VOTE411 Voter Guide

My second term as Mayor would focus on major infrastructure improvements in Hightstown, as well as the redevelopment of underutilized properties. As part of the Borough's redevelopment committee, I would set clear expectations for appropriate redevelopment while establishing fair incentives to encourage it. I would continue to advance Hightstown's 10 year plan to replace all lead and galvanized steel water pipes, as well as the almost completed overhaul of our water treatment system. Our residents have been funding this work through their utility bills, so we must ensure that the work is completed on time and to the highest standards.

Hightstown has several long-awaited project on the verge of major progress, so we have adopted the use of town hall meetings. These meetings allow for more public engagement and questions and answers, which isn't always possible during Borough Council meetings where regular business takes priority. Over the past year we had three such meetings regarding the Ward Street Bridge, the YMCA building, and the Rug Mill redevelopment. Feedback from those meetings has been invaluable. Although not everyone agrees with our final decisions, at least they know that their input was seriously taken into consideration.

Hightstown's affordable housing plan mixes market rate and affordable units into new mixed-use downtown developments. While this will provide much-needed income for our business owners and stabilize Hightstown's economy, it generates risks of parking and traffic congestion. Both issues must be addressed with a delicate balance, as any potential solutions can have downsides if overdone. Last year we applied for, and received, grant funding to study Hightstown's future parking needs. This will provide us with expert analysis to prevent overcrowding while avoiding over-committing land to vacant parking spaces. I am committed to implement this study's advice into an enforceable policy. Hightstown has also forged a strong relationship with Mercer Couny and the NJDOT for traffic calming, with the new Ward Street Bridge serving as a focal point. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the County before the County began reconstructing the bridge. This ensured that the County acknowledged its responsibility to help manage traffic within Hightstown after the bridge reopens. It will provide a useful relief valve for Main Street traffic and enable future development - with all of the benefits that provides - but similar care must be taken to ensure that just the right amount and type of traffic is routed in this direction.

According to the 2020 census, 36.7% of Hightstown's population is of Hispanic or Latino origin. As a major minority population, we must work to provide better Spanish language services to ensure that no resident of Hightstown is excluded from Borough business. Our hope is that fair and equal treatment of our Hispanic or Latino residents will lead them to plant roots and become invested in the future of their community.

The Mayor appoints a civilian Police Commissioner. I have been, and will continue, to work hand-in-hand with the Police Commissioner and our Chief of Police to ensure compliance with New Jersey's directives pertaining to ICE interactions. Local police enforcement succeeds only with a backbone of trust within the community. Therefore, we must make it clear to all of Hightstown's residents, regardless of immigration status, that immigration enforcement is outside the duties of our police officers. The Mayor also controls the Borough's communications, and we pledge to help to get the work out regarding valuable services and support. Participation in local charitable events such as food drive has fallen off precipitously, as individuals fear indiscriminate enforcement of immigration policies. While organizations work through these challenges, we must give them a voice and keep our residents informed.