Question from Cranbury Resident: As we have seen over the past few years, the TC is not listening to our residents. Please let us know how you'll involve residents in the decision making process. How will you differ from the current people on the TC? http://www.cranbury.info/viewtopic.php?t=2856

Win's Answer: I feel it is critical for the Township Committee to take in the opinions of the residents on making decisions. The township committee is elected to represent the people of Cranbury. Decisions should be made that serve the best interest of Cranbury. The larger the magnitude of the decision, the more input is necessary before making a decision. By magnitude I mean large expense (i.e. library, ballpark, etc.) or long term potential irreversible action (land preservation).

There are several ways to get more input from residents:

• Being around, attending events and talking to people in town. I have started my walking around town and have already visited several hundred houses. This is a great way to get the pulse of what people care about.


• Listening to residents at the township committee


• Reading email and letters from residents


• Having a booth at Cranbury Day where the TC can interact with residents, I was disappointed there was no TC booth this year


• Reading the cranbury.info site. All the activity is great way to get a sense of what is going on. But, because most posts are anonymous, it is sometimes unclear to determine how widespread a view is held in town by posts on this board but it is a great indicator and a way to learn information.


• I feel there needs to be more openness from the Township Committee to improve communication. I feel there are too many closed sessions and sub-committees. Sub-committees are de-facto closed sessions. Of course closed session for certain matters such as personnel are still needed but they should be kept to a minimum.


• For major decisions (i.e, ball field, new stand alone library), I would propose we have public referendums to truly get the sense of the town. Before we embark on large non-emergency expenditures, a plan and business case should be put together outline expenses and impact, then presented that to town and placed on a ballot. The plan and business case need not be done exclusively by the TC or consultants, concerned residents can help put these plans together where appropriate. There are at least two elections (primary and general election) each year, there should be sufficient time to plan and put these on the ballot without increasing expenses.