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Raritan Township Committee

Raritan Township has the Township form of government. The governing body is a Township Committee of five members who are elected for three-year staggered terms in partisan elections from the Township at large. There is an election of at least one member every year. The mayor is elected by the Township Committee for a one year term. The mayor serves as chair of the Township Committee and has powers vested in the mayor s office by general law. The Township Committee is the backbone of the government. It serves as the legislative body of the municipality and has all the executive responsibilities of the municipality not placed in the mayor s office by general law. The Township Committee, by ordinance, can also delegate executive responsibilities to an Administrator.

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  • Candidate picture

    SCOTT MACDADE
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    RACHAEL WHITE
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

What motivates you to run for this position? What personal and professional experiences have prepared you for this office?

If elected, what issue will you focus on during your three-year term and how do you propose to address it?

What are the principal responsibilities of members of a municipal governing board?

What role should local law enforcement play in activity conducted within our municipality by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Service (ICE)?

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Campaign Email rachael4raritan@gmail.com
Involvement in Community I have been active with the PTOs and HS booster clubs. I have worked in Hunterdon County non-profit organizations, specifically working with populations affected by substance use, domestic violence (intimate partner violence), and sexual assault. As a result, I have deep knowledge of the complexities residents may be facing from these issues.
I’m running for office because I believe strong communities are built on transparency, accountability, and public engagement. As a longtime Raritan Township resident, Licensed Social Worker, and public school parent, I’ve spent nearly two decades advocating for families, students, and nonprofits—and I bring that same commitment to public service. I’ve also worked as an insurance claim investigator and property manager in New Jersey and New York, navigating complex systems with agencies like the Department of Buildings, the Department of Transportation, and the Environmental Control Board. I believe in responsive, inclusive leadership that reflects our community’s diverse needs. My priorities are open communication, responsible budgeting, strong public education, and policies that protect the health, safety, and well-being of all residents. Local government should be accessible and collaborative—not just during elections, but every day.
If elected, I will focus on building community and collaboration. We need to talk with residents about what’s working and what could be better. People want clear, open communication and a local government that is responsive and effective. I will prioritize transparency and consistent communication, making sure decisions are clear and meetings are recorded and accessible online. Collaboration—working across differences and listening to diverse voices—is essential to finding real solutions. I am also committed to bringing creativity to the table, finding practical ways to deliver quality services while keeping costs down. Together, we can build a government that is accountable, efficient, and truly connected to the people it serves.
The principal responsibilities of a municipal governing board are to set policy, provide financial oversight, and represent the interests of their constituents. Committee members propose and vote on laws that regulate local and municipal affairs, such as traffic rules, zoning laws, and public health regulations. They are also responsible for setting local tax rates (including property taxes), managing public funds, and ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to meet the community's needs in the annual municipal budget.
Our local and state officers are well trained and professional. I’ve seen them handle tough situations calmly and keep them from getting out of control. Local law enforcement should follow all legal warrants and make sure local laws are upheld without violating residents’ rights. If ICE is making a lawful arrest, officers should ensure the situation stays calm and does not escalate.