Michael Ruger, Hopewell Township
Election Day is less than a week away. Since May, Kristin McLaughlin and I have promoted a positive vision to move forward in Hopewell Township. We have presented proposals to spend your money more efficiently and keep taxes low, to defend our water and environment, and to build a strong community for all residents. We have shared our vision by visiting over one thousand homes throughout the township and publishing a number of letters in the paper and on our website. I have listened, and I have learned.
In contrast, our opponents have not offered any sort of vision for Hopewell Township. As far as I can tell from the few times they or their surrogates have said anything publicly, this election is about two things that are, quite frankly, rather bizarre — false fear of a “supermajority” and attempts to revisit a decision made nearly a decade ago.
A “supermajority,” or agreement by four of the five committee members, is required in very limited circumstances. When a supermajority has been required in the past few years, the vote has been unanimous. In fact, the overwhelming majority of votes by the committee are unanimous. The Township Committee is not a place for partisanship.
As for Pennytown, it is important to remember that the decision to purchase the property was not a partisan vote. Former Committee Member Michael Markulec — a Republican who voted to purchase Pennytown — noted in an Oct. 30, 2014, letter to the Hopewell Valley News that the purchase “was key to demonstrating our township’s commitment to meet its legal (and moral) obligation and its long-range plan to control affordable housing in the community.” He also said, “I remain convinced the purchase of Pennytown was the right decision.”
It is time to move on, which is why last week the Township Committee voted on changes to the Pennytown redevelopment plan. A final vote is scheduled for Nov. 14. But even at last week’s meeting, John Hart showed he was out of touch with the township by insisting that the redevelopment plan allow construction of a filling station for large trucks, noting how this would save his drivers a trip to Ringoes. Fortunately, common sense prevailed and that will not happen.
There is a clear choice for Hopewell Township voters this Nov. 8. Our opponents are running on false fears and constant carping about the past. Perhaps that is because they have no record of achievement, having failed to keep any of their 2013 election year promises to reduce debt, to improve transparency and communication with all residents, and to rebuild community spirit.
In contrast, Kristin and I are focused on the future. If elected, we’ll work to make sure your local government represents you. We’ll keep a close eye on the budget and make sure no money is wasted. We’ll bring back bulky waste pickup. And we will never surrender on the PennEast pipeline fight.
We ask that you vote for Kristin McLaughlin and Michael Ruger on Nov. 8.
Michael Ruger
Hopewell Township
