Mark Petraske
Democratic candidate,
Montgomery Township Committee
By:
Serving the community is not optional for me; it is an essential part of my nature to work side by side with my neighbors and the broader community to protect the things we care about most.
I began my career as a mechanical engineer, trained in nuclear physics. After working for a few years as a specialist in nuclear safety and regulatory compliance, I completed my education with a law degree, and currently practice law here in town. My wife, Alison, is an obstetrician in Princeton, and we have three children. Our family life is active, and largely centered around township activities. I coach soccer and serve on the township’s Transportation Advisory Committee.
Like many of our neighbors, Alison and I chose to live in Montgomery because of all that it offers to families. We live, work and play in this community. I decided to run for Township Committee because I want to make sure that we preserve all the best things about Montgomery for my family, and for yours.
I believe it is important for the Township Committee to be fiscally responsible, and accountable for its decisions. As a township committeeman, I will hold to the ideals of fairness and equity, just as I have in my career and family life.
The major challenges facing Montgomery are the legacy of unfettered residential development that took place here in the 1990s. In the morning, when you are sitting on southbound Route 206 at Orchard Road and eyeing the long snake of cars ahead, you are looking that legacy straight in the eye. Our spiraling property taxes, too, are directly attributable to that explosion of development, and the failure of our leaders at that time to anticipate and plan for its impact.
As a member of the TAC, I am on the front lines of the battle against traffic congestion. With input from many residents and local businesses, the TAC developed a comprehensive traffic-relief plan that has been incorporated into the township’s Master Plan. It calls for a number of intersection improvements and small connector roads that will take pressure off our most congested intersections, and it does so in a way that minimizes environmental impact and does not encourage additional development. Construction should begin next year, with funding assistance from the state and federal governments, as well as local developers.
As those who know me will tell you, I am not a partisan politician and I am always more than willing to speak my mind. I admire the focus and commitment that the township’s current leaders have shown in achieving many important goals in a short period of time. My running mate, Cecilia Xie Birge, also is a remarkable person of exceptional ability. She and I look forward to bringing our own skills and talents to the leadership team as it faces the challenges ahead. We ask for your support on Nov. 4.