HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough's primary election on June 2 has four candidates running for two open seats on the Township Committee.
Samantha Hand is one of two Democratic candidates running in the primary. Hand is running with Meghann Valeo.
Additionally, there are two Republican candidates, Rob Movshin and Catherine Payne, who are also running in the primary.
All of the candidates are running for the two, three-year seats on the township committee.
Are you running for office in Hillsborough? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Basking Ridge Patch.
Age: 52
Town of residence: Hillsborough
Position sought: Hillsborough Township Committee
Party affiliation: Democrat
Family: Husband (Matt) and 2 daughters (Hallie and Lily), both graduated from Hillsborough High School, and 3 rescue dogs (Remy, Bucky and Smokey)
Education:
Occupation: Senior Leader in the Pharmaceutical and HealthCare Industry, managing a global team focused on countering risk to patient safety and business value from counterfeit and illicit trade worldwide.
Previous or current elected appointed office: Currently serving on the Hillsborough Township Committee
Campaign website: borodems.org
Why are you seeking re-election to the Township Committee?
I am seeking re-election because I believe our families deserve a Township Committee that works as hard as they do.
As a current elected official, lifelong volunteer, and 19-year resident, I have seen the very best of this community. I understand our strengths and where better leadership is needed.
Together with my running mate, Meghann Valeo, and Committeewoman Jill Gomez, we are ready to fight for the Hillsborough every resident deserves, a community built on
affordability, accountability, and safety.
That means cutting wasteful spending, so more tax dollars stay in residents’ pockets, planning projects carefully with real community input, supporting our first responders, and working closely with county and state partners to bring more resources back to Hillsborough.
The best days in Hillsborough are not behind us. They are ahead of us, and I am ready to help lead the way.
What issues do you feel need to be tackled in the Township?
Hillsborough’s financial outlook is a major concern. As well as infrastructure needs and missed opportunities to coordinate with county and state partners. As a result, our credit
rating has been downgraded, our surplus has been depleted, and our debt has grown sharply.
That must change.
We need public input sessions to help shape the Township budget, find ways to increase efficiency, and coordinate with county and state partners so we can stretch resources further and share costs whenever possible. Just as importantly, we must rebuild our surplus, reduce debt, and take a more proactive approach to financial planning and long-term investments.
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?
Hillsborough residents should re-elect me because I have delivered tangible results, and I have done it with Hillsborough families front and center every step of the way.
I am a mom, a senior healthcare leader, and a longtime community advocate who understands what our residents need, because I live it alongside them every day. I have worked hard to hold the line on taxes, protect affordability, and ensure that the decisions made at the township level reflect the values and priorities of the people I serve.
But there is more work to do.
If re-elected, I will continue building partnerships with county and state leaders that bring real resources back to Hillsborough, reducing the burden on local taxpayers and
strengthening the services our community depends on. I will keep fighting to make Hillsborough affordable for every family, in every neighborhood, at every stage of life.
Hillsborough is not just where I serve; it is where I live, where I am raising my family, and where I am deeply invested in the future. That personal commitment drives everything I do,
and it is exactly why I am asking for your continued trust and support.
Together, we have made progress. Together, we will keep moving Hillsborough forward.
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