Governance, Accountability, and the Appointment Process

Good government depends on clear rules. When procedures are undefined, decisions can appear rushed, opaque, or predetermined. When procedures are written and consistently applied, trust increases.

At the December 22, 2025 Council meeting, a serious and controversial discussion occurred regarding how the Township Council makes appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

To be precise, the Council is the appointing authority only for two bodies: the Zoning Board of Adjustments and the Parking Authority.   Appointments to other boards and committees are made by the Mayor and are outside the scope of this issue.

Why the Zoning Board Matters

The West Windsor Township Zoning Board of Adjustment is one of the most consequential bodies in local government.

It has authority to:

• Grant use variances allowing development otherwise prohibited by zoning

• Approve deviations from bulk and density standards

• Interpret land use ordinances

• Shape the long-term physical character of our community

Zoning Board decisions affect traffic, neighborhood scale, environmental impact, school capacity, and property values. Even alternate members vote when sitting in place of a regular member, and their participation can determine the outcome of applications.

Appointments to this board are not routine. They deserve a deliberate and transparent process.

The Core Issue: Fast-Tracked Appointments

This discussion began with two proposed appointments to fill alternate seats on the Zoning Board at the final Council meeting of the 2025 term.

The appointments were placed on the agenda with only three business days’ notice during the holiday season. There had been no public notice of the vacancies, no disclosure to Council of all applicants, and no opportunity for meaningful review or engagement.

I formally objected in writing on December 17 and reiterated those objections during the December 22 meeting.

I also noted that at least one known applicant had not been shared with the full Council. That fact underscored the absence of a defined process.

During the meeting, my objections were met with personal and political attacks from the Council President. Beyond the rhetoric, the structural problem became clear. There were no written rules governing how Council appointments are handled.

The appointments were advanced immediately prior to Council reorganization, despite no demonstrated operational urgency.

When I reviewed the Council Procedural Guidelines, I found they contained no language outlining the appointment process. That absence triggered my reform effort.

Moving Toward Defined Standards

On February 9, at the second meeting of the year following reorganization, the Council agreed to consider updating the Procedural Guidelines to include a defined appointment process.

My draft amendment proposes:

• Public notice of vacancies

• Disclosure of all applications to every Council member

• Adequate time for meaningful review before appointments are placed on an agenda

• Affirmation that appointment authority rests with the full Council as a body

• Waivers permitted only under clearly defined emergency circumstances

The agreed next step is circulation of the draft to all Council members for redline edits and comment, coordinated by the Township Clerk, before a final version is presented for consideration.

There was general agreement that clearer standards would benefit the Council and the public. However, no firm timeline was established. I believe this work should be completed promptly, and I will continue to advocate for language that is substantive and enforceable, not diluted or symbolic.

A Broader Commitment to Good Governance

This is not about personalities. It is about institutional integrity.

Clear procedures:

• Ensure equal access to information among Council members

• Prevent rushed or last-minute decisions

• Reduce the perception of unilateral control

• Strengthen public confidence

• Protect the Township from unnecessary legal exposure

Good governance does not happen automatically. It requires intentional structure. When Council makes appointments to bodies with the authority of the Zoning Board or Parking Authority, residents should know that the process was open, deliberate, and fair.

I will continue to press for policies that strengthen transparency, clarify authority, and reinforce accountability.

My approach to public service is simple: define the rules, apply them equally, and protect the integrity of the institution above any individual. Strong process is not an obstacle to leadership. It is the foundation of it.