As Election Day approaches, I encourage all Hopewell Borough residents to make a plan to vote (and if you have already – thank you!). It is one of our most important rights as citizens, and the future of our town and state will be shaped by our choices at the polls.
Regarding the water system referendum, a few final thoughts. After years of exploring every realistic solution to our contaminated wells, aging pipes, and leaking reservoir, it became clear that selling the system to a professional utility is the most responsible financial option for our residents, businesses with substantial water needs, and the Borough as a whole. Some residents are already struggling to pay their water bill. Many business owners who rely on our local water system are not residents of the Borough and therefore do not have a vote; they depend on us to represent their interests. We simply can no longer afford to maintain this system on our own.
The idea that private donations could fund the needed upgrades is well-intentioned but unrealistic. A self-sustaining utility must cover its full costs every year, otherwise rates must rise for everyone. To upgrade our system from its current state, the ‘vote no to pause’ plan from HBPWA estimates spending $13.1 million by 2041. This means raising $873,333 each year for the next 15 years. If we vote no, that fundraising must start immediately, and we have yet to hear about any committed funds from the group promoting this proposal.
Even if it were feasible, redirecting that level of charitable giving from our already generous donors would inevitably come at the expense of the organizations that help sustain Hopewell’s unique community character: our food pantries, environmental conservation groups, local arts and music, historic preservation efforts, library and school programs, animal rescue… every donated dollar can only be spent once. Which of these causes should be asked to go without so a public utility can take their place in line?
This is not an easy decision, but it is a necessary one. I believe voting YES provides the Borough with the financial flexibility to focus on economic development and local priorities rather than ongoing utility debt and future regulatory upgrades.
And as we cast our votes, let’s remember that this issue has stirred so much passion because we all care deeply about our town. Whatever your position, let’s approach one another with kindness and respect on November 4—and every day after.
Sheri Hook
Hopewell Borough Council
