Letters to the editor

Writer misinterprets board actions

To the editor:
   
In response to Christopher Moraitis’ letter in the Oct. 20 Windsor-Hights Herald, I would like to respond to his comments on the motivations behind recent Planning Board decisions.
   Firstly, Mr. Moraitis categorizes two recent subdivision approvals on Stockton Street as "precedents" that, "clearly played a role in the board’s decision-making process." What he does not mention however, is that just two months prior to those approvals, the Planning Board approved the subdivision of a nearby property at 222 Stockton St. That approval, unlike the other two, passed unanimously.
   Every development application that comes before the board is unique, especially when it comes to minor subdivisions. Some require zoning variances and others do not. If variances are granted, there may be a wide range of conditions imposed. Planning Board members visit the site, review the Master Plan and the most current Reexamination Report, are presented with testimony from the applicant, ask questions, listen to the public’s comments and then come to a decision. We do not research past Planning Board decisions in order to find precedents on which to base our decisions on.
   At the most recent Planning Board meeting, the meeting was adjourned prior to the board deliberating and voting on a South Main Street subdivision application. This was because it was nearly 11 p.m. on a Monday night and over three hours worth of testimony had just concluded. The board determined that the process would best be served if discussion and debate among the board were to begin at the next meeting.
   In his letter Mr. Moraitis reaches certain conclusions about the Planning Board based upon a misunderstanding of the board’s decision-making process.
Steven Misiura
chairman
Hightstown Planning Board
Golf outing prompts thanks

To the editor:
   
On Oct. 16, the Hightstown High School Rams Football Parents Club held its second annual Kick-Off Classic Golf Outing at the Peddie Golf Course in Hightstown. The event was a huge success, raising much-needed funds that will benefit the program and all of the players. Anyone who has been involved in putting on a fundraising event understands the amount of volunteer hours that goes into preparation, planning and the actual running of the event.
   I would like to recognize and thank all of the volunteers who gave up countless hours of their time in order to make this event a success. Thank you Carin and Joe Vitale, Beth and Steve Schachner, Denise Alon, Susan Ladd, Edna Dailey, Diane McGinn, Elly Glackin, Mike Kiminek, Larry Medici, Alan Martin, Eric Daly, John Fallon, Sheryl Curcio, Steve Bryant, Sherry Sukienik, Sharlene Ellentuck, Nancy Contaldi, Michele Koster and the head football coach of the HHS Rams, Ed Kopp.
   I would like to give special thanks of appreciation to Mike Theokas of Theo’s Lakeside Tavern, who has been our main sponsor for the event over the last two years. Theo’s has been one of the program’s biggest supporters of our football program and without his involvement we could not have achieved the success that we did. Thanks Mike! I would also like to thank Mike Bischel of the Peddie Golf Course and all of the players who participated in our Kick-Off Classic Golf Outing. Go Rams!
Jim Ladd
Hightstown
Thrift store finds a home

To the editor:
   
We are thrilled to announce that with the tremendous support of our local community, CASC will soon open the Greater Goods Thrift Store at 413 Mercer St. (Route 33) in Hightstown! This exciting breakthrough was made possible by our new landlord and neighbor, Matt Lucas of Lucas Electric. We are so very grateful for the opportunity he has given us to serve our local community in a prime location.
   Special thanks to the First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown, which has awarded CASC a $10,000 grant to help cover Greater Goods’ operating expenses. Many other local organizations and businesses are stepping forward to contribute to this team effort, including Shop Rite of East Windsor and Diversified Rack and Shelving, which will be outfitting the store with donated supplies. We look forward to recognizing these and other community-minded partners for their remarkable generosity and support.
   To prepare for the Greater Goods grand opening, we’ll need plenty of help from our friends and neighbors. All hands are welcome to pitch in as we prepare the space, fill the shelves with donated inventory, and set up operations. We’ve always gotten overwhelming response to our pleas for help, and we look forward to hearing from old and new friends who can lend a hand.
   To volunteer or donate supplies, please e-mail us at [email protected] or leave a message at 448-2702.
   Meanwhile, we will continue to accept donations of clean, ready-to-sell household goods and clothing on Saturdays between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at our designated trailer behind Shop Rite of East Windsor. Thanks to our many donors who keep the goods coming!
   For more information about Greater Goods, visit CASC’s Web site at www.CASCmercer.org.
Kerrie Peterson
co-coordinator
Greater Goods Thrift Store
Sikorski doesn’t shy away from issues

To the editor:
   
What will Hightstown be like four years from now? I moved here about four years ago with my family and we like living here. So assuming things keep going the way they are now, it will still be a beautiful place to live, with nice old houses lining the streets. That is, unless we keep subdividing properties, crowding historic sections of town with new construction and changing the character of our town in the process. Once you allow some, where do you draw the line?
   I support Walter Sikorski for mayor because he opposed, rather than rubberstamped, changes that affect the character of Hightstown in a negative way, while endorsing those that benefit the town. Such as closing the gap between businesses in downtown and the corner of Mercer and Ward streets.
   Also, living in Hightstown will not be that good four years from now if people can’t afford it any more. In the past four years our taxes went up about 35 percent and if "we stay the course" it is safe to assume that they will go up another 30 to 40 percent in the four years to come. This makes a difference for many if it comes on top of the high taxes we pay already, mortgages, child care and other expenses.
   Something needs to change, at least as far it concerns those items our town has control over. Why not discuss with the surrounding municipalities which services could be run more efficiently together? In some cases this will not make sense, in others we might not be able to agree on good terms but in many cases it will be more efficient to do so. Is there anybody who is happy to pay twice the water/sewer rate than the residents of East Windsor? And I don’t think their water quality is 50 percent worse than ours.
   Walter Sikorski initiated a resolution supported by Borough Council to at least explore the options; then take action where it helps lower the burden on Hightstown residents. This is a controversial issue that will require many discussions to weigh the pros and cons. Walter has my respect for not shying away but fostering that discussion in the interest of Hightstown.
   If we don’t take action, somebody else will do it for us. The N.J. Legislature is discussing measures to "encourage" smaller municipalities to merge with their larger neighbors. To preserve the unique character of Hightstown, we should not wait for this to happen – we might not like the outcome.
Christian Toelg
Hightstown
A vote for Sikorski a vote for progress

To the editor:
   
Why did you move to Hightstown? Was it the quaint, historic family-oriented community? Was it the intrinsic beauty of our streetscapes? Was it the hope that our borough could someday reclaim its heyday of years past? or those reasons my husband and I have committed our future to the borough.
   During this past weekend I was covered in paint as my husband and I spent our second wedding anniversary painting our stairwell and living room at our cottage home in Hightstown. While it may not seem like a glamorous way to spend one’s anniversary, we believe in putting in the hard work in order to have a special place to call our home. he place didn’t look like much when we started four years ago, but now we have a great sense of pride by sticking to our vision for our home and rolling up our sleeves and doing the hard work to make it happen.
   With this year’s election now upon us, I want a mayor of Hightstown who shares our desire to put in the hard work to make a vision become reality. Mayoral candidate Walter Sikorski has consistently exhibited the vision to execute our borough’s renaissance. His decisions, whether as a councilman or as a member of the Planning Board, are made with consistency and the vision of Hightstown’s current and long-term goals and objectives. Walter has not lost sight of our borough’s uniqueness and has made decisions to protect and enhance these assets. He has led the Council in redeveloping the rug mill, and residents of the borough know where he stands (prior to the election) on demolishing historical houses and subdividing properties.
   While I acknowledge that Mayor Patten has made decisions that he has felt to be in the best interest of our community, I feel that he has failed to serve our community’s best interest. We need a mayor whose actions and decisions extend beyond the platitudes of our one-square-mile of paradise. We need a mayor who will protect our borough against demolition of our borough’s diminishing historical assets. We need a mayor who sees the writing on the wall with regards to regionalization and will act to foster stronger relationships with county and state representatives. We need a mayor more closely aligned with the beliefs of residents in our borough.
   Whether it’s living with the same quality-of-life issues residents endure or his independence and leadership in protecting those same streetscapes that brought you to Hightstown, I know that with Walter Sikorski at the helm, the greater good of the community will be served as we continue the progress in reclaiming the glory of years past.
Holly Moraitis
Hightstown
Stop all the finger-pointing

To the editor:
   we heard from a few nice folks supporting this candidate or that candidate. We also got to witness Hightstown politics in full effect.
   We heard from Mr. Sarafin, who appears to dislike anything Republican. Then, Ms. Laudenberger, of the Hightstown Planning Board, chimed in. Next, Mr. Pratt, another Planning Board member, speaks up for Mayor Patten. Then we heard from Mr. Thompson. Is it possible for the Planning Board and the council to bicker in a meeting room instead of in the newspaper? It’s very unprofessional.
   My children are of the age, where they understand what an election is for. Instead of showing them the awesome power of democracy, they see finger-pointing and name-calling.
   Teaching them the basics such as choosing a candidate based on what they stand for, is next to impossible. Most of the information pushed to the forefront only spouts what the other has done (or will do) wrong.
   Everyone involved in this election should be setting an example for our children (your future mayor and council). You should be showing them how an election should be run.
   Please, for everyone’s sake, stop the finger-pointing, and tell us the voters, your constituents, how you’ll make Hightstown a better place to live.
Michael Gargiullo
Hightstown
Mayor Patten ‘walks the talk’

To the editor:
   
As a former Hightstown councilman and twice council president, I know that in order to accomplish tangible results you need to put in the time. Time to learn the various issues relating to local government, build this knowledge into a vision and then have an abundance of energy and passion to seek out creative solutions. There is no philosophical or political divide between parties here, it’s only about who is ready to put in sufficient time as well as who has capacity, vision and commitment to bring together all the community to get things done.
   That is not to say I am not sympathetic to the argument regarding the importance of party ties in other elections, but the "toe the line" mentality in municipal elections does a disservice to our local communities.
   Over the last four years and evidenced during the recent candidates night hosted by the League of Women Voters, Mayor Patten "walks the talk." When asked pointed questions relating to both continuing education on local government and to the future of Hightstown, it was clear that Mayor Patten approaches his job as mayor with respect for the need to continuously learn as well as with the energy and seriousness which allows him to see the bigger and complex picture.
   He attends classes on municipal matters offered by Rutgers with other elected officials, gaining as much from the course itself as from those in attendance who face the shared problems of municipal government. When asked about the future of Hightstown, Mayor Patten recognized the importance of the Main Street program, a designation given by the National Historic Preservation Act, a proven program designed for the economic viability of Historic downtowns.
   Mayor Patten has worked to restore good relations with our neighboring community, East Windsor. Mayor Patten has raised the visibility of Hightstown in county and state government. He is a great ambassador for the borough of Hightstown.
   Councilman Sikorski has done a good job as a councilman, keeping an eye on spending and often casting the lone dissenting vote on council. He is a proponent of maximizing shared services, as is Mayor Patten. The difference is Mayor Patten is out there in a consistent, proactive and knowledge-based dialogue with all the stakeholders for the future of our town. He is representing Hightstown every day and in so many ways.
   Bob Patten’s ability and tenacious willingness to serve are why we should Re-elect him as our mayor. I ask you to vote the person not the party on Nov. 7 and re-elect Bob Patten as our tireless mayor.
Mike Vanderbeck
Hightstown
Mr. Vanderbeck is the chairman of the local Economic Development Commission.

Thanks go out for candidates forum

To the editor:
   On Tuesday, Oct. 17, there were two forums, (the Borough Council candidates and the mayoral candidates), held at the Hightstown High School. These forums were under the sponsorship of the League of Women Voters of East Windsor/Hightstown and the Choosing to Participate class tutored by Scott Kercher. Questions were prepared by the students and audience.
   The moderator was Doris Weisberg of the Lawrence League. Production was by David Hecker and his television instruction students — William Appiah, Joe Allam, Robert Zacoum, Chris Werner, Rainer Nisbett, J.C. Celestin, Amrit Braich, Sam Parker and John Duckett. These students and their classmates do interviews, news productions and the political forums.
   On behalf of the League, I would like to thank these groups of students and teachers who are very active in bettering the community and themselves. The LWV of East Windsor/Hightstown looks forward to working with them in the future.
   The forums will be aired again on Comcast Channel 27 on Saturday and Sunday at noon, 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Remember to vote Tuesday. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Joan A. Gordon
president
League of Women Voters
of East Windsor/Hightstown
GOP has ruined our country

To the editor:
   
This year’s election is not about candidates but about the political parties’ positions on sustaining our society in a secular mode versus a sectarian mode.
   A president was chosen six years ago by a mere count of a chad. Yet this President and his party have so corrupted the political process that I fear for the continuation of a democracy in America. Specifically, the Republican Party has gerrymandered congressional districts in this country to a point where 95 percent of the incumbents get re-elected. They have allied themselves with corporate interests through lobbyists to a point where we merely elect them to represent the corporate interests and not the electorate. We have the best Congress money can buy. They have sold our country for campaign contributions.
   The Republican Party has created the most corrupt, inept, incompetent, inane and insular system of government these past six years that can only lead to the total destruction of America as we have known it, if not already. We have lost our place as a leader in the world, we have lost our place as an economic power through borrowing and spending, we have lost our security from terrorism by breeding terrorists the world over. We have weakened our military through a war that is Vietnam over again but now with the name of Iraqnam.
   Enough of this Republicanism that has lost its way through spending by borrowing, through fighting by losing, through protecting by creating terrorists, through morality by immorality, through science by religion, through evolution by creationism and through democracy by closed government of the few. It’s time to clean house of this Republican Party abomination and start anew. Electing Republican politicians will just stay the course.
Eugene E. Sarafin
Hightstown
Democratic slate best to lead borough

To the editor:
   
Hightstown is a great small town to live in. Lots of exciting things are happening and will continue to happen in the next few years. A perfect example is the mill project and the Minute Maid plant property being planned for a new development. This is in addition to the 55-and-over housing development Enchantment. All of these projects will enhance the living experience in Hightstown and help to stabilize or lower our property tax burden. The part of our taxes, aside from the municipal tax portion, are the school taxes which is harder to control unless New Jersey changes the way schools are funded.
   Hightstown has a lot to offer its citizens, including a great Public Works Department (leaf pickup, snow removal, etc.), excellent police coverage (highly appreciated in a high-density town, and in keeping our town free of gang violence plus quick response times to emergency call-ins), and a lean, clean borough machine!
   I have lived here since 1971 and decided to stay here and raise my family.
   I would like to see our present council continue to do the good work it has done in developing the above new resources for Hightstown. I’m all for saving the taxpayer (me) money but not at the prospect of eroding our services severely. Sharing services and outsourcing can certainly be explored to see if there are potential savings.
   The upcoming election on Nov. 7h will afford the Hightstown citizens a chance to re-elect the Democratic team and to let the council continue with its work to build a better Hightstown.
   I know Walter Sikorski, Larry Quattrone and Dave Schneider question every dollar that the borough wants or needs to spend. Remember, these are all very longtime residents with a very high interest in what happens in Hightstown. This team of three will lead us forward through its hard work and perseverance in knowing what is right for Hightstown.
   Please join me and my wife in voting for Sikorski, Quattrone and Schneider on Nov. 7. Thank you and see you at the polls.
Bob Schneider
Hightstown
Club says thanks to parade helpers

To the editor:
   
Despite the blustery wind this past Sunday, the Junior Friday Club held its 34th annual Halloween parade through Hightstown and I wanted to thank all the neighborhood parents who bundled up their children and brought them out in their costumes.
   A special thanks goes to Lt. Reppy and the Hightstown police officers who blocked traffic while we practically blew down the street. And we couldn’t have done it without the help of some corporate sponsors who gave monetary donations such as Allen & Stults and others who donated treats and juice for the kids, ShopRite, Super Fresh, CVS in Twin Rivers, and Mr. Brown, manager at Walgreens. Whatever treats we had left over, we donated to area organizations such as Better Beginnings and Holly House.
   Thanks again for making another memorable Halloween parade for the children of Hightstown and East Windsor.
Sue Madden
Junior Friday Club of Hightstown
One party not good for county

To the editor:
   
To the editor:
   
During the past several months of campaigning, the two questions that I am asked the most are: What is a freeholder? What can you do for me?
   In Mercer County, freeholders act as the legislators for the county government. They are like the council. The board is responsible for approving the budget contracts and select appointments. o budget is passed or contract given without the board’s express approval. The Freeholder Board is the sole control on the county’s purse strings. Freeholders are also granted the power to investigate any aspect of county government.
   I am running for freeholder because I believe that the people in my community deserve better service from their elected officials.
   Our county government is controlled by one party. It is clear to anyone who attends the board’s meetings that questions are not being asked.
   The current freeholders and county executive often tout their "good" relationship. Good government requires vigorous debate not good friends. It also requires that the public be aware. Did you know that you can’t get a copy of the county budget unless you pay 75 cents a page for it? Did you know that you can’t get a copy of an agenda for a board meeting until the day of the meeting? If elected, I will ensure that information is promptly and easily available to the people.
   I also believe that keeping communities safe is a top priority. id you know that the chief law enforcement officer for the county’s budget is overseen by the Mercer County freeholder board? Did you know that over $26 million of your tax dollars is being designated for crime fighting in Mercer County? As a municipal prosecutor, I have seen the crime situation in Mercer County get worse and worse. The county and the freeholders have the unique ability to stem the tide. It is well known in law enforcement communities that gangs recruit in jails and youth detention centers. I have not seen one program or position approved to address this issue.
   If elected, I will fight to include intervention programs in our budget. I will also encourage our county wide law enforcement officials, the sheriff and prosecutor, to act as conduits to provide information to our local law enforcement. I will encourage more federal prosecutions of gang members to get them out of the Mercer area and stop recruitment in its tracks. Finally, I will fix the courthouse and get courtrooms open and so that we can get criminals off the streets and into jail where they belong.
   As a former county counsel, municipal prosecutor and Planning Board member, I have the skills, experience and energy to do better. I will bring open government, safe communities and sound fiscal management to the people of Mercer County. Thank you for your support on Nov. 7.
Ashley Hutchinson
Hightstown
Councilman backs his party’s slate

To the editor:
   
Last week these pages displayed an unfortunate level of combativeness, controversy and accusatory rhetoric regarding Hightstown’s mayoral campaign. This is indeed unfortunate. It boils down very easily: we have an incumbent mayor who despite hard work and commitment, has simply not demonstrated a level of effectiveness and accomplishment deserving of a second term, and we have a challenger who has proven his ability to think independently, make difficult, unpopular decisions, while asking the necessary tough questions and challenging the status quo. It’s simply time for someone new, and Walter Sikorski is that someone.
   There is no such controversy relative to the Borough Council race. There is simply no contest here, as our extremely capable, dedicated, and effective incumbents provide a easy decision for all.
   Dave Schneider’s deep roots in Hightstown, combined with his business acumen and willingness and proven ability to stand up for what he believes is right for our community, providing exactly the type of presence on council that we all need and deserve.
   I can not possibly say enough about the leader of Hightstown; Larry Quattrone. Larry’s passion, commitment and exceptional leadership skills make him one of Hightstown most valuable assets. There is a proven track record of consensus building and selflessness that are critical not only to Hightstown’s governmental processes, but essential to the very direction of our community. Larry has a unique ability to demonstrate true leadership, both sitting down with elected officials and borough professionals as well as when he is rolling up his sleeves and getting personally involved with issues such as the resurgence of our First Aid Squad. If you do not yet know Larry, make this a priority. You will be impressed and share my gratitude that Hightstown possesses a true public servant of this caliber.
   I am looking forward to casting my votes for Larry, Dave and Walter this Tuesday.
Patrick Thompson
borough councilman
Hightstown
Party plays no part in making choice

To the editor:
   
I’ve been an independent, a Democrat and a Republican at various times in my life, and with each election, I have voted for the individual, not the party. This time, I will vote for Bob Patten, Ron Niebo and Dave Keeler because they represent a breath of fresh air as opposed to politics as usual in New Jersey.
   Their opponents seem to be more concerned with waging political war than being responsible leaders. These types of political shenanigans are no doubt why the mill project has taken so long. Perhaps if Mr. Sikorski and Mr. Schneider were more effective leaders on council, their own party would be supporting them instead of forming "Democrats for Patten."
   Down-and-dirty campaigning and attacks have no place in this town, and I will be glad when it’s all over and Bob can return to being the capable mayor he is. He obviously cares about the issues, not politics. I have come to the following conclusions: Bob is a good leader with energy and plans for Hightstown’s future. His opponents do not have a plan and so are left to wage negative attacks against the people who do. I urge everyone to join me in voting for Bob Patten, Ron Niebo and Dave Keeler! Party affiliations have no place in this local election.
Sue Howard
Hightstown
Keep it friendly with Patten

To the editor:
   
On Halloween night, we remembered why we love living in Hightstown. Neighbors got to chat and see the kids’ costumes, and there was a friendly feeling in the air that has been missing lately, with all the political mudslinging surrounding the upcoming election. Unfortunately all the mud has been slung by our local Democrats, which makes it hard to feel proud of that affiliation.
   There are a lot of young families in Hightstown who, like us, chose this small town because it felt like a great place to raise children. Many of you are also Democrats who, like us, want to send a message to the national Republican leadership that has gotten our country into such a mess.
   Bob Patten is a Republican, and the target of despicable mudslinging in the Hightstown mayoral race. If you don’t know him, it’s easy to believe the hype that you read in the paper and think it must be time for a change. But if you elect Walter Sikorski simply for a change, you may be taking away Hightstown’s best chance at a better future.
   A mayor can’t do much to cut your taxes, but he can affect the way a town feels. As our mayor, Bob Patten has worked incredibly hard to make our town fiscally responsible, but he has also devoted himself to making it a better place to live. He is passionate about serving Hightstown, and he cares deeply about helping people. He approaches every challenge as an opportunity, and respects people of all political backgrounds.
   Walter Sikorski is an intelligent, educated man. He is a good councilman and Planning Board member. But the leader of a town has to inspire people by example, by rolling up his sleeves and getting involved. Bob Patten has done that every day for years, spending most of his waking hours serving our town in many different ways. He doesn’t just talk about Hightstown’s problems; he is in constant motion, working to solve them.
   If you live in Hightstown because you want to raise your family in a town where people care about each other and set politics aside to make this the best town it can be, you want Bob Patten for your mayor.
Amanda Porter
Hightstown