Democracy, Freedom, and the Public Question in West Windsor Township - YZ ZHANG, PHD

On November 5, 2024, democracy and freedom are on the ballot. In West Windsor Township, we also face a crucial Public Question aimed at enhancing accountability, transparency, and representation in our electoral processes.

As a West Windsor resident for over 20 years, I bring extensive public service experience: former Councilman, Board of Education member, Co-Founder of United Chinese Americans, and current roles in local and state Democratic committees. My background in technology and a doctorate in physics underscore my commitment to informed leadership.

The need for electoral reform has been acknowledged for years. According to the League of Women Voters, communities that adopt partisan elections see increased voter engagement and turnout—up to 30% higher in many cases—this is because voters are better able to understand candidates’ platforms through their party affiliations.

This year, motivated community volunteers have emerged to lead and drive this initiative, recognizing that our growing community requires change. I am honored to chair the petitioner’s committee of West Windsor Voters for Transparency and Representation. I’ve been wanting to put this question out to the constituency for several years and I am grateful that this initiative is on the ballot.

Partisan electoral processes encourage civic participation through primaries and a significantly longer period in which voters can vet the candidates, March-November. Nonpartisan elections are controlled by a few insiders and voters have under three months to select leaders, with little vetted information to help inform their decisions.

Studies have shown that local governments with partisan elections are more likely to address critical issues such as land use, public safety, and infrastructure development. A report from the National League of Cities found that cities with partisan councils were better equipped to enact policies that reflect community needs, particularly in diverse populations, such as West Windsor.

As you consider candidates for federal, state and county offices, reflect on our local ballots. Identifying party affiliation as Democrat, Republican, or Independent—provides voters with a clearer understanding of expected leadership and accountability. People should be honest and clear about their core values when running for office.

Party affiliation significantly shapes Township policies, including land use, environmental protection, public safety, and budgeting. Recent decisions on eminent domain, zoning, and committee appointments illustrate this influence. For instance, a study from the Brookings Institution revealed that partisan councils are more likely to engage in collaborative policymaking with neighboring jurisdictions, enhancing the effectiveness of local governance. West Windsor has been distressingly negligent to neighboring townships in its unilateral approval of warehouse developments that impact the region.

VOTE YES to foster a more transparent, representative, and effective local government. Let’s ensure our governing body truly reflects the diverse and growing population of West Windsor.

YZ Zhang, a West Windsor resident for over 20 years has a rich history of public service which includes: former WW Councilman, member of the BOE, Co-Founder/co-President of United Chinese Americans, President of the Central Jersey Chinese Americans Association, Board Chair for Huaxia Plainsboro Chinese School, member of the Advisory Board of the West Windsor Arts Council, Democratic State Committeeman, and Sergeant at Arms for the Mercer County Democratic Committee - Co-Founder and COO of AI Startup Company - Ph.D. physics.