To the editor:
Election Day is less than two months away, and the residents of Hopewell Township will have the opportunity to vote for two members of the Hopewell Township Committee.
We have spent the summer meeting with hundreds of voters throughout the township, and look forward to speaking with many more in the coming weeks. We want to hear what our fellow residents think and what they believe the township needs.
As for us, we believe in building a better community, one that is financially responsible, environmentally conscious, and truly connected.
We have heard from voters over the summer that taxes are a paramount issue. Simply put, no one wants to pay more. We will work to ensure that the township budget is kept in check, and that taxpayer money is spent wisely. Our tax rate is the lowest in Mercer County, and we want to keep it that way.
We also heard about the importance of the environment. We agree that we must protect the open spaces and rural nature of the township. To that end, we oppose the PennEast pipeline. There is no room for compromise on this issue. And we support the township’s Master Plan for development. Any developer who proposes to deviate from that plan will have to shoulder a heavy burden of proof to show why a change is warranted.
Finally, we know many residents want a community and senior center. Wefully support exploring Committeewoman Julie Blake’s proposal for a community, senior and aquatics center. Such a center would serve as a focal point for our township, providing a place for all ages to gather to have fun with, and learn from, each other. However, we have to carefully review and consider the construction and operating costs of such a center to make sure we build it in a financially responsible way.
We will share more information in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] , or visit our Facebook page, McLaughlin and Ruger for Hopewell Township.
Finally, if you have not registered to vote, please do so. And if you will be traveling on Election Day, please be sure to request a mail-in ballot.
On Nov. 8, please vote for McLaughlin and Ruger for Hopewell Township Committee.
Kristin McLaughlin
Democratic Candidate for Hopewell Township Committee
Michael Ruger
Democratic Candidate for Hopewell Township Committee
