Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh announced on June 11 he was running for re-election in the November general election in hopes of winning a fourth consecutive term.
By Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR — Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh announced on June 11 he was running for re-election in the November general election in hopes of winning a fourth consecutive term.
About 20 residents joined Mayor Hsueh at the Schenk Farm museum that morning as he formally announced he would be seeking another term alongside his two running mates: incumbent Councilman Kamal Khanna and newcomer Eric Payne.
The trio, dubbed the “West Windsor Moving Forward Team,” stood near the porch of the white Schenk Farm home as they each introduced themselves and talked about their visions on how they could take West Windsor to the next step.
”The next few years are crucial – we need to keep up our reputation,” said Mayor Hsueh. “To me, we can be the best town in not just the state, but the whole nation and the whole world.”
They all agreed that Mayor Hsueh’s leadership the past 12 years have been working well toward moving West Windsor forward. They often pointed out the township’s Triple A Bond rating, low, stable property taxes and busy train station in Princeton Junction.
”Our strongest point is we get things done and we do it every day and it translates into progress,” said Mr. Khanna, who has served as the council president the past two years. “Mayor Hsueh brings people together and attracts those who want to work.”
Candidate Eric Payne agreed, citing that his motivation to run for one of the open seats was largely due to Mr. Khanna and Mayor Hsueh’s positive impact on the community.
”I’ve been here my whole life and it’s great to be a part of this,” said Mr. Payne, who is most recognized for forming the grassroots group “Smart Traffic Solutions” in response to the DOT’s 2012 Route 1 experiment.
”The important thing is to work together toward a common goal. Mayor Hsueh and Mr. Khanna see past the party lines and do what’s right for the community,” he said.
Mr. Payne added that he would use his experience as a former Continental Airlines pilot with seeing different cities and what makes them thrive to guide the West Windsor community.
Their campaign also included making the township more business friendly and working with the state to improve Route 1 traffic that is not detrimental to West Windsor residents.
”I can contribute all the things I have learned to this community,” said Mayor Hsueh. “I have a burning desire to help my community and this is a community I really love.”
Before the gathering dispersed, resident Al Lerner pointed out a simple childhood rhyme that exemplified what he thought of Mayor Hsueh’s vision for West Windsor.
”Good, better, best; never let it rest, until you’re good is better and your better is best,” he smiled. “It just exemplifies what is.”

