Kirsten Light To Run For Bernards Township Committee Seat

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Former Board of Education member Kirsten Light has officially announced her candidacy for the Bernards Township Committee.

A resident of the township since 2010, Light is entering the race to provide voters with a choice in the upcoming primary election.

Light stated that she believes the direction of the community should be determined by its residents rather than through closed-door decisions. She emphasized that the primary process is intended to allow voters to compare leadership and evaluate different ideas for the future of the town.

"I’m choosing to avail myself of the primary process as the framers of our Constitution envisioned," Light said. "Let’s put the decision back in the hands of the voters."

Light previously served on the Board of Education, where she acted as the Finance Committee Chair and a member of the Facilities and Operations Committee.

According to her campaign, the district limited tax increases to 0.73 percent in one year and zero percent the following year, which resulted in over $5 million in savings. These budget outcomes occurred while teachers received salary increases and the district added four retired police officers to elementary schools.

Light, a certified public accountant and process improvement consultant, intends to apply her professional background to township government if elected.

Her platform centers on three primary areas, including affordable housing, property taxes, and infrastructure.

Regarding the Westgate housing project, Light stated she plans to work with Committeewoman Jennifer Asay to mitigate the community impact. She aims to prioritize proactive infrastructure planning to protect the character of the township.

She also intends to explore shared services with the Board of Education to reduce costs and stabilize spending.

Light noted that the current political environment requires experienced leadership to address challenges effectively.

"We need serious candidates who can beat a popular Democrat mayor and win back our town," Light said. "We need experienced leadership that understands how to govern and how to deliver results."

Looking ahead to the campaign, Light stated her intent to engage directly with the community.

"I look forward to meeting residents, hearing their concerns, and earning their support," Light said. My goal is simple: to be your voice on the Township Committee."

The primary election is scheduled for June 2.