By Vita Duva, Correspondent
Mayor David Cook is a man about Cranbury, there is no question about that – and we’re not just talking the hobbyist’s vintage Cranbury postcard collection., The 50-year township resident was first elected to the Cranbury Township Committee in 2009. And over the years, Mayor Cook has continued to not only act as a steward for the township, but a voice for the people., And although it was just last week that he was appointed mayor and took his oath of office during the Township Committee’s reorganization meeting, the Democrat’s priorities are already set for the year ahead., “I want to continue a policy of controlled development – both commercial and residential. That is what gives our town its ability to prosper. It is the solid tax base that we primarily receive from the Route 130 corridor, which includes the businesses that are east of Route 130, as well,” said Mayor Cook., “And to retain the current spirit and character of Cranbury, which are two major reasons we as residents want to live here. That is realized through continued vigilance of open space west of Route 130 and the enhancement of existing properties, which, for example, is occurring at the intersection of South Main Street and Old Trenton Road on what is called the ‘old Haggerty property.’”, To learn more about Mayor Cook, his personal interests and his vision for the township, The Cranbury Press conducted a question and answer session with the father of two:, Cranbury Press: In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues in town to date, and how would you like to tackle them?, David Cook: The most pressing issues are fiscal ones. Cranbury has done a great job of preserving its historic character, but like any town it gets more and more expensive to do so. The cost of basic infrastructure and services that we often take for granted increase on an annual basis, but we are putting in mechanisms to offset these costs through commercial development. For example, the warehousing and the recently approved convenience stores that will be located on Route 130 will help keep our property taxes in a reasonable range. Some locals are not happy with the scale of development east of Route 130, but it is a necessary component to our town and I am happy that it is a vibrant one., CP: What fresh and innovative ideas are you hoping to bring to the table this year, and how will they benefit the community at large?, DC: A primary initiative is to expand the process of finding a solution to the growing traffic issues that are a bi-product of the increased warehousing in Cranbury. The Township Committee will be looking into bringing on a consultant that specializes in this kind of traffic/truck problem. This issue is big enough where it will affect not only Cranbury, but also towns like Monroe, South Brunswick and East Windsor. Another initiative will be to access the conditions of Cranbury’s roadways, which began last year. There are a number of locations downtown, as well as outside of town, which need repaving – or at least spot repaving – that means addressing pothole size problems. These two initiatives will help Cranbury to continue to function as it is, but also into the future, which has to be part of any plan., CP: What is your favorite Cranbury tradition?, DC: I have a number of favorites: The Memorial Day Parade; The Lions Club Pancake Breakfast; Cranbury Day; The Fourth of July Fireworks. But one event that I always look forward to is Arbor Day because it’s the first event I remember participating in as a young person. I was in second grade and the event made a big impression on me as to the value of our immediate surroundings, which includes trees. The event continues today, and continues to make an impression on young people., CP: What are your hobbies?, DC: That would be collecting vintage Cranbury postcards. I also enjoy classic Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, and watching my kids, Jack and Olivia Cook, continue to grow and thrive in college., CP: Coffee or tea? How do you take it?, DC: I am a coffee person; with cream and just a hint of sugar., CP: On a given Sunday afternoon, where are you mostly likely to be spotted?, DC: If I am not around town somewhere, I’m probably at home watching football or “60 Minutes,” or mowing the lawn – very much like any of the other families here in town.
