Committeeman Resigns, New Mayor Appointed In Bernards Township

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The 2025 year is not quite off to a smooth start in Bernards Township as lingering tension remained among Committee members following a division over the creation of a film studio in town.

At the Thursday night Reorganization meeting, Janice Fields was selected as Council President for 2025. This is Fields' second term as Mayor.

"Janice has served on this Committee for several years and as our Town's Mayor in 2021. She has a long history of service and dedication to Bernards Township and will make an excellent mayor," said Committeeman Andrew McNally.

However, Field's selection was not unanimous.

Committeewoman Jennifer Asay voted against Fields' appointment. And while Committeewoman Ana Duarte McCarthy voted for Fields to serve as Mayor she prefaced her vote with a statement.

"I am going to vote yes but without this yes vote this would become a non-Mayor and so I hope that we can all move forward, work collectively and collaboratively, and do what is best for our community," said Duarte McCarthy. "Not having a Mayor at this time would become challenging to all of us. I was voted into office to serve all of you and I will continue to do so."

Fields then nominated McNally as Deputy Mayor.

"I move that Andrew McNally be nominated as Deputy Mayor and I’m proudly going to nominate him tonight," said Fields.

His appointment was passed with Fields, Duarte McCarthy and McNally voting in favor and Asay voting against.

Township Clerk Christine Kieffer noted at the Thursday night meeting that Committeeman Gary Baumann resigned from the Township Committee effective Jan. 1 for "personal business reasons."

Baumann is a principal at an investment company.

"This past November, my 20-year tenure with partners, shareholders and directors culminated in being appointed Chairman effective Jan. 1, 2025. My expanded obligation of oversight for my company’s strategy, policy and operations demands time I cannot give to Bernards," said Baumann. "It has been an honor and privilege to serve our residents, and I am going to miss the exceptional staff, first responders and volunteers that make Bernards such a great place to live."

Division among Committee Members began in early December over an ordinance proposing to create a film studio and community campus overlay zone within the R-1 Zone would be located at the current Verizon campus off N Maple Avenue near Interstate 287.

Asay, Committeeman Gary Baumann, and Duarte McCarthy voted in favor of the ordinance while Fields and McNally voted against it. The ordinance ultimately was killed when the Planning Board decided to table its review.

During Asay's speech before stepping down as Mayor, she noted that she received backlash since the introduction of the film studio ordinance.

"I will continue to serve our community as long as my safety and the safety of my family is not impacted. Harassing language and vile attacks on me personally are unacceptable and threats will be held accountable," said Asay. "While I transition from Mayor to Township Committeewoman I want to ensure the community that I am still here for you. I will still listen and interact with residents."

Asay also announced that she has a new Facebook profile at facebook.com/JenniferAsay07920.

"I will continue to serve all residents as a devoted public servant. I have n oother agenda. I will continue to try and create and introduce new and innovative ideas to solve our community problems including the needs of our special needs population like that film and community concept," said Asay.

During the meeting, Asay and McNally were also sworn in to serve on the Township Committee following their re-election.

Asay and McNally were victorious over Democrats Elizabeth Graner and Adam N. Subervi in the November election.

Fields gave her State of the Township Address while thanking his family and supporters.

"As we face new challenges in 2025, rest assured that our Township Committee, our township staff, township professionals, and our volunteers will continue to be up to the task for the new year. One of our first tasks is to set clear priorities and goals for our community this involves listening to your concerns, and addressing your needs — whether it is improving infrastructure, enhancing public safety, better communication, or promoting economic development," said Fields.

She added that the Township Committee agenda should reflect the community's values and needs.

"Those priorities and goals will always be set collaboratively and transparently and with all members of the Township Committee and our community," said Fields.

Resident Nancy D'Andrea addressed the Township Committee about the need to work together.

"I wish that whatever is happening here (motioning to the dais) is we move along and we get things done. Basically, we just need to have things done," said D'Andrea. "Please just do your jobs, be respectful to each other. We would all greatly appreciate that."

Looking forward to 2025, Fields said she has a number of goals including:

• Maintaining effective and efficient operations in governance
• Continue fiscal prudence
• Meet our fourth round of affordable housing obligations while maintaining the character of our township
• Continue to work with our police department and surrounding neighbors to provide a safe and secure township
• Continue to evaluate and fund our capital programs to strengthen our infrastructure while maintaining a responsible budget.

"In conclusion, I am grateful and humbled to serve as your mayor again," said Fields. "I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues as a team together and our staff and you the community in the upcoming year."

The next Township Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 7:30 in the Municipal Building in the Warren Craft meeting room at the Municipal Building, 1 Collyer Lane, Basking Ridge.

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