By Kristine Snodgrass, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR — Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh addressed the impact of the worsening economy on West Windsor Monday night in his annual state of the township address.
He reported that the township’s overall financial position has remained stable despite the turbulent economic environment. However, the township’s proposed budget includes reductions in several areas, but not in the overall level of core services provided to West Windsor residents, he said.
Most municipal departments’ operating expense budgets were below 2008 levels, he said, with small, necessary increases in the police, public works and human services departments. No additional personnel are included in the proposed budget, he said.
The township administration will continue to look for savings, he said.
”Despite our stable financial position for 2009, I have directed staff to continue to review all operational areas over the next six months to identify opportunities for increased operating efficiencies and additional cost savings,” he said, according to prepared notes. “At this point in time, 2010 looks to be just as difficult as 2009 and the Township Administration needs to be ready and able to respond and adapt to the current and anticipated economic situation facing the country.”
Mayor Hsueh also addressed the administration’s ongoing effort to secure federal and state funding for infrastructure projects in the township. The township submitted to its representatives a formal list of requested projects, which included the Vaughn Drive connector, the redesign of Route 571, the Route 1 Penns Neck improvements at Washington Road and Harrison Street, municipal facilities and related improvements, township-wide sanitary sewer and storm sewer infrastructure improvements, bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements, homeland security and other redevelopment-related improvements.
He also discussed projects completed over the last year, including the newly constructed bridge across Big Bear Brook on Old Trenton Road, the dredging of Grovers Mill Pond, and the Alexander Road Bridge project.
As in his tradition in previous years, Mayor Hsueh recognized three residents for the volunteer contributions to the township: Bill Hasling, scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 40; Marilyn Steidel, leader of Girl Scout Troop 1662; and Michael Huey, chair of the township Cable TV Advisory Board and chairman of the Lions Club Scholarship Committee.
Looking ahead, he said the township needs to maintain its strong relationships with residents, volunteers, neighboring communities and officials.
”We need to put aside divisive politics, focus on the results not rhetoric, act decisively, and work together to address the numerous challenges that lie ahead. With limited public resources, we need to work not only harder, but smarter, to ensure that our township remains a healthy and vibrant community,” he said.

