Campaign Pledges

When I first ran for office in 1999, I made several commitments in my campaign literature. I made several more commitments when I ran again most recently in 2007. (See the campaign brochure by clicking here.)

Those commitments are set forth verbatim below. You can be the judge whether I have delivered.

The Issues in 2007: 

What I said in 2007:

Lower Property Taxes. Property taxes across New Jersey are skyrocketing. A property tax bill shouldn't rival a mortgage payment, yet that is the case for many West Windsor homeowners. With the problem only getting worse, the time to enact real, lasting reform is now. We will continue to demand action by our legislators in Trenton to enact fundamental tax reform.

Open Government. An open government is an honest government. We want to open the doors of our local government through an open, participatory process. Public participation is essential to the train station redevelopment. We will work tirelessly to promote a government that is open, transparent, and accessible to residents.

Preserving Open Space. We must preserve our few remaining parcels of open space for conservation and recreation -- because once we lose it, it is gone forever. We will work with the state and county to secure the necessary funding to preserve those parcels as they become available for purchase.

I have delivered on my 2007 campaign promises.

With respect to lower taxes:

I voted against the 2008 tax increase recommended by the Mayor because a 12% increase in our taxes is ridiculous in the context of the 24% increase in available surplus that could have been used for tax relief at the end of a six year period during which available surplus increased 102% and during which the percent of surplus actually used to reduce taxes declined 42%. Read more about this issue by clicking here.

With respect to open Government:

During the July 1, 2008 reorganization meeting , I voted to resume the previous practice of starting televised and videotaped Council business meetings only after the completion of public comment so that those people who are either are reluctant or refuse to speak on television will feel free to step to the podium and express their views (this does not affect either the audio taping of the entire meetings, including public comment at the beginning of the meetings or the televising and video taping of public comment at the end of the meetings for those people who want their comments to be heard on television.

I voted to resume the taping of executive sessions. I have steadfastly supported making those tapes available to the public (or at least the associated minutes) when the privilege expires.  (Usually the case except in the case of sensitive personnel matters.)

I have supported more flexible and inclusive participation by residents attending Council meetings when they want to speak to an issue on the agenda.

I have supported more Council meetings around town rather than in the Council chamber.

I started a blog to enhance communication from residents on issues of importance to them, including a poll on redevelopment. Here’s the link: http://charlie-charlesmorgan.blogspot.com/

I reinvigorated my personal website with pages devoted to my commitments, my philosophy, and important West Windsor issues.

Read more about my commitment to open government by clicking here.

With respect to Open Space:

I remain a steadfast supporter of Open Space. I have increased my personal contributions toward open space preservation. One of my priorities for the redevelopment of the area around the train station is maximizing open space and protecting the environment while also addressing traffic circulation and preserving our neighborhoods. Read more about my commitment to open space by clicking here.

What I said in 1999: 

Taxes.  No one likes taxes, but no one wants to lose essential services, either. We seek the lowest possible taxes consistent with providing outstanding services.

Open Space.  Preserving open space is essential to maximizing the quality of life in West Windsor.  We pledge to maximize State and County assistance for the preservation of our land.

Managed Growth.  We pledge to dedicate financial and professional resources to enacting a solid legislative foundation for sound ordinances managing growth rather than defending losing causes.

Toll Brothers. We pledge to take back control over Toll to minimize the adverse impact on our taxes, our roads, and our environment.

 Alexander Road Bridge.  We pledge to urge NJDOT to take immediate action toward replacing the Alexander Road Bridge as soon as possible – our fire engines, ambulances, and school buses need safe and quick passage from one side of West Windsor to the other.

Rights.  We will protect the rights of West property owners to live in homes that are no longer nonconforming uses.

My Pledges in 1999:

Integrity:  We will bring responsible government back to W. W. Township Council.

Respect:  We will be professional in working with our Mayor and all Members of Council.

Integrity:  We will be forthright and truthful regarding the issues confronting us.

Respect:  We will listen to everyone.

Integrity:  We will enact ordinances with due regard to the impact on West Windsor citizens, using sound data and considered analyses.

Respect:  We will speak to the issues based on verifiable facts and the considered advice of West Windsor professionals.

Integrity:  We will affirm our oaths of office in all our actions.

I delivered on all of my 1999 pledges.