown residents during the past few glorious weeks of autumn, I am frequently asked two important questions: What is my vision for Hightstown and What have I accomplished as mayor?
My vision for Hightstown is clear. I want it to be economically viable, welcoming and affordable … and to continue its quality-of-life definition as "one square mile of paradise."
Everything I have done as mayor has been connected to the vision described above. What has happened in our town during my mayoral four-year term is categorized into four areas:
* economic stimulation and property taxes
* improvements to the town.
* Hightstown’s notable firsts.
* quality-of-life enhancements.
For this week’s letter, I will address economic stimulation and property taxes. One of my first term goals was the redevelopment of underutilized and vacant properties. During the last four years, I have led:
* The redevelopment plan for the rug mill property. With the help of many people, the plan has been adopted and the town has moved closer to groundbreaking. This project will contribute approximately $2 million of property tax relief over the first five-year period. It will also provide a much needed stimulus to the business district.
* The groundbreaking and construction of The Enchantment, an active-adult restricted community, and I negotiated $234,000 for the affordable housing trust fund in the borough.
* The redevelopment, in partnership with The Peddie School, of the former Hights Theater and the reconstruction of the municipal parking lot.
* The planning for the reconstruction of the streetscape on Mercer Street and obtained $350,000 from the N.J. DOT toward its cost.
* Improvements to South Academy Street the sale of the borough-owned property; the demolition of a vacant, dilapidated house; and the support of developers’ plans to build new homes.
* The establishment of the Economic Development Committee to support and continue the revitalization of the business district.
* The joint public works services with Roosevelt Borough and the continuation of interlocal agreements with East Windsor, West Windsor, Hamilton, Cranbury and Mercer County.
I would be the first to say that these things were accomplished jointly in cooperation with the borough officials and many energetic volunteers. However, I do feel that my energy and passion to get things done in our town has been a strong part of this forward movement that I want to continue!
Please vote to re-elect me as your mayor for another four years.
Next week I will describe what improvements have been made in Hightstown.
Bob Patten
mayor
Hightstown
Biggest yard sale set for Saturday
To the editor:
So many people have been asking, "What’s happening with Greater Goods?" Well, this Saturday at Hightstown’s Hometown Harvest fair, we will hold the largest Greater Goods yard sale in history!
You’ll find us behind the First Baptist Church on Main Street in beautiful downtown Hightstown, with thousands of treasures waiting to be bought at rock-bottom prices. You’ll also see that the Greater Goods thrift store project is alive and well, moving closer than ever to a permanent retail space.
A program of the Community Action Service Center, Greater Goods is a planned community-based thrift store that will sell quality donated goods to raise funds for CASC’s community partnerships and family support programs. Since the end of our summer yard sales, local boosters have faithfully continued to donate great clothing, household items and furniture, which have been stored behind Shop Rite in a donated trailer, waiting to be sold. This Saturday, we unlock the treasure chest!
CASC is especially excited to be hosting the upcoming Greater Goods sale with our wonderful community partners, including Comcast and Hightstown Borough. In addition to sponsoring the Hometown Harvest fair, Comcast will be providing over 30 volunteers to lend a hand at the Greater Goods sale and several other local service projects. This event is an exciting example of how community partnerships work for everyone.
Hope to see you all at the Hometown Harvest fair this Saturday!
Amanda Porter
Kerrie Peterson
coordinators
Greater Goods Thrift Store Program
Community Action Service Center Inc.
Vote for candidate who will do best job
To the editor:
I urge all of my fellow Democrats and Independents of Hightstown to look past party in this year’s mayoral race and ask what is best for our town.
Do you want to replace a mayor who has given so much energy and enthusiasm to the job over the past four years?
Do you want to replace a man who has spent 16 years on the Planning Board, three years on council and four years as mayor?
Do you want to replace someone who has developed excellent relationships with our state representatives, county officials and neighboring municipalities?
Do you want to replace Bob Patten, who has recruited and appointed well-qualified citizens to our boards, commissions and communities regardless of political affiliation?
Do you want to replace our mayor, who has worked hard to bring the redevelopment of the Mill to reality, who persuaded the Peddie School to invest in our town, and who constantly promotes our town to those who would add to our economic wellbeing?
Do you want to replace Bob, who has represented our town to the outside world with skill, knowledge and diplomacy?
Before you vote strictly on party lines for mayor, compare the candidates and ask who will do the best job for all 5,200 of us.
M. Jeffrey Bond
Hightstown
Lawsuit could prove costly to borough
To the editor:
Walter Sikorski says that he would tighten up borough spending in Hightstown, but he supports an expensive, frivolous lawsuit against the borough.
This candidate for mayor and his campaign manager, Dan Buriak, went to the Hightstown Planning Board attorney to find out how to file legal action against the Planning Board. Mr. Buriak actually filed the lawsuit on July 31, 2006. Why? Because the Planning Board approved two subdivisions that he and Mr. Sikorski opposed. This lawsuit could cost the borough $100,000 in legal fees! Is that where our tax dollars are going this year?
Mr. Sikorski is talking out of both sides of his mouth. We are already dealing with ridiculously high taxes for the privilege of living in our one square mile of paradise. Something is wrong with this picture!
Cheryl Sterling
Hightstown

