Hillsborough Committee Primary Candidate: Shawn Lipani

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough's preliminary election on June 8 has four candidates running for three open seats on the Township Committee. Shawn Lipani, 57, is one of two Republican candidates running.

Lipani is self-employed at Central Jersey Nurseries and currently serves on the Hillsborough Township Committee as Mayor. Lipani also serves on the Board of Adjustment, Planning Board, Somerset County Planning Board, Economic and Business Development Commission.

Lipani has been married for 27 years with one daughter and has a BS in Political Science from the University of Rochester.

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.

Shawn Lipani

Why are you seeking to run for the 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 Township Committee for almost 15 years. The mandate for affordable housing has always been, and will continue to be unless there is a change in Trenton, a burden directly placed on 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 percent requirement for any project built in town. This has minimized the total impact of units built while 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, I am working to develop a long-term road improvement plan, and post-COVID business recovery.

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.

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