By: centraljersey.com
I am a Democratic candidate for Princeton Borough mayor, confident that I will serve the borough well if elected. My candidacy means that every Princetonian’s needs can be heard and debated in this race. As mayor, I will ensure those needs are met using every power the mayor possesses.
Three views of government prevail in America today and are reflected locally, even among some Democratic elected officials. At one extreme: Government should do nothing. At the other extreme: Government never does anything. In the middle, my view: Government often does good but should do more.
Let me illustrate the balance I will strike. First, I applaud Borough Council for presenting a flat budget for two and now probably three years in a row. Budgets can always be re-examined, however. And only more revenue can provide the tax relief we need, especially after our distressing recent revaluation. Surely a university "in the nation’s service and in the service of all nations" owes its own community a larger PILOT.
Second, Borough Council must both anticipate development and respond more proactively. Our downtown for example: I will do everything possible to encourage the kind of retail that brings residents downtown to shop for daily needs, thereby increasing Princeton’s social cohesion. Borough merchants, in turn, deserve a business-friendly mayor who sees that their needs are met promptly.
Third, Princeton’s established neighborhoods also deserve a mayor who will work actively to preserve them, perhaps through form-based zoning. Princeton should remain affordable for police, teachers, long-time residents – all should find housing to buy or rent here if they wish. The Dinky terminus must not move until light rail replaces it with service to Nassau Street. I will use the mayor’s Planning Board seat to represent the borough without recusing myself on Princeton University applications.
Finally, Borough Council should publicize its accomplishments, decisions and budget more effectively. A mayor should both speak and listen. I will, as mayor, schedule regular house meetings in each borough neighborhood to hear residents’ concerns. I will act on those concerns to my utmost ability.
For more information, please visit www.anneneumannformayor.weebly.com. Thank you.
Anne Waldron Neumann Princeton
Zoning board should follow rules on mosque
To the editor:
With reference to a zoning variance to be heard April 7 by the town and requested by a the Institute of Islamic Studies, to include a 7,500-square-foot facility including a mosque to built on Old Trenton Road and Dorchester Road, the West Windsor zoning board should consider the following:
Will the ordinance take away from taxes to be gained from the parcel as it is presently zoned for office and light industry? Will the traffic in the vicinity of two large "55 and over" communities be increased considerably? Will the township be required to spend dollars on traffic control? Will dollars be needed to approach the state for new lights, road improvements, etc., or will that need to be budgted by the town to insure the safety of the residents living in the area? What about water? Will the D.E.P. have to be called in to insure that the new building doesn’t cause runoffs to the nearby road? It is West Windsor’s job to define whether this is the most feasible development for the area?
There should be no "entitlements" in the question of zoning. That’s why planning boards do master plans. Because of huge school budgets in our town, West Windsor Township must insure that its new ratables contribute to the taxes of the town so that residents see no increase in already high taxes.
I do not think it is the zoning board’s job to extend a variance based on what may be perceived as a religion’s rights. The variance should not be given if it greatly affects the traffic in the area – or the taxable revenue that could be obtained from someone doing research or office is lost. The town should only allow the variance if this would be the best usage and best taxable ratable for this land. I believe that is what we the citizens hope that they do.
Freddi Myers West Windsor

