Debra Johnson, Monmouth Junction
My understanding is that state Department of Transportation projects are now on hold due to issues between our elected officials in Trenton. This is unfortunate; road improvements are critical to the economy and commerce of our state. In South Brunswick, it appears whatever efforts the state has been making on Route 1 will now stop. I sincerely hope our local elected officials are being proactive in addressing this issue.
Route 1 is a major roadway in this community. During my tenure in office just about every administration made an effort to improve route one. I recall meeting with the state on this issue in the past and was told that we did not sufficient traffic in South Brunswick to merit an additional lane on route one. I argued three lanes for us on Route 1 is critical, we are very congested, especially during rush hour, in both directions. Directly to the north of Route 1 is three lanes, directly to the south of Route 1 is three lanes; we are a bottleneck. This creates very problematic delays and has a negative impact on the environment. How, I inquired, could we not merit three lanes.
In 1998, the state did come out with a plan, and met with the elected officials and citizens in a town meeting at the Senior Center, but the plan was not at all workable. We were promised a new plan, but that never happened.
Ms. Dvorak and I, if elected, will work with the state and county governments to address the ever-increasing traffic misery we face daily. Until then, it is my hope that all of our current elected officials will work together to keep New Jersey moving.
Debra Johnson
Monmouth Junction
Ms. Johnson is an independent candidate for mayor.

