Candidate clarifies

Heather Cheesman of Bordentown City
To the editor:
   As the 2009 Bordentown City Commissioner race draws to a close (please cast your vote on May 12), my campaign continues to stress the most important issues such as: bringing the discussion out to the residents; emphasizing fiscal responsibility and basic management for the office of Commissioner; emphasizing the continued vitality of the downtown business district; and communicating openly about my stance on issues facing the city. This election is important and all of us have a stake in the outcome.
   The importance of this election can be seen in the many misstated facts, rumors and hearsay that have circulated in recent weeks. In this letter, I would like to address one such grievous error.
   It has recently been suggested that I am in favor of appropriating properties on Spring Street (using “Eminent Domain”) in order to make room for 600 units of low-income housing. I can categorically say that there is no truth to this statement. I am not in favor of appropriating properties and would urge voters to dismiss this rumor and seek the facts for themselves.
   Bordentown needs leaders who can think, plan and lead for the benefit of all who live in the town and who can make informed and constructive decisions to protect our quality of life and build on the best aspects of our small town as we move forward. As someone who has educated myself about the city’s planning initiatives, I know that no such development is planned for, required, or permissible in our current or proposed planning documents.
   Informed residents make the best choices and I would encourage you to talk to me about any concerns you have about the future of our town. I am easily reached ([email protected] or 609-298-7828 or 309 Prince Street).
   We need to move beyond empty rhetoric and misinformation. My approach is nuanced and considered and clearly spelled out for anyone to examine on my web site (www.bordentowncity.org) prior to casting a vote. Keep yourself informed as best as you can, and please cast your votes for Commissioner on May 12 accordingly.