PRINCETON: Howard, Trelstad get PCDO nod

By Victoria Hurley-Schubert, Staff
   The Princeton Community Democratic Organization on Sunday evening endorsed Heather Howard and Councilwoman Barbara Trelstad for Borough Council.
   Out of the 113 borough voters who cast ballots, Ms. Howard was the clear favorite, with 93 votes, or 82 percent of the votes. Incumbent Councilwoman Trelstad secured her endorsement with 68 votes, or 60 percent of borough ballots.
   The third contestant, Thomas Zucosky, fell behind with 36, or 32 percent of the borough vote.
   Ms. Trelstad talked about fiscal discipline, better communication with the university, revaluation and keeping the borough affordable.
   Ms. Howard spoke about her experiences in the Statehouse and as a former cabinet member for Gov. Jon Corzine and said she “chose Princeton because the community reflects our values … and I want to make sure it remains a great community.”
   Mr. Zucosky said he has a “specific vision rooted in affordability, sustainability and respect and in delivering on that vision, I promise to filter every idea on one simple question — does this idea improve the quality of life for people in the borough?”
   The candidates were given several questions from the audience.
   The first was on the human services commission and it’s role in the community.
   ”It’s messy business the shared services between the borough and township and the devil is in the details,” and “it is something that on the face of it is warranted, but I’d like to get to learn more about it.” said Mr. Zucosky.
   Ms. Howard spoke out in support of the commission as “more and more people need services … and the human services can be a gateway and make sure people have access to services;” as did Ms. Trelstad. “I think they have worked hard…and support them staying on and continuing the work they do,” said Ms. Trelstad.
   The next issue was if consolidation is approved, what would the most important benefit be for residents.
   Ms. Howard thought consolidation would offer better, more calibrated government for both Princetons. Ms. Trelstad said a combined government would be more efficient and that would equal savings. Mr. Zucosky thinks that together the Prinetons could negotiate better contracts, get better bond rates and negotiate better with the university.
   The candidates also responded to an inquiry about how they think Princeton University, the largest landowner in the borough, which does not pay property taxes on the majority of its property, can help with borough finances.
   Ms. Trelstad said “clearly they need to do more” and officials can’t just go across the street and ask for more money. “I think there has to be a rationale about it.”
   Mr. Zucosky said “if we can create incentives for them to be a better partner we can create synergies … I don’t want them look at it as a tax, I would prefer them to see the benefits, and to see them as partners.”
   Ms. Howard said look at the university’s impact on the community and quantify it. “Good neighbors need to be talking.”
   All agreed the Dinky does not need to move and were not specific on the best adaptive uses for Valley Road School.
   Ms. Howard favors working with school board for best use; whereas Ms. Trelstad is not going to make up her mind until she hears all proposals. Mr. Zucosky said renovation and reuse of existing space would be the most fiscally responsible and reuse existing space.
   There was only one solid answer from Ms. Trelstad regarding the funding of subsidization for seniors so they can stay in their homes. She suggested municipal bonding for a loan fund for seniors; while Ms. Howard said loans are not enough for people dealing with significant increases and other options need to be pursued. Mr. Zucosky said he would use his 30 years of finance experience “to make sure seniors are getting a fair shake and a program that makes sense.”
   The last question dealt with affordable housing.
   Mr. Zucosky said zoning and permits should be examined and citizens should appeal their revaluations to stay in their homes. Ms. Howard said the Princetons should not wait for the state, but be leaders and the revaluation is a place to start. Ms. Trelstad agreed with the other two candidates that municipalities should not wait so long for revaluation, saying revaluations should be done more frequently and work with zoning.
   There was no debate among township candidates, so Bernie Miller and Sue Nemeth were endorsed because they were uncontested.