Mitigating the harm to Hillsborough caused by state-controlled efforts of the Route 206 project, overdevelopment, and affordability while maintaining the level of services and public safety provided to the residents. While I continue to contact Trenton seeking Rt 206 updates and addressing safety issues, NJDOT has, for almost 4 years, put Hillsborough as a low priority as the stalled project continues to frustrate me and residents with inconsistent updates and progress. The second challenge is defending Hillsborough’s bedroom community and Master Plan from the State-mandated regional housing plan which, instead of providing affordable housing for our workforce and residents, provides a means for developers to use urban planning concepts to build high-density housing to change the face of our town. I am proud that we lowered the current round of the State’s housing obligation from 565 units to a realistic development potential of 223. Last, the affordability of living in Hillsborough is challenged by state-mandates and policies that have increased the cost of running the town, taxes, and the cost of living via: mis-guided energy policies that significantly increased electricity; failed school funding formula that underfunded Hillsborough for years; failure to fully refund energy taxes taken from residents, and mandates requiring significant expenses to implement new public works programs and health insurance. My experience living in town for 26 years and serving Hillsborough residents for 20 years through the Soccer Club, Planning Board and Township Committee (as Mayor) provided direct insight into the challenges presented, how these issues affect residents, and the challenges to be overcome to minimize impacts. My professional experience of 35 years as a Professional Engineer, business executive, and global construction, cost and planning expert, brings unmatched real-world skills and knowledge to directly address each challenge.
I would double-down on my current initiatives to put Hillsborough first and keep the promises made to keep Hillsborough as one of the best places to live in America. I championed a comprehensive paving and preservation program for our road network. We are updating the Road Condition Survey to gather information on the remaining roads to make data-driven decisions for the 5-year Road plan. I also championed a wide-ranging Public Works program to provide needed equipment, facilities, and resources to the Police and Public Works Departments, including facilities for our expanding female workforce and update the Senior Center, Multipurpose Room, and library for the public use. These programs ensure safety of residents, are fiscally responsible and leverage Hillsborough’s significant financial strength and bonding capacity. We are also increasing open space and farmland preservation and updating the Master Plan while reducing state-mandated high-density housing to preserve our community
The Township is absolutely transparent to the public in its operations and is the most important component of my leadership. Last year, the Township was recognized for transparency a I was directly a part of that. We received the Elected Official Award from the NJ Municipal Management Association for our public communications and outreach. I then launched the “Engage Hillsborough” platform to inform and empower residents on numerous issues that are important to them. To me, transparency is the foundation that fosters trust, accountability and resident participation. I will continue to instruct Township staff to provide access to documents and insight to the decision-making processes, financial operations and public safety, as we are committed to strengthening awareness and engaged taxpayers. Hillsborough is a leader in and demonstrates commitment to transparency and implements numerous proactive efforts and proven best practices for public access and community outreach.
I made it very clear that mega-warehouses are not compatible or aligned with our existing Master Plan and do not belong in Hillsborough. I responded accordingly thru actions and demonstrated my position on warehouse development to protect the peace and solitude of neighborhoods. I voted to support ordinances banning tractor trailers on certain roads and warehouses in all Township zones. On the Planning Board, I led motions to deny applications of several large warehouses which were not aligned with zoning and site intensity, were of inappropriate size and scale, and had various negative impacts to the detriment of residential neighborhoods. Recently, I signed a letter to Congress opposing increased truck weight and size on roads; “Bigger Trucks: Bad for America’s Local Communities.” Through these efforts I have helped protect Hillsborough from inappropriate overdevelopment. Of the 7 proposed warehouses that were subject of public interest, NOT ONE was approved -the Township is 7-0!
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