Local Democrats to Launch Campaign at Free Gazebo Event

Local Democrats to Launch Campaign at Free Gazebo Event

BERNARDS TWP., NJ – Joan Bannan Harris and Robert (Bobby) Mascia, Democratic candidates for Bernards Township Committee, will launch their campaign at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 5 at the Allen Street Gazebo, at the corner of Allen Street and North Finley Avenue in downtown Basking Ridge. Residents are invited to meet the candidates, engage in discussion and enjoy some refreshments.

“Last year, we advocated for open, transparent and inclusive local government,” said Ms. Harris, veteran of a very tight race for Township Committee last November. “And many voters responded to the issues Sally Booth and I raised, such as the failure of the Township Committee to fully inform residents about the Millington Quarry redevelopment plan and involve them in it the way they deserve; the practice of three Township Committee members accepting optional health care benefits for years, which cost taxpayers more than $750,000; the waste of public tax dollars in the unnecessary payment of attorney, expert and public relations fees; and the need to focus on youth mental health. Bobby and I plan to build on that momentum. We will bring real change to our Township.”

A first-time candidate, Mr. Mascia also believes the community wants change in the way local government operates. “Everything Joan and I are looking to accomplish has to pass this litmus test: does it make for a better Bernards Township, will it keep our taxes low, and does the community have all of the information,” Mr. Mascia said. “Transparency is paramount because we are representatives of the people. It’s time to hold our local representatives to a higher level of accountability, like we do professionals we hire. It’s time for more than just new faces; it’s time for real change.”

Joan Harris is a seventeen-year resident of Bernards Township, where she raised her four children while working full time and volunteering for school, athletic and community organizations. She is an experienced civil trial attorney and a former assistant prosecutor. Presently, she is a manager with Coverys, a national medical professional liability insurer, where she oversees the handling of complex, high exposure claims and lawsuits. She has spoken at community and school events about adolescent substance use disorders and currently serves on the Board of Health and Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse. She was recently certified by the National Council for Behavioral Health in Washington, D.C. as a Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor.

Robert Mascia is a seven-year resident of Bernards Township where he lives with his wife, Brooke, and their three, young children. He is the founder and owner of Green Ridge Wealth Planning in Bedminster, a financial planning and business consulting firm, and has served as vice president of the Bernards Township Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Mascia graduated from Lehigh University and pursued a financial career before joining his family’s food and beverage business. During his time there, he developed more than twenty new commercial locations and is well versed in both commercial and residential planning, building and zoning. Mr. Mascia, who is also known to many as “Coach Bobby,” is a volunteer coach for Bernards Township recreational T-ball, baseball, flag football and travel baseball.

The candidates are looking forward to the launch as the first of many opportunities to meet with residents and to engage the community in the discussions that drive good representative government. Special guest speaker to the May 5 launch is US Representative for NJ District 7 Tom Malinowski. Invited guests to the May 5 launch are: Somerset County Clerk Steve Peters; candidate for US Representative for NJ District 7 Goutam Jois; Somerset County Freeholder candidates Shanel Robinson and Sara Sooy; and members of the Somerset County and Bernards Township Democratic Committees.