Letters to the editor

Borough lucky to have Patten

To the editor:
    Bob Patten should be re-elected mayor of Hightstown for many obvious reasons. Economic growth, property tax reform, beautification projects just to name a few. However, our reasons to support Bob Patten may be of a different nature.
   It was eight weeks until our wedding day and we were still unsuccessful at finding an officiant to perform our ceremony. Lucky for us, Mayor Bob Patten was available to help us in our time of need. Bob insisted we meet a few weeks prior to the wedding so he could get to know us and learn all the details of how we met and our special memories leading up to our marriage. As new homeowners in Hightstown we welcomed Bob to sit amongst the boxes with us as we divulged our personal information. I could feel a warm friendship had begun to grow as we discovered we had a lot in common. As auto racing enthusiasts, we went lap for lap with racing stories. Bob also shared advice on how to sustain a happy marriage.
   On July 29, 2005, much to our surprise, Bob Patten transformed three pages of notes into the most incredible, meaningful and entertaining ceremony any couple could ask for. I ask you, how many mayors would take the time to do that?
   Later that spring, our son was going into his freshman year at Hightstown High School and we ran into a problem with bus transportation. Being new to the neighborhood and not knowing who to turn to, we called Mayor Patten once again. He immediately went over to both the High School and the transportation offices and straightened out the situation. Again, that personal touch from our mayor was pretty special.
   For these and many more reasons, my wife and I will be supporting Bob Patten in his campaign for re-election as mayor. Hightstown will be lucky to have him for four more years.
Tom and Patty Mutchler
Hightstown
Patten has energy, enthusiasm

To the editor:
    We are writing this letter to endorse Bob Patten’s re-election as mayor.
   We have known Bob for decades in many different roles: as a fellow student at Hightstown High School, as a teacher of our children, as a trusted builder whom we often called upon in our business, as a person who always responds to requests for help at our local Historical Society, as a dedicated Borough Council member, and finally as mayor. In each of these roles, Bob has been the same person: caring, always willing to help, and skilled at whatever he took on. His energy and enthusiasm for all of the above has been there through it all.
   We urge readers to consider all Bob has done and continues to do for Hightstown and vote to re-elect him as our mayor.
Shirley and Warren Olsen
Hightstown
Fed up with GOP, Patten

To the editor:
    In this board game of Political Monopoly, the Republican Party has rolled the dice and landed on the "go to jail" block. Power corrupts and the Republican politicians from Washington, D.C. to Hightstown are corrupt. There is little needed to say more about the Republican Congress when the news reports document a bought Congress, an immoral Congress, and a Congress dominated by evangelical religion. It is a Congress controlled by a president who makes Nixon look honest and Dan Quail look like a genius. It is a Republican administration mired in Iraqnam, mired in spending and cutting taxes and mired in going into deep debt.
   In Hightstown, we have had four years of increased property taxes, increased water/sewer bills and increased incompetence in the governing of our community by a mayor refusing for four years to consolidate municipal services with East Windsor, yet claiming to be in the process. We have a mayor that refused for four years to re-value properties in town. We have a mayor who refused to allow me to create a water/sewer revised rate structure. In Hightstown we pay $254 a quarter for 3,000 cubic feet or 23,000 gallons of water while East Windsor residents pay $119 for the same usage.
   Then we have Chris Smith who is against: stem-cell research, condoms or any form of birth control, abortion for any reason, and whatever else his religious beliefs dictate. Chris Smith’s voting record is always in total support of Bush Republicanism. When it isn’t, it is purely a record vote for the home folks, without any public remarks against the very bills that harm his constituency. Chris Smith is unseen, untouchable and unbelievable. This Republican Congressman is totally in support of the Bush regime. He is harming his constituency and needs to be replaced.
   The Senate candidacy of Tom Kean Jr. is one of total support for King George, in its anti-environment, anti-stem-cell research, anti-abortion, and anti-regulation of corporate thievery positions. He is in support of the Iraqnam fiasco. He is in favor of spending and cutting taxes so your grandchildren can pay for our excesses.
   The Republican politicians are destroying the fabric of our society, not with a sudden explosion, but with a corruption that is rotting away a free and open society with neglect of human needs, secrecy, dominance, suppression of free speech and with a failure to govern. We need to cleanse the wounds these Republicans have wreaked upon us and hopefully restore the constitutional rights of our society. Vote Democratic this election.
Eugene E. Sarafin
Hightstown
Peddie responds to Schneider

To the editor:
   Typically, Peddie School does not voice an opinion regarding comments made by candidates during election campaigns. However, a statement in Borough Council President David Schneider’s recent letter (Oct. 13, 2006) needs elaboration.
   In his letter, Mr. Schneider says: "Mayor Patten has taken credit for a parking lot that was redeveloped by the Peddie School, but neglects to tell you that $40,000 per year in cash was lost for 10 years through this deal, negotiated by him. We are currently paying for it."
   As a matter of public record, Mr. Schneider — along with all the other members of council present — voted for Borough Council Resolution 2004-114, which states that "at the behest of Mayor Patten, the Peddie School has committed to increasing its contribution to the borough by $42,000 annually," and the resolution goes on to provide the details of the substitution of the parking lot project for cash.
   The borough agreed to forego that additional annual cash contribution of $42,000 for close to ten years, when a total sum of $400,000 would have otherwise been reached. In exchange, Hightstown received:
   — A renovated municipal parking lot built in accordance with borough specifications, for which Peddie paid its independent contractor approximately $500,000 to complete — nearly $100,000 more than the originally agreed-upon $400,000 limit. This, in effect, provided the borough with a significant additional contribution in current dollars.
   — Swift completion of a high-priority item of the Borough Master Plan.
   — An additional and ongoing revenue stream from designated all-day parking spaces.
   — Significant improvement in the appearance of downtown Hightstown and an enhanced environment for the businesses located there.
   Without a doubt, the project could not have been completed without Mayor Patten’s energy and unflagging commitment. Yet we also must acknowledge many others in our community who played an instrumental role. The borough engineer created the plan for the parking lot, with funds from a Livable Communities Grant for Parking Feasibility, applied for under former Mayor Amy Aughenbaugh’s administration. Van Cleef Engineering Associates contributed inspection time.
   In addition, Councilman Larry Quattrone worked with Mayor Patten on the committee overseeing the project. Public Works/Water Superintendent Larry Blake and Construction Official/Zoning Officer Harry Wetterskog collaborated with Peddie Director of Building Services John Newman to ensure that the project proceeded as smoothly as possible. Many downtown merchants were incredibly tolerant, enduring short-term disruption for the long-term benefit.
   In summary, it would have been more cost-effective for Peddie to simply give the Borough $42,000 a year. However, Peddie School – along with many people who made the project possible – saw that it was worth the greater investment of time, energy, and money to partner with Hightstown to make this substantial infrastructure improvement to our community. In return, the borough received significantly more value, over a greatly reduced time frame, by deciding to undertake this form of contribution.
Charles F. Galbraith
assistant head
finance & opera tions
Peddie School
Local Democrats are bullies

To the editor:
   Bullying is alive and well in Hightstown. It occurs on playgrounds all over the country and unfortunately, it has reared its ugly adult head in our current election campaign.
   Here in Hightstown, the familiar refrain of the Rolling Stones "You can’t always get what you want" could be followed by "But you can sure smear your opponent for not giving it to you."
   Bob Patten is being attacked because, as a member of the Planning Board, he, along with six others, voted against Dan Buriak’s partnership with Walter Sikorski to prevent Rick Pratt from subdividing his property in the historic district.
   Herein lies the tale:
   Fact: Rick Pratt supported Bob Patten four years ago in his race against Amy Aughenbaugh.
   Fact: Guess who was Amy’s campaign manager? Bingo! Former Councilman Dan Buriak.
   Fact: Guess who vowed to quit if Bob Patten won instead of Amy? Bingo again! Dan Buriak.
   Fact: That’s what bullies do … they quit when they don’t get what they want and find a way to "get back" later. Witness the current farce being played out on Stockton Street.
   Fact: When bullies don’t get what they want, they try another route – Walter Sikorski and Dan Buriak didn’t get what they wanted at the Planning Board so Walter used his position as a councilman to attempt to ram an ordinance prohibiting subdivisions of properties in the historic district through council. Only the council lawyer’s strong advice against the ordinance because of its total circumvention of the Planning Board’s decision prevented another legal fiasco for the borough.
   Fact: Still bent on "getting what they want," Dan Buriak filed a lawsuit against the Planning Board, ignoring the fact that he has no grounds to win and will cost the borough legal fees it can ill afford.
   I ask that you consider the facts presented here and judge for yourself.
   Bob Patten votes for what he considers right and fair. In doing so, he may alienate people who would have him vote differently but he has always considered each situation and made the hard decisions. For this, he has earned himself a few bitter enemies whose signs and messages are being spread around town.
   As Winston Churchill once said, "You have enemies? Good. That means you have stood up for something sometime in your life."
   Consider the sources of the present negativity around town and decide for yourself.
Nancy Walker Laudenberger
Hightstown
Ms. Walker Laudenberger is a member of the Hightstown Planning Board.

Pratt respondsto ‘Sikorski & Co.’

To the editor:
   Somebody please tell Walter Sikorski and Company that you don’t stand taller by stepping on people.
   Bob Patten, Jeff Bond and I work hard to make Hightstown a better place to live. No amount of political grandstanding can turn us into corrupt hustlers, because we’re not.
   Four years ago, Jeff Bond and I spent our own money to buy campaign signs endorsing Bob Patten for mayor because we felt he was the better candidate. This year, we renewed our support for Bob. Neither of us has ever given money to Bob Patten for his campaign. We just felt that in a local election, personal character is more important than party affiliation. As far as I know, it’s legal to think so and say so.
   Both Mr. Bond and I recently came before the Planning Board to propose modest building projects that would improve Hightstown’s appearance and increase its tax revenue. The applications passed overwhelmingly. For anyone to imply that these projects were only approved because Mr. Bond and I endorsed Bob Patten’s candidacy is insulting to everyone involved, including the rest of the Planning Board. The clear consensus was that the projects were simply good for the town.
   The newspapers have made a lot of comparisons between Bob Patten and Walter Sikorski, and some people can’t tell the difference between them without knowing them. Here’s the difference: Bob Patten works harder, does more and cares more. He spends most of his waking hours serving the people of this town, whether by conducting marriage ceremonies, strengthening relationships with other towns, helping people in need, assisting with town projects, or taking classes on improving the efficiency of our government. Not every mayor does these things. Would Mr. Sikorski?
   This close to the election, you have to wonder why Mr. Sikorski and Company are suddenly attacking people’s integrity, instead of convincing voters of his own qualifications. It’s a trendy political tactic to throw out bogus accusations to derail your opponent, but it doesn’t hold water. I just hope Hightstown voters will see past the smoke and mirrors and re-elect Bob Patten as our mayor.
Richard Pratt
Hightstown
Mr. Pratt is a member of the Hightstown Planning Board.
Karcher, Panter support Sikorski

To the editor:
   With less than two weeks until Election Day, Hightstown voters face a difficult choice for the next leader of the borough. In the mayor’s race, both candidates are well-qualified and committed to the community, but we are writing this letter to urge voters to support Walt Sikorski on Nov. 7.
   We have known Walt for over three years, and his commitment to Hightstown can not be matched. A former teacher, Walt attends almost every public meeting in the borough and frequently develops new strategies to increase Hightstown’s quality of life. Walt is a major proponent of controlling spending to offset rising property taxes and has looked into innovative ways to ensure tax dollars are spent as efficiently as possible.
   As a council member, Walt worked in a bipartisan nature to ensure Hightstown received necessary state funding following the Minute Maid Plant closure. He worked closely with the mayor and council and led the dialogue with our offices and other state officials.
   Hightstown has many challenges still ahead and we believe Walt is the best candidate for the job.
Ellen Karcher
state senator, 12th District
Mike Panter
assemblyman, 12th District
Diabetes sufferer lauds Sikorski

To the editor:
   I have lived in Hightstown for the past five years. During that time I have come to know Walter Sikorski as a compassionate resident, active community leader and insightful councilman and Planning Board member.
   While I have seen that Walter is not afraid to tackle local issues within our town, he is also willing to address broader, yet deeply personal issues beyond Hightstown’s borders. I have juvenile diabetes, having been diagnosed when I was 8 years old and living day to day with its consequences on my life.
   For those not familiar with juvenile diabetes, every time I eat anything, it requires an insulin injection to balance my blood sugar levels. This balancing act of keeping my blood sugar levels in-check, requires constant glucose monitoring. Too low, there are risks of seizures; too high, and other health risks occur such as permanent organ damage. As the debate continues nationally regarding stem cell research, and general discussions regarding the funding for potential scientific advancements to find a cure for diabetes as well as other life threatening conditions, I look for political candidates that are willing to help find a cure.
   And while I would like to think that politics and science are separate entities, working at a health care company gives me the practical insight to know that politics is unfortunately all too connected to scientific advancement. Mayoral candidate Walter Sikorski understands the need for scientific advancement and supports the politics to make it happen. But more importantly, Walter Sikorski supports and represents me personally, as a resident of Hightstown, when he stands before New Jersey state officials who will direct my tax money into scientific research to find cures for some of these diseases.
   To me, everything else seems small in comparison. I want Walter Sikorski to be the mayor of Hightstown because I trust that he will personally remember me when he sits beside state officials and uses the voice of Hightstown to shape the future of New Jersey. Walter Sikorski listens to me when I talk to him, and I can tell that I am personally shaping his thoughts. That is the mayor I want – someone who will allow himself to be the voice of his constituents.
   I watch the debates regarding local issues which are so very important, but for many of us, it is as equally as important to have a mayor that is connected and respected at the state level of our government to carry our personal hopes to the statehouse. I am counting on Walter Sikorski to represent me as part of the personal character of Hightstown, and hope that you’ll join me on Nov. 7 to vote Sikorski for Hightstown’s mayor.
Mike Schmidt
Hightstown
Patten praised for mill work

To the editor:
   I see from signs around town that people Against Patten are for Free Speech. I recall hearing some of their free speech once—about two years ago, at a council meeting packed with people who didn’t want affordable housing included in the rug mill redevelopment. They were against that, but most of all they were Against Patten. It was more about insults than ideas, except for one or two people who went beyond insults. Their sneering, venomous contempt was flung squarely in Patten’s face—not just Bob’s but also Kathy’s. She’s a lovely person whose only offense was trying to help people less fortunate than those in the room that night, and she got slimed for it.. That was completely out of line, and it opened my eyes.
   I’m a Yellow Dog Democrat and proud of it. Not once in the last 35 years have I ever voted for any Republican anywhere near the top of a ticket, and I’m sure not going to start now — either this year or in 2008. But after that night I could no longer support the Democratic Party in Hightstown. One reason was the slime. The other reason was what happened afterwards. After that night, momentum on the rug mill stopped. Ever since, most of the Democrats on council have dithered and vacillated, spinning their wheels and reversing course. No, we need more studies. No, they want too many units. No, they don’t want enough units. No, get new bids. No, take the old bid. No, reject what the Planning Board suggested. No, accept what the Planning Board suggested.
   Two years later, not a single spade of dirt has been turned. A few weeks ago, the Trenton Times quoted Councilman Sikorski as saying, "I think we’ve been rather expeditious when one considers the various dimensions to it." With respect, I must disagree. I think Bob Patten is the force that’s driving this project forward, and Hightstown’s future with it. Knowing him, I doubt that he thinks two years of rudderless drift is "expeditious." My guess is that he thinks the last two years were an opportunity lost, and I agree.
   Hightstown needs a mayor who’ll seize opportunities and run with them. That man, I believe, is Bob Patten. I know from experience that ticket-splitting is easy. You just move your hand over to the side a little as you go down the list. I urge my fellow Democrats to give it a try. You’ll feel better two years from now.
Bob Murdich
Hightstown
Thompson: Patten does poor job

To the editor:
   Staying the course?
   A few weeks ago in these pages Jeff Bond requested that everyone put partisanship aside and questioned why anyone would consider replacing Bob Patten as mayor of Hightstown. Shortly thereafter, "Democrats for Patten" signs began appearing in a few select places around town. Stay the course.
   You know what, Jeff? Bob Patten is a nice guy. He does work hard. He does intend to do a good job. This should not and cannot be confused with him executing his responsibility well. This cannot and should not be confused with his deserving another term as mayor. Respectfully, he has not and he does not.
   The people of Hightstown have experienced ineffective leadership, uninspired vision, and a continued march toward unsustainability during these past four years. It is essential that the next mayor of Hightstown be able to make tough decisions, not just popular ones. It is essential that the next mayor of Hightstown recognize that our property taxes are unreasonable, not argued publicly as Bob has that they are reasonable. It is essential that the next mayor of Hightstown have a true vision for our future, and effectively illustrate and communicate this vision and build consensus on the direction. It is essential that the next mayor of Hightstown ensure developers conform to this vision and direction, not establish the vision for us in their own best interests. It’s essential that we leverage these development opportunities to best benefit the taxpayers and community, not exclusively to generate profits for developers.
   And Jeff, while I understand the intent of your request to look beyond party lines on local issues, Bob Patten should not get a pass for his support of George Bush. This is inconsistent with the values of our community. There is no reason for us to believe a second term for Bob Patten will be any more beneficial for Hightstown than a second term for George Bush has been for our nation.
   Stay the course? More of the same? No thanks. I will be voting for Water Sikorski on Election Day.
Patrick Thompson
borough councilman
Hightstown
Let’s forgo negative politics

To the editor:
    Someone once said that small-town politics were so cutthroat because the stakes are so low.
   It’s election season and good people are acting crazy; saying ridiculous things about their neighbors. A divided community isn’t stronger. We can disagree, work though our problems and still find solutions as neighbors. Every conflict doesn’t require a lawyer.
   Bob Patten, Jeff Bond and Rick Pratt are kind, honest, hardworking men of unquestionable integrity. They each have done so much to help make Hightstown a wonderful, beautiful place. We have worked with each of them many times on countless community service projects. They are good neighbors. We keep thinking about the late Skip Cox and how much he loved our 1 square mile of paradise. He was always so proud of Hightstown. That is the reality here. We’re a tiny little borough with a lot of big personalities, and that is a wonderful thing.
   In the upcoming weeks, let’s leave the drama to the characters in Washington and focus on how we can make our community better, stronger and keep moving forward in a positive direction.
Kerrie Peterson
and Pete Bussone
Hightstown
GOP candidates are consensus builders

To the editor:
    I could not agree more with Herald Editor Vic Monaco on his editorial in the Oct. 13 edition that stated Hightstown needs a consensus builder, but I strongly disagree with his assessment that Mayor Patten is "incapable" of being that leader. Any difficulty our mayor has had in building consensus has probably resulted from his working with some council members that can be described as "keystone cops" as this newspaper has recently stated.
   As evidence of this point, I will compare the positive, consensus-building campaign of Mayor Patten, Ron Niebo and Dave Keeler to that of their opponents. In direct contrast, their opponents’ campaign has been filled with negative attacks and personal smear tactics. Unfortunately, this is all too common among many Democratic and Republican campaigns across our nation, and unfortunately, I have to be less than positive in this letter to get this point across. But Mayor Patten’s, Ron Niebo’s and Dave Keeler’s positive leadership and campaign tone is where they have distinguished themselves.
   Patten, Niebo & Keeler is a campaign focused on the positive accomplishments of the mayor and the positive things they will all do for the borough in the future. Their opponents’ negativity is an attempt to hide from the fact that they have controlled council for years and have done little for the borough.
   Patten, Niebo & Keeler is a campaign supported and praised by individuals of diverse backgrounds, borough newcomers, lifelong residents, people from inside and outside of Hightstown, Republicans, Democrats and Independents. Their opponents’ campaign is based on inaccurate attacks from a small group of residents that has: personal vendettas, questionable relationships with the candidates, a misguided sense of entitlement, made threats, filed lawsuits against the borough, and lost sight of Hightstown’s best interests because of their dissatisfaction with national Republicans.
   Patten, Niebo & Keeler have walked the borough and reached out to residents to express the positive reasons that they should be elected. Their opponents’ campaign has placed negative signs and talked to borough residents, wrongly criticizing Mayor Patten. Criticism, if deserved and not based on lies, is fair in politics, but it is usually reserved for challengers to give. Mayor Patten’s opponents pretend to ignore the fact that they are incumbents and make up half of the current ineffectual Borough Council.
   Do I always agree with Mayor Patten? No, but I always am certain that he is trying to do the right thing for Hightstown and its residents! I also know that his running mates, Ron Niebo and Dave Keeler, will do what is right to help our borough. Once elected, Patten, Niebo and Keeler and their broad array of supporters will form the foundation of that consensus that this newspaper requested. On the other hand, electing their opponents means a continuation of the "keystone cops" mentality, negativity and discord from which our borough needs to distance itself.
   Elect Patten, Niebo & Keeler on Nov. 7!
Christopher Emigholz
Hightstown
Mr. Emigholz is a member of the Hightstown Planning Board.

Bond misstated the facts

To the editor:
    Your campaign news articles on Oct. 13 and 20 contained misstatements by Jeff Bond that need to be corrected. Mr. Bond asserts that his Democratic Club dues in the past were in some way a contribution to Walter Sikorski’s campaign. This is flatly wrong. In the past four years, no one’s dues have gone to anyone’s campaign. We have total segregation of funds, club and campaign.
   Mr. Bond’s second statement, in which he says "several people were asked to run (for mayor) on the Democratic side, and most of them said they did not want to run against Bob Patten because Bob is doing a good job" is also flatly wrong. For the record, as party chairman I had conversations with six people to ascertain their interest, and only one, a gentleman named Jeff Bond, volunteered that Bob was doing "a good job."
   Mr. Bond is clearly embarrassed because he and his candidate, Bob Patten, have been caught in an ethical and possibly legal lapse. Both knew at the time that the borough had in place two different pay-to-play ordinances. We all knew that it was illegal for a developer with business pending before the borough to make a material contribution to the mayor’s campaign. The whole town knew about it, because our grandstanding mayor brought in New Jersey Common Cause (of which I am a proud member and a trainer) for photo ops. Despite Mr. Bond’s attempt at sophistry, the fact remains that only one set of actors has violated the pay-to-play ordinances of the borough, and that would be Bob Patten and his supporters.
   Isn’t it ironic that Bob Patten, who thought he would get so much political mileage from these ordinances, would be the first to violate them? That once again he would be hoist on his own petard?
Torry Watkins
Democratic committee chairman
Hightstown
Councilman praises colleague Sikorski

To the editor:
    Mayoral candidate Walter Sikorski is a true asset to Hightstown.
   Walter is a lifelong resident of our borough and realizes the commitment of being mayor. As a councilman, he spends 35-plus hours a week attending committee meetings, talking to residents and pouring over all the paperwork that the council is given. He is a student of the issues and makes certain that he is well-informed before making a decision for Hightstown.
   Walter is honest. He is not a "yes man;" anyone who has spoken with him regarding the issues facing Hightstown knows that he gives his honest opinion and is willing to defend his position vigorously. Again, this confidence comes from the knowledge that he has thoroughly studied the issue at hand.
   Walter is a consensus builder and a proponent of open government. He considers everyone’s viewpoints valuable and takes them into consideration when formulating his own opinion. He is flexible and does not possess a "this is the way that it has always been" mentality; he realizes that change is valuable and necessary.
   Regarding change, Walter has led the way in getting the mill redeveloped. He has been able to provide the council and public with accurate information and advice during his 2½ years of service on the mill subcommittee. He is focused on getting this property redeveloped as expeditiously as possible as it will improve our downtown character, bring in new business and remediate a seriously blighted area of the borough.
   Walter is dedicated to reducing our property taxes. As a retired teacher on a fixed income, he understands the burden of high property taxes. He is a forward-thinker and has taken proactive steps to alleviate some of the strain that we all face. As an example, Walter was proactive by introducing a resolution authorizing council to open lines of communication with surrounding municipalities to discuss consolidation of services. Like every other issue, I feel confident that we can rely on Walter to study this and make an informed decision for Hightstown.
   As well as being a forward-thinker, Walter is concerned about our historic past. The historic assets of the borough are unique and set Hightstown apart from other towns, and Walter is dedicated to being a responsible steward and preserving our historic character for future generations.
   My experience on the Hightstown Borough Council has so far been a positive one. A major reason for this is the knowledge that I can rely on Walter to provide accurate, honest information and well-researched and thought-out answers to my many questions. He continues to impress me with his dedication, leadership, ability, and passion for local government.
   I would be proud to call Walter Sikorski my mayor.
Ryan Rosenberg
borough councilman
Hightstown
EDC lauds Peddie School

To the editor:
    The Hightstown Economic Development Committee was formed early this year to promote the economic well-being of Hightstown. Part of that responsibility is to encourage public-private alliances wherever possible. We have seen many of these alliances over the years resulting in huge benefits for the entire town. Both the mayoral and council candidates must embrace and foster these alliances if the borough is to grow.
   Peddie School is our largest private employer. They provide jobs that are local and shop local. When you combine this with their student base, Peddie clearly understands that it’s in their best interest to work with the borough and the community and vice versa.
   The school has been criticized by some for not giving its fair share. Based on our analysis, Peddie has provided the borough with many resources. They include direct monetary contributions (borough, Hightstown fire department, and First Aid), engineering costs relating to the renovation of the East Ward street bridge, CAPPS, the use of their facilities and staff for community groups, volunteers for community projects and capital improvements to the downtown area, to name a few. The borough and the other recipients mentioned are very grateful for the contributions they have received.
   A prime example of public-private alliances is Peddie’s participation in the revitalization of our downtown at 120 Main St. (formerly the movie theater). In 2002 the borough identified four areas in need of redevelopment, one such area being block 33, downtown from Stockton Street to Rogers Ave. The borough’s goal was a complete makeover of the parking area and certain improvements to Railroad Avenue. The borough did not have a timeline for completion on this because funds had not been secured. Understanding how this project would impact the revitalization of the town, Peddie stepped up by offering to take on this project, instead of its recently pledged $42,000 contribution increase. Peddie restructured its pledge by offering an innovative way of approaching their pledge and their commitment to the borough.
   Through council’s approval, Peddie spent over $500,000 by using a private contractor to completely revitalize and addressing the long overdue infrastructure issues. If the borough had to publicly bid this project it would have cost the borough taxpayer well more than $500,000. This was a big win for the borough. Peddie continues to look for innovative projects like this to improve the town. Both the EDC and Peddie understand that more can be done and we are proactively seeking solutions.
   Public-private partnerships take years to build and are essential for the success of future joint projects. These public-private partnerships are particularly important to Hightstown’s continued economic development and should therefore be nurtured, valued and recognized for their positive contributions to our community. The EDC recognizes this and looks forward to working with the Mayor, Borough Council, and Peddie School in further strengthening and extending this valuable partnership for the benefit of our collective community.
J. Michael Vanderbeck
chairman
Hightstown Economic
Development Committee