Township Candidates Weigh In on Issues

Matthew Hersh

The issues raised in the 2003 race for Township Committee have highlighted a remarkable year for Princeton Township. From deer, to transportation, to taxes, the Township has faced issues that directly impact the every day lives of its residents.

With the retirement of Democratic Committeeman Leonard E.A. Godfrey, three candidates have stepped forward to fill his place: Bill Hearon, Democrat; Colin Vonvorys, Republican; and Victor Fedoras, Old Athenian Democracy Party.

All three candidates have said they feel there are voices that are not being heard in municipal government, and they all agreed on the issues that need attention. However, how those issues are interpreted vary among the candidates.

All three candidates have expressed concern that the voice of Township residents should be heard more clearly and that the Committee's actions should ultimately reflect their needs.

Mr. Vonvorys said that Republican party affiliation will enable him to speak for a demographic that, he feels, is not heard in the Township. If elected, Mr. Vonvorys said that communication between residents and the Committee will be improved and he will implement public forums, and devote "whole evenings for exchange of positive information."

Mr. Hearon, who has made the achievement of "participatory government" a central theme in his campaign has said that he wants "to operate by meeting with individuals and groups of the community." He added that he would like to "get people engaged in all aspects of the Township."

Mr. Fedorov believes in an ancient Athenian brand of democracy that achieves representative government through a "rotating basis in a large assembly." He said that he hopes to bring his philosophies forth so Township residents can have a stronger hand in municipal government.

Meet the Candidates

Bill Hearon
Democrat

In addition to his emphasis on "participatory government," Mr. Hearon has focused on transportation as another central theme to his candidacy. He is involved in a citizen consolidation effort that brings the 12 different transportation services in the Township together into a comprehensive system. As a president of Community Without Walls, a senior group that works to keep seniors active in the community, Mr. Hearon has said that a shuttle system would be instrumental for an active senior population.

Mr. Hearon also believes that more solutions would be available for transportation issues if the Committee were to deal with the problems in a regional manner. He cited Harrison Street's straight connection from Route 206 to Route 1, and it's traffic impact on Montgomery, Princeton, and West Windsor.

"I want to operate by meeting with individuals and groups of the community, and go wherever there is a concern," he said. Mr. Hearon has also said that the possible relocation of the Princeton Medical Center will be an issue within the next five years.

"This is going to be a big deal in the next five years," he said. "What are we going to do with the space if they move?"

Colin Vonvorys
Republican

Mr. Vonvorys welcomes the "burden" of being Republican in a Democratic voting district. He has said that the fiscal conservative mentality that comes with his party affiliation represents a voice in Princeton not heard on the Committee. He said that while he recognizes the Township's AAA bond rating, property taxes in the Township have risen by 50 percent in the last seven years. He cited a $71 million debt as a result of the Township being "fiscally irresponsible." He said that his views would add diversity to an otherwise all-Democratic committee.

"I've got new ideas that can offer different viewpoints on the committee," Mr. Vonvory's said. He added that the prospect of dealing with an all-Democratic Committee poses a challenge that he will "welcome."

Mr. Vonvorys said that a measure of Princeton's future success is based on its ability to work with surrounding municipalities. He mentioned the deer hunting issue in relation to this philosophy. He said Township would have been better served if there had been a comprehensive, multi-municipal plan in dealing with the deer problem.

Mr. Vonvorys also stressed the importance of a branch library at the Princeton Shopping Center. He speculated on the possibility of a county library, saying that Princeton is the only town in the Mercer County that does not receive county library funding.

Mr. Vonvorys also expressed the need for a youth recreational center in the Township.

Victor Fedorov
Old Athenian Democracy Party

Mr. Fedorov has stressed the importance of responsible construction and traffic alleviation throughout his candidacy. He emphasized the need to change the driving-friendly lifestyle, saying that Princeton is accessible by walking and biking. He cited the importance of a branch library location as a way to keep people from driving into the Borough for library use.

Mr. Fedorov's campaign has also been underlined by a unique party affiliation. He has formed the Old Athenian Democracy Party in the belief that all residents need to represent the community. He says that this "nice, fresh approach" can lead to referenda on issues that the Township faces.

"I am for term limits, increasing the number of council people, and decreasing the term lengths so as to get more people participating and communicating," he said.