Hillsborough Committee Election 2021: Shawn Lipani

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough's general election on Nov. 2 has four candidates running for two open seats on the Township Committee.

Incumbent and current Mayor Shawn Lipani is one of two Republican candidates running.

The other candidates include:

• Steven A. Cohen - Republican
• Jeffrey Wright - Democrat (incumbent)
• Roger Koch - Democrat

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 Hillsborough Patch.

Shawn Lipani

Name: Shawn Lipani

Age: 57

Town of residence: Hillsborough

Position sought: Township Committee

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Married 27 years with 1 daughter

Education: BS Political Science, University of Rochester

Occupation: Self-Employed, Central Jersey Nurseries

Previous or current elected appointed office: Elected to Hillsborough Township Committee and Current Mayor of Hillsborough, Board of Adjustment, Planning Board, Somerset County Planning Board, Economic and Business Development Commission.

Why are you seeking to run for township committee? As a lifelong resident and business owner in this town, I feel that I provide a unique perspective of Hillsborough's past, present and future. When I ran three years ago, I felt, and still feel, it is important to have a voice for the business owners of Hillsborough. Many live in Hillsborough but still many do not, so I advocate on their behalf. I have been honored to serve this town and wish to continue the work I started.

How would you address the affordable housing issues/overdevelopment in Hillsborough? I have been both a member of the Planning Board and now the Township Committee for almost 15 years.
The New Jersey State Supreme Court mandate for affordable housing has always been, and will continue to take the control of development planning from the municipalities. The same questions always surface during the hearings about impact on school, traffic, infrastructure, etc. The truth is, and always has been for the past 15 years, that is not a considerable factor in determining our fair share housing requirements.

I agree there is a need for responsible affordable housing for Hillsborough's population as we have by mandating an over 20% requirement for any project built in town. This has minimized the total impact of units built while providing housing and meeting our court-mandated settlement. Our planning will continue as the next round is due to start in 2025. I would hope the attention brought to this questionnaire would be directed to those in direct control of the mandate in Trenton.

Diversity is largely talked about in the township and country. How do you feel about the current status of the township in terms of diversity? The diversity of Hillsborough has been a current
state of change as housing is built in town. Our schools draw students and families of all backgrounds to our community which allows a great education for all.

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in town? We need to continue to plan for open space, We have contracted to purchase 450 acres of land between Hamilton and Amwell Rd. I have been working to develop a long-term road improvement plan. We have a complete road survey being done by our outside engineering company with real time data and GIS mapping of the road conditions downloaded into a program that will break down not only roads in total but specific points of need.

What sets you apart from the challenging Democrats? There is no substitute for experience in all the boards, commissions and now as Mayor to continue the responsible government which has been recognized over the past years for our work. I am from Hillsborough for Hillsborough. I have in my 30-plus years working in the family business, Central Jersey Nurseries, had the unique opportunity for my customers to talk to me and to know me as a person, far more than any
candidate can in three months.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign? I am a member of Hillsborough Rotary and past Chair of the Toro National Dealer Council. I am willing to talk to anyone. I feel it is my opportunity to understand all points of view.