Fernando Guerrero
As Borough Princetonians face municipal tax increases of over 44 percent in the last five years, continued lack of transparency in regard to the downtown redevelopment project, symptoms of gang violence, and a low standard of fiduciary responsibility in the form of millions of dollars inunbilled charges to the Township, can there be any doubt that our beloved community needs a fresh approach in Borough Council?
As many have pointed out in these pages, the mismanagement of the downtown redevelopment project illustrates three serious Borough Council shortcomings: lack of transparency; revenue that has been lost and will continue to be lost if further concessions are made, and the ultimate cost of higher property taxes.
Furthermore, one has to question the judgment of pushing on with the next project (Building C) with the same developer. To quote Councilman Martindell (Princeton Packet, Sept. 28), “We are essentially volunteer persons unschooled in development work and we are negotiating with pros who have a lot of money at stake, and there’s a fair amount of hubris that we have the skills to match them at the negotiating table.” Our town deserves better.
One has to wonder why the Borough has essentially stonewalled requests from interested citizens and local media for a public accounting of its dealings with NHKT. Why? Is it really that embarrassing?
Staying the course comes at too high a price. I proudly support Linda Sipprelle, a candidate with demonstrated ability and common sense, for Borough Council on Nov. 6.
Fernando Guerrero
Hodge Road
Princeton