Meet The Mayors Provides Insight Into 6 Towns, Including Bridgewater

Session III of the Somerset County Business Partnership Meet the Mayors series featured Mayor Daniel Hayes, Jr. of Bridgewater Township, Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak of Raritan Borough, Mayor James Schworn of Branchburg Township, Mayor Brian Gallagher of Somerville Borough, Mayor Tamas Ormosi of South Bound Brook Borough, and Mayor Angelo Corradino of Manville Borough.

Each Mayor had an opportunity to present an overview of ongoing initiatives and planned innovations at the municipal level that are geared to providing a competitive advantage for local businesses. The presentations addressed each Mayor’s vision for the future and the actions that they plan to take to improve the fortunes of their community while creating a growing and sustainable business climate.

Opening the session, Business Partnership President/CEO Mike Kerwin praised the Mayors for showing innovative leadership at the local level that has contributed to the stellar reputation that Somerset County enjoys in the state and the nation.

Freeholder Director Patrick Scaglione noted that Somerset County has been at the forefront of recovery from one on the most significant recessions on the nation’s history. Outlining some of the County’s advantages, Scaglione listed the great location, proliferation of multinational corporations, and a highly educated workforce. He explained that Somerset County has responded to the transitions from telecommunications to pharmaceuticals to finance and, through the efforts of many, will be ready for transition into tomorrow’s industry using the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) as the guide.

Bridgewater Mayor Hayes outlined the Township Committee’s desire to see increased vitality in all sectors of the community. He detailed 4 goals; Fiscal responsibility with affordable taxes; Smart land use decisions; Maintaining a high level of essential service delivery to residents; and Preservation of the infrastructure. It is these goals that set the vision for the government.

He further noted that commercial development is crucial to the residential base, providing jobs and tax income with limited service requirements. He lauded the e