Hillsborough Committee Primary Election 2022: Ronald Yoder

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough's primary election on June 7 has two candidates running for one open seat on the Township Committee.

Democrat Ronald K. Yoder is one of two candidates running in the uncontested primary. The other candidate is John Ciccarelli, who is running on the Republican ticket.

Both candidates are running for the one, three-year seat 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.

Ronald K. Yoder (Ron)

Age: 68

Town of Residence: Hillsborough

Position Sought: Hillsborough Township Committee

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Family: Wife Mary Jane (lifetime Hillsborough resident), 3 Children (Daughter, Corey Sons, Keith, Matthew), 1 Grandson (Aiden-current student at Hillsborough Middle School)

Education: University of New Mexico (History, Economics)

Occupation: Mass Mutual since 1992 (Agent Emeritus)

Previous Elected or Appointed Office: None (First Time Candidate)

Why are you seeking to run for Township Committee?

All of us have chosen to make Hillsborough our home. Good schools, open space, and a safe environment are what makes Hillsborough not just a town, but a great community. However, many residents fear that our lifestyle is under threat. Rapid growth, caused by a lack of sensible planning, puts incredible pressure on our schools, roads, and public safety. Taxes continue to increase, making the town less affordable for both small business and residents. We need to address these issues now!

I'm realistic. I know that we can't completely stop development, but we can plan better. We can't stop traffic, but we can implement better traffic safety measures. In fact, we could be doing better in a lot of areas. I believe that our town's leadership has not done enough to combat Increased flooding, traffic congestion, and growing pressure on our public works, schools and emergency services.

The Republican establishment has controlled Hillsborough for 20 years. We need fresh perspectives and ideas to fix these problems. My long history of involvement in the community gives me that fresh perspective on what concerns Hillsborough residents and how to preserve our quality of life for the future.

Do you feel overdevelopment is an issue in town? How would you like to address it?

Overdevelopment is one of the top issues in Hillsborough. Like many voters, I am tired of the Hillsborough Republican establishment on the Township Committee blaming Trenton and Washington, DC for overdevelopment and our other problems when so many other towns in New Jersey have successfully managed these issues with good planning and management.

I would like to appoint new members to the Planning and Zoning Boards who can rewrite our land-use plan to address the needs of today's Hillsborough. Although we can't stop all development, we can put a greater emphasis on limiting some of the effects that development has on our schools, roads, groundwater, and taxes, such as limiting truck traffic on local roads, adopting better stormwater management and flood prevention plans, and minimizing the approval of new residential housing that generate the most school children. As a member of the Township Committee, I would also pressure developers to provide greater benefits to our community, such as land donations for a future community center, schools, or expansion of emergency services facilities.

What other issues do you feel need to be tackled in town?

I think Hillsborough Township needs to strengthen its relationship with the small business community. The Township Committee must work to remove barriers to starting and growing a business in Hillsborough to help reduce taxes on residents and bring new services to the community. Also, we need to communicate better with residents to ensure that everyone's concerns are heard and addressed to the greatest extent possible.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

I do not have a primary election opponent.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

I'm a volunteer Firefighter with Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Company #3, where I have served as Executive Secretary, Trustee, and currently serve as Sergeant at Arms. I am a 25-year member of the Somerset County Business Partnership, where I have served as Membership Ambassador for 13 years. I am a founding member, Past President, and Treasurer of the Business Networking International (BNI), Hillsborough Chapter, and a member of the Hillsborough Economic Development Committee. I have also served as an Assistant Little League Coach helping to guide our local youth and build their interest in not only sports but also in good sportsmanship. I have dedicated much of my free time to our community for most of my adult life, and it is through those interactions that I have developed a good understanding for what makes Hillsborough great, and where we need improvement.