TC debate

[anon-429n]

I attended the debate last night. It was actually quite enjoyable and was more of a group discussion. The challengers were complimentary of the TC and the incumbnents complimentary of the challengers.

I thought there was very good candor.

A resident asked what each candidate promised to do and they all said they can't make a promise. Mr. Taylor said the TC sets goals and measures success based on meeting those goals.

Another asked about the low key campaigning this year. Mr. McGovern stated he was asked to run on the eve of filing and agreed to put his name on the ballot and did so to give people a choice. However, he has a family and meetings 3-4 nights a week. So while he wanted to raise ideas, he had no time to campaign.

Mr. Deverin stated work and family are his focus. However, he has a flyer and plans to walk in the future.

It was clear they are all friends and Mr. Taylor complimented both challengers stating he appointed Mr. McGovern to the zoning board and they do a good job.

All candidates stated that they agreed not to do signs because that is not Cranbury.

In my view this friendliness is what Cranbury has been missing the past elections.

Some other items.

Fran McGovern, Jay Taylor and Sean Deverin all have young families. Mr. Cook has older children.

Mr. Cook and Mr. Taylor are more active in the community with other civic organizations. That could be because of time in town.

Mr. Cook and Mr. Taylor explained they have lived here their whole life. Mr. McGovern and Mr. Deverin while new explained why Cranbury attracted them.

As one would expect Mr. Cook and Mr. Taylor knew more history and had more of a plan to address issues like affordable housing. Mr. Deverin was honest admitting he will have a learning curve.

All lamented lack of public turnout to key meetings. Mr. Taylor stated no one attends the budget meeting and attendance would help the TC.

The only difference really on affordable housing dealt with 130D. Mr. McGovern and Mr. Deverin felt a road should connect through Cranbury Estates to the new affordable housing development as it would be more integrated. Mr. Cook and Mr. Taylor did not want a through road due to traffic concerns and child safety for the existing development. That current resident needs must be a factor.

No questions were asked about taxes or the redevelopment on S Main. Mr. Taylor did explain debt reduction and some financial practices. Mr. Cook backed that up in his comments.

On a personal note, I hope future candidates follow the lead of these four individuals. Just look at Hightstown to see how negative politics destroy a town.

[anon-450q]

Just to add a comment to the above.

It seems to me Mr. Cook and Mayor Taylor have the experience and most importantly the time we need from our officials. If you don't have the time to campaign do you have the time to do what needs to be done once elected? I appreciate family and work first so this is not a negative comment. I think their priorities are spot on so you can't ignore those to be on the TC.

With everything the state is throwing at us right now and the drastic implications that can happen with affordable housing now does not seem to be the time to change our elected officials.

Both Mr. Cook and Mayor Taylor have been responsive. I have had concerns in the past and they addressed them. They know the issues and so far in their term our town has run very smoothly compared to 7-8 years ago with ballfields and other wasted dollars.

I think that is why there is no real active issue and why the school board is more of a focus this year.


To add one last point. I am very thankful there are no digns being posted.

[anon-5114]

I was reading the Cranbury Press online when I came across a letter from the Cranbury Republican Chair. In the letter Ms. Stehn endorsing her candidates writes, "I truly wish I lived in Cranbury 30 years ago, when common sense and mutual respect was given to any candidate who was willing to offer their service. A time when who you were was more important than joining committees, organizations, and/or volunteering just so your resume is stacked."

I agree all candidates should be given mutual respect.

However, she then undermines her own words byaccusing Mr. Cook and Mr. Taylor of volunteering in town to stack a resume. Does this not seem a little disrespectful and hypocritical to both them and our volunteer organizations to whom they belong? She claims lack of respect and then questions the ethics of two volunteers.

I doubt anyone would say let me spend 100 or more hours volunteering so I can have a resume to spend even more time volunteering on the TC.

Further, all organizations in town are hurting and many people volunteer in multiple organizations. Does that mean they too are stacking a resume for a future run? Or does it mean that people like Mr. Cook and Mr. Taylor who grew up here care enough that when asked to help they agree without thought.

I find this to be very offensive. I have worked with Mr. Cook in organizations and Mr. Taylor. They do their best. As residents we should know if our TC members look to help the community.

Personally, I want a TC who is active in the community and not a politician. Mr. Johnson is in Lions, Mr. Mulligan is also actively involved. The two other candidates running have had ample time to respond to our volunteer organizations and have not for one reason or another. It does not make them bad people, it makes them like most residents. However, to me criticizing people FORvolunteering is wrong and disrespectful on many levels.

Let's appreciate our volunteers whoever they are.

Ps - Ms. Stehn 30 years ago most TC members and residents were members of at least one local volunteer organization. People knew who you were and what you did. It was expected as residents that we would all help our town.

[Long time Republican-1qp2]

Thank you for this response. I was embarrassed by that one sentence. I've lived in town more years than most, and we learned to rely on our volunteers. I'm sure Mr. Taylor wasn't thinking about "stacking his resume" when he joined the volunteer fire company. I expected a low key election this year with the candidates simply getting their message out. I even understand that the 4 agreed not to clutter our streets with campaign signs; a nice change. With the time remaining, I hope we can support our candidates in a fashion appropriate for Cranbury.

[Long time Republican-1qp2]

Thank you for this response. I was embarrassed by that one sentence. I've lived in town more years than most, and we learned to rely on our volunteers. I'm sure Mr. Taylor wasn't thinking about "stacking his resume" when he joined the volunteer fire company. I expected a low key election this year with the candidates simply getting their message out. I even understand that the 4 agreed not to clutter our streets with campaign signs; a nice change. With the time remaining, I hope we can support our candidates in a fashion appropriate for Cranbury.

[anon-627o]

I too am disappointed. This sentiment is NOT Cranbury. As a resident I am embarrassed.

How can one in any rational way think Mr. Cook and Mr. Taylor volunteering is a bad thing? "You know what's wrong with them? They try to help too much," said no one ever until now.

Volunteers save us millions of dollars each year. Instead of complaining that Mr. Cook and Mr. Taylor volunteer too much which is laughable, why not go out and volunteer as well. All entities need help and members.

Would you be willing to run the Memorial Day Parade each year or run into a burning building?

Don't offend and degrade those who volunteer. Very frustrating to see and makes us all look bad. I applaud all candidates for their effort which is..... volunteering.

[anon-0o99]

Let me begin by stating that as a Republican I support Jay and Dave. I state this because I hope the below will be considered in that context.

I know all four candidates Fran, Sean, Jay and Dave. All are excellent candidates. There has been a clean campaign by these gentlemen and it should be recognized. Also, I believe it is so because they respect each other.

Fran and Sean are both volunteer in Cranbury and for some reason that was ignored.

Fran is in his first year on the zoning board appointed by Jay and voted in by Dave.

Sean is on the zoning board voted in by both Dave and Jay.

In other words, the political party is not part of how any one of them view the town. There is respect all around. All of their records are public at the Cranbury website and I know they stand behind their records. I encourage people to read minutes.

Now that said, I find it very concerning to have Phyillissane Stehn who is supposed to represent the party offer the letter she did.

The candidates are all running a clean campaign and she undermines the efforts of her own party and candidates by accusing Dave and Jay of stacking their resume by volunteering. It is an asinine comment and one that anyone who knows them knows is untrue.

It does a disservice to the organizations that involve Dave and Jay and it does a disservice to Sean and Fran.

The Republican party had no candidate last year and two years ago interjected national politics. I for one want to see more candidates like Fran and Sean in the future when people start to step away and fear this will not happen while we mudsling. Remember when mud is tossed everyone get's dirty.

[well said-0542]

This is nicely said, thank you. I agree and was disappointed when I began seeing unnecessary divisiveness in the party.

[publius-829s]

There was a debate in Cranbury? My Gawd, how did you stay awake?

[anon-0592]

My gwad? What the heck is that? This isn't New York!

[anon-0592]

My gwad? What the heck is that? This isn't New York!

[anon-0493]