Bernards Township General Election 2026: Kirsten Light

Why are you seeking election for the Bernards Township Committee?

I am running because I love Bernards Township and want to preserve what makes it one of the safest and most desirable communities in America. During my service on the Board of Education, I demonstrated that thoughtful financial management and common-sense leadership can produce results. As Finance Committee Chair, I helped keep property tax increases to 0.73 percent and 0 percent while maintaining services, supporting our educators, and enhancing student safety.

I believe Bernards Township needs leadership that focuses on residents rather than politics. I want to bring proven fiscal discipline, transparency, innovative problem-solving, and accountability to the Township Committee while protecting the quality of life that attracted so many of us to this community.

The need for special needs housing has been discussed in the Township. How would you propose tackling this issue?

Special needs housing is an important community need that deserves thoughtful planning and compassion. I believe Bernards Township should work collaboratively with Somerset County, nonprofit organizations, families, and neighboring municipalities to identify housing solutions that promote independence and dignity for residents with special needs.

Whenever possible, we should seek opportunities to integrate special needs housing into appropriate locations while preserving neighborhood character and ensuring developments are scaled appropriately. Partnerships with experienced providers and exploration of regional solutions can help create meaningful housing opportunities without placing an unnecessary burden on local taxpayers. This is an area where collaboration, creative thinking, and long-term planning are essential.

With rising healthcare costs and inflation, how do you propose keeping tax increases to a minimum?

My professional career has been built around financial management, process improvement, and finding efficiencies. I believe municipalities should operate with the same discipline that families and businesses must use during times of inflation.

I would focus on identifying operational efficiencies, leveraging shared services where practical, carefully prioritizing capital projects, aggressively pursuing grants, and ensuring every expenditure delivers value to residents. Responsible economic development that broadens the tax base without overburdening infrastructure can also help moderate future tax increases. My experience managing budgets and achieving measurable savings makes me uniquely qualified to bring this approach to Township government.

Looking at the necessity to meet the state's affordable housing obligation while also avoiding overdevelopment, do you feel the Township Committee has been balancing this well? Or how would you propose balancing this issue?

I believe Bernards Township must meet its legal affordable housing obligations while also protecting the character of our community and the investments residents have made in their homes. The goal should be compliance, not overdevelopment.

I support a proactive approach that carefully evaluates all available options, prioritizes smart planning, protects open space when possible, and minimizes impacts to schools, public safety, roads, and taxpayers. Decisions should be driven by data, transparency, and community input. We should seek solutions that satisfy state requirements while preserving the quality of life that residents expect and deserve.

What other issues do you feel need to be tackled in the Township?

Several important issues deserve continued attention:

• Maintaining fiscal responsibility and mitigating future tax increases.
• Preserving public safety and ensuring our police department has the resources needed to protect residents.
• Planning carefully for future growth and infrastructure needs.
• Improving communication and transparency between Township government and residents.
• Gathering data on the services, amenities, and businesses residents want so that future decisions better reflect community priorities.

What is your favorite thing about living in Bernards Township?

My favorite thing about living in Bernards Township is the strong sense of community. We have outstanding schools, dedicated volunteers, excellent public safety professionals, beautiful neighborhoods, and residents who genuinely care about one another. It is a place where families can thrive, children can succeed, and neighbors remain engaged in shaping the future of our town.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?

My campaign is centered on proven leadership, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and common-sense solutions. I am not a career politician. I am a CPA, technology and process improvement professional, parent, volunteer, and former Board of Education member who has a demonstrated record of delivering results for taxpayers.

I believe government works best when it listens to residents, focuses on facts, and remains accountable to the community it serves. My goal is to bring that results-oriented approach to the Township Committee and help ensure Bernards Township remains a place where families want to live for generations to come