By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
EAST WINDSOR — Steve Commer, 67, is a Republican candidate for Township Council.
If selected by voters to fill the four-year seat — one of four council seats up on Election Day, Mr. Commer said he plans to review East Windsor’s books as well as work to have council meetings televised within his first three months in office.
"I’d like to see the meetings televised so the residents could see what’s going on,” Mr. Commer stated.
Mr. Commer is a semi retired farrier. He owns his own business, incepted 45 years ago, called S.C. Horseshoeing of East Windsor.
"My key thing is — I like the founding fathers. I believe that people should help their community by serving on a council . . . and after a certain amount of time, they should get out,” Mr. Commer said. “We should not have our career politicians.”
He joins fellow Republican newcomers T.J. Berdzik, Bob Ertel and John Guarniere in a race against incumbent Democrats Mayor Janice Mironov, Deputy Mayor Marc Lippman, and Councilman Peter Yeager and newcomer John Zoller.
Election Day is Nov. 8.
"Please vote for me,” Mr. Commer said.
Mr. Commer, born in Brooklyn and a past resident of Chester County, New York, moved to East Windsor in 1986.
He resides in Twin Rivers. He is also a member of the United Methodist Church of Cranbury.
"I just like it because it’s open, there are animals here. I sit in the back yard and watch the birds,” Mr. Commer stated, when asked about one of his favorite things about East Windsor. “The quietness,” he noted, “it’s nice like that.”
However, as a community, he said, “there’s been a separation between East Windsor and Twin Rivers. Even though Twin Rivers is a good part of East Windsor, it’s like, you know, the baby that doesn’t get the toys and the other (child) gets it.”
He said the township only gets things done in Twin Rivers when there’s an election.
Mr. Commer is running on a platform of “play to pay and try to eliminate career politicians. All the people on the council have been there numerous years and I think they lose their way when they try to think outside of the box.”
One of his main concerns is the recent revaluation of township homes in which prices of the homes increased, “but with the economy the way it is — you can’t even sell the homes for what they were evaluated at (recently).”
Mr. Commer said that the banks own half of the houses in East Windsor, adding that, “you’ve got a lot of houses up for sale in East Windsor” with vacant “commercial buildings.”
He said that there were five vacant commercial buildings in Twin Rivers alone. Yet, “all you see is more building,” Mr. Commer stated.
He explained that he would like to see someone use the vacant Superfresh building. Instead, “they built another shopping center down the road,” Mr. Commer said. “In today’s market, you are not going to find commercial people looking to come in.”
"We need business ratables but not the strip malls. We need businesses — something that people can get jobs out of — manufacturing.”
"Look for more manufacturing. We have a lot of empty buildings,” Mr. Commer said. “The country has outsourced everything.”
He also said companies should not be able to donate to people to get them reelected.
"I’d like to strengthen the play to pay,” he said.
After being a manager and maintenance supervisor, at places ranging from an indoor shopping center to a dude ranch, Mr. Commer said he went on to work for one of the largest trash companies in the region.
Mr. Commer served on the Twin Rivers Association trash committee. He noted that every three years the Twin Rivers’ contract with an outside trash company comes up for renewal.
Additionally, Mr. Commer has a background on budgeting including on a fixed income.
Mr. Commer said he was open to compromise when asked by the Herald how he would work with fellow council members.
Additionally, Mr. Commer said, “if it’s good for the town, then that’s where it should go. I’m just not for business as usual and excess spending.”
Mr. Commer said that land preservation is “good because it leaves you open space. The market now is not right for homes but when the market picks up you don’t want the developers to go in” and develop everything.”
As for the down market, Mr. Commer said that in 1986 the horse business brought in $8.6 billion. A quarter of a century later, in 2010, the reported earnings for the equestrian industry had been reduced to $4 billion.
He said breeders need an incentive to race in New Jersey.
Regarding possible township consolidation with Hightstown, Mr. Commer said, “I have no problems with consolidation.” Mr. Commer said East Windsor should consider consolidation of its court with Robbinsville, or Hamilton, or “which ever would like to work with us.”
As for flooding resulting from Hurricane Irene and other storms, Mr. Commer suggested that the state of New Jersey could buy up homes in low-lying areas so families could relocate to safer areas. Meanwhile, he said such land could be turned into parks.
He applauded New Jerseyans for helping one another during Hurricane Irene.
"I believe that we should all be working together. It’s New Jersey,” Mr. Commer said. “Whenever someone can give a helping hand, it should be there.”
Mr. Commer is single with two grown children from an earlier marriage. He has two grandsons.
