Township Committee to reorganize Jan. 7
By Maria Prato-Gaines
CRANBURY At the Township Committee’s reorganization meeting in January any one of its five members has the potential to walk out as mayor.
The committee will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 7 in Town Hall, 23 N. Main St., for its annual reorganization meeting. At that time, the five-member Township Committee will elect a new mayor for 2008.
In Cranbury, the mayor has no special powers and his few extra duties include running committee meetings as chairman, making some appointments and sitting on the Planning Board.
Some members of the committee said they would be more than happy to fill the position while others said they would prefer to sit out the 2008 term. In addition, the current mayor, Democrat David Stout, said he would like to serve in the position again and already has the support of fellow Democrat Committeewoman Pari Stave.
Democratic committee member Richard Stannard, who served as mayor in 2004, said he’s not sure whom he will vote for, but would prefer not to throw his hat in the race.
”I don’t think I’d have time in the next year to do (the position) justice,” he said.
Whatever way the vote swings, Cranbury can be assured that it’s in good hands, he said.
”It’s a dilemma at this point but it’s a good dilemma,” Mr. Stannard said. “All five members of the Township Committee have served at least once as mayor. It’s not like we’re getting someone inexperienced.”
Ms. Stave, who was mayor in 2003, said if put in the position, she could serve again but that it was not necessarily her prerogative.
”I will always be willing to step up,” Ms. Stave said. “But I think I will not do it this year.”
Although Ms. Stave would not say how she would cast her vote, she did offer a suggestion.
”I think any of my colleagues would make a fine mayor,” she said. “I would be happy if David Stout did it again.”
Mayor Stout is finishing his first term as mayor and said holding onto the title is something he had “strongly considered”.
”I’m more than happy to do it,” he said.
Even though his interest is piqued, Mayor Stout said the decision is one for the committee to make as a whole.
”It’s really up to the committee,” he said. “It’s who everyone has an interest and desire for.”
Democratic Committeeman Tom Panconi, who served as mayor in 2006, was unavailable for comment.
The sole Republican committee member, Wayne Wittman, who served as mayor in 1999, also said he has high hopes that he will be appointed as mayor for a second time around.
”I don’t know if I’m going to get support but I’m interested,” he said.
Mr. Wittman said in past years the position as mayor is typically alternated among the committee members.
He also said that the mayor’s vote does not outweigh any other and that the position is best filled by someone who can offer the committee direction.
”We’ve normally rotated the position,” Mr. Wittman said. “It’s not like the mayor has anymore power than anyone else. The mayor is more like the team leader.”

