Carol de Groot, Bordentown
I have been a resident of the Bordentown Township for 37 years and have seen a lot of changes.
Before I go any further, let me tell you a little about myself.
I am a conservative and served on the Township Committee for six years, as mayor for one year, deputy mayor for one year, and I also served on the Planning Board.
With that said, there will be some of you who will say, "She ran as a Democrat." Yes, this is true; then I changed at the end of my term to Republican.
Frankly, I think is more important to vote for the person than stick strictly to the party line. We did a lot while in office — hired a "qualified" administrator, initiated a road program so a few roads would be repaired every year, increased services, lowered taxes five years and kept them the same the sixth. There are many others, but too many to list.
Unfortunately, after we decided not to run again, those that got in office after us changed everything. Taxes went up, road program stopped, and an "unqualified" administrator was hired. Now that was a disaster.
We are supporting the Popko/Cann ticket for the following reasons:
The local purpose tax has gone down. Yes, not as much as we would all like, but it is a start. Part of the reason taxes went up in the past couple of years were tax appeals left over from the Republican committee and county ordered revaluation.
We can’t keep asking for things such as the township to replace residents’ trees when they are either dying or need to be taken down because of the problems they are causing — this costs money; a long-needed Public Works expansion with the new recycling area, dog park and community garden with no cost to the township; a new road improvement program; new police officers; new commercial business (including one that will bring about 700 jobs); higher bond rating; plus many more things.
We attend the township meetings. Generally, there are four of us, with no input from any other residents, except if a problem exists in "my back yard."
Very recently we were joined by two men who want to run the township. Where were they at meetings prior to October? At least they should be present to hear what is going on and have an input before they try to run the township.
Remember to vote locally for Popko/Cann this Nov. 4.
Carol de Groot
(I was one of the pink ladies)
Bordentown

