Split ripped wide open in vote for council president during reorganization meeting.
By: Gwen McNamara
WEST WINDSOR Try as it might to work together, the Township Council has never really been able to bridge the growing divide between its members.
On Tuesday, that split was ripped wide open as newly re-elected Councilwoman Kristin Appelget was chosen as council president during reorganization.
The decision to select Ms. Appelget, who was sworn into a new four-year term on council with fellow councilman Charles Morgan and newcomer Franc Gambatese, pitted Ms. Appelget and Mr. Morgan, both Republicans, against Councilwomen Alison Miller and Jackie Alberts, both Democrats.
Despite having a nonpartisan form of government, the two sides have often ended up on opposite sides of debate in recent years on everything from new sewer fees to a ban on "pay to play" practices.
Tuesday’s scenario set a confrontational tone for the new year and showed the critical role new council member Mr. Gambatese, a Democrat, will surely play in the council’s decision-making process.
On Tuesday, Ms. Alberts, who has served as vice president in the past year, expected to be chosen council president, but her nomination by Ms. Miller was defeated in a 3-2 vote with Ms. Appelget, Mr. Morgan and Mr. Gambatese all dissenting.
It was, instead, Mr. Gambatese’s nomination of Ms. Appelget that carried again with a 3-2 vote, but this time with Ms. Miller and Ms. Alberts dissenting.
The election of Ms. Appelget was bitterly attacked by Ms. Alberts, who in a heated statement during the reorganization ceremony called the action an "appalling breach of trust" and questioned Ms. Appelget’s ability to lead the council with what she termed "a perception of conflict of interest."
Previously, the council had agreed to rotate the council presidency, Ms. Alberts charged, and last year she nominated Mr. Morgan for the position with the understanding he would do the same for her this year.
"He went back on the deal," Ms. Alberts said.
But Mr. Morgan contends all bets were off in March when Ms. Alberts called him "a liar" during the council’s debate over an ordinance banning "pay to play" practices.
"I have yet to receive an apology," he said.
In regard to Ms. Appelget, Ms. Alberts questioned if her position as president of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce and family ties to the township were a conflict of interest with her role in West Windsor.
"There’s a perception out there that Kristin has multiple conflicts of interest," she said. "And unfortunately in this business perception is reality. It’s important we put someone up there who is trusted by the people to do the best for the residents of the township."
Ms. Appelget was visibly upset by these remarks, which she deemed "baseless lies," and demanded an apology, saying the township was lucky to have a family so dedicated to the township.
Her mother works in the township planning office, her brother sits on the township Environmental Commission and her entire family has lived in West Windsor for at least three generations, she said.
Mr. Gambatese, who nominated Ms. Appelget, said he plans on being a member of council who "will not rest on tradition or fall in line like people expect," adding that he was disturbed by Ms. Alberts’ actions.
"I think it wasn’t the right time to send a message like that," Mr. Gambatese said. "I felt really bad for Kristin. What Jackie (Alberts) did was unacceptable.
"I know the council had a previous arrangement of rotating (the presidency), but I was not a part of that decision or agree to it," he continued. "I was looking for a leader for the council and believed Kristin is the most professional and quality person available. Jackie’s behavior proved I made the right decision."
He said the council must start working together and put aside petty arguments.
"This nonsense has got to stop," he said. "It’s a waste of too much time, energy and money."
In other business during reorganization, Ms. Alberts was chosen as vice president and Ms. Miller will again represent the council on the township Planning Board. Ms. Alberts will serve as liaison to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Mr. Gambatese will represent the council on the Affordable Housing Committee and Cable TV Advisory Board.