Township Candidates Debate Consolidation, Traffic, Dinky

All but one of the candidates for Princeton Township Committee support consolidation, they said Monday in a televised debate.

Debating were Democratic incumbents Bernard “Bernie” P. Miller and G. Susan “Sue” Nemeth and Republican challengers Geoff Aton and Mark Scheibner. The election is Nov. 8.

The debate was co-sponsored by Princeton Community TV, AllPrinceton and the Princeton Area League of Women Voters. 

Karen Siracusa of West Windsor was the moderator.

Scheibner he once supported consolidation, but does not now.

Reducing the number of sworn officers from 60 to 51 will take a consolidated Princeton to dangerously low levels, he said. He also believes the borough form of government is flawed. He favors a ward system so that neighborhoods can have an active voice and direct election of mayors.

Miller disputed Scheibner’s claims of inadequate public safety under consolidation, saying despite fewer officers, Princeton will actually add services, including safe neighborhood patrols.

Aton and Miller both believe consolidation make government more efficient, save $3.2 million a year and provide additional, unquantifiable savings.

Nemeth wore a UnitePrinceton! button during the debate.

“Consolidation will deliver meaningful to relief to our communities and improve the service we provide to the borough and the township,” she said. “We have an opportunity now to take tax relief in our own hands, we don’t have to wait for the state to come to our rescue, We can set an example for the rest of the state.  I see no reason not to do it.”

Aton said when he moved to Princeton in 2004, he didn’t know there was a separate borough and township. Everyone wants the same goals and he doesn’t believe borough interests will be outvoted 2-1. 

“I want what’s best for me, I want what’s best for you, I want what’s best for downtown,” he said.

All candidates agree traffic in Princeton can be improved.

Scheibner said Princeton needs help from the county, state and the university.

Miller said when the University Medical Center at Princeton moves to Plainsboro next year, traffic improvements will include widening Harrison Street at Route 1 and creating a right turn lane. He said public improving public transportation could also help.   

Nemeth said the hospital’s move should alleviate some traffic, but so would increasing Dinky access, adding more stops to the FreeB, bus, encouraging bike riders and building walkways for pedestrians.

“Princeton is a fabulous destination and a lot of people want to come here, but it (traffic) is one of the things we have to grapple with,” Nemeth said.

Aton said he and he wife recently reduced to one car and they walk and bike most places.

The candidates agree that turning Alexander Road into a gateway into Princeton, with Princeton University’s plan for its new Lewis Arts Center, will spruce up a section of town that needs improvement, but one candidate expressed concern.

“I’m not happy about that because of the flow of traffic,” Scheibner said. “It’s not able to handle the flow of traffic as it’s currently laid out.”

Off Alexander Road is the Dinky commuter train, which the university plans to move nearly 500 feet south. It’s a proposal that has drawn ire from many residents.

But Aton, a commuter, said the move would relocate the train about a football field away. He said he conducted an informal survey of nearly 100 commuters and found an overwhelming majority had no issues with the move.

“It would be a real shame for people to move the Dinky and then they (Princeton University) build an arts and transit center in West Windsor,” Aton said.

Miller said he and Nemeth have a proven track record on township committee. They helped pass a zero tax increase in 2010, worked to preserve the Princeton Ridge, replace the aging pool complex, establish Princeton University’s first voluntary contribution and helped establish the consolidation commission.

Both Scheibner and Aton want to find new ways to work with Princeton University and lower the tax burden on residents. Aton noted a lack of transparency in politics and Scheibner wants to create an outcomes-based budget process.

“More of the same will not work,” Aton said. “This will not get better by itself. Put Princeton before party this November.”