By Kristine Snodgrass, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR — A self-proclaimed “dark horse” may be entering as a third candidate in the township mayoral race, if he can gather enough signatures before the March 19 petition deadline.
Pete Weale, 58, of Penns Neck, said he will be all around town this weekend, asking residents for the 100 more signatures he needs to get on the ballot.
The municipal election will be held May 12 for the election of two council members and mayor.
A staple of the public comment sessions of Township Council and the West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education meetings, Mr. Weale said he is tired of his suggestions being ignored by the governing body.
A fiscal conservative, he said he would control massive taxes that drive residents out of the community. He characterized the redevelopment plan as a “Trojan horse,” bringing a host of unintended consequences to the township when all residents asked for was an improved Main Street along Route 571 and parking for commuters.
”I’m not sure why people who are commuters, who deal with the uncertainties of being away from their homes 14 hours a day, why they think it’s an advantage to put obstacles in their way to go to and from their jobs,” he said.
A 25-year township resident, he said he wants to see action to improve the quality of life in the township. He decided to run last week after the council workshop on the redevelopment plan lasted past midnight.
Mr. Weale is a semi-retired corporate manufacturing professional, who moved to the area to work for United Technologies in Manhattan. He grew up in rural Upstate New York, and holds a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Cornell University.
Council President Charlie Morgan is challenging incumbent Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh. Mr. Morgan is running on a slate called “Best4WestWindsor,” with council candidates Anupam Gupta and Nitin Shah. Mayor Hsueh is running with incumbent Councilwoman Linda Geevers and Kamal Khanna on a slate called “West Windsor First.”
Mr. Weale’s campaign Web site can be found at: http://mysite.verizon.net/michaeljohnr/pete4mayor.htm.

