Hillsborough General Election 2022: Ronald Yoder

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township Committee general election on Nov. 8 has four candidates running for two open seats.

Democrat Ronald Yoder is running for the one, three-year full-term seat on the township committee against Republican John Ciccarelli.

Additionally, there are two candidates vying for the one unexpired term on the township committee. Those candidates include Democrat Erynn Murray and Republican Robert Britting.

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.

(All of the candidates were given the same questions)

Ronald "Ron" Yoder

Age: 68

Town of residence: Hillsborough

Position sought: Hillsborough Twp. 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 or current elected 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, a safe environment, that’s what makes Hillsborough not just a town, but a community. The more you speak to our residents though, the more concerns you hear about this lifestyle being 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, we can’t completely stop development, but we can plan better. We can’t stop traffic, but we can implement better traffic safety measures. Increased flooding and traffic congestion, increased pressure on our public works, schools and emergency services. What’s the common denominator? Twenty years of a local government run by effectively the same group of people. We need fresh perspectives and ideas as to how we can address these issues which clearly are not being properly addressed. My long history of involvement in the community gives me that fresh perspective on what the concerns average residents. Only through understanding those concerns can Hillsborough address the challenges that face us both now and in the future.

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

My previous answer makes clear that I believe overdevelopment is an issue and as I stated, we clearly need to plan better to try to limit it where we can. I would like to see new members appointed to the Planning and Zoning Boards who can take a fresh look at whether the current zoning that is in place suits the needs of today’s Hillsborough and while I said previously that I know we can’t stop all development, we can put a greater emphasis on limiting some of the effects of the development that is occurring.

Limiting the truck traffic on local roads. More effective storm water management with a much greater emphasis on the potential for future flooding that could result because of development allowed due to our current zoning. Perhaps working with some of the larger developers to provide greater benefits to our community. For example, maybe seeking some land donations for a future community center or for future expansion of emergency services facilities. The issue of development is much broader than just how many buildings and houses are going to be built. Clearly that’s issue number one, but there are also a whole lot of other effects we need to consider as well.

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

I’ve addressed quite a few but I would certainly like to see a youth/community center built at some point. I think we need to strengthen our relationship with the local business community and hear how we can work with them to ensure that Hillsborough is as business friendly as possible. Also, we need to reach out more, to those residents who may not be politically involved or connected or who are necessarily active in the community to ensure that everyone’s concerns are not only heard but also addressed to the greatest extent possible.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

My experience as a volunteer fireman, independent businessman and assistant coach has given me the opportunity to meet many Hillsborough residents including old timers, new people and everyone in between. Many feel they are not represented by the current town leadership which has been virtually unchanged for 20 years. Our opponents are a part of that group. I will listen to our townspeople with a fresh outlook and address their concerns as we move Hillsborough forward.

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

I’m a volunteer Firefighter in Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Company #3 having served as Executive Secretary for 3 years and Trustee for 5 years and currently serve as Sergeant at Arms and am an active exterior Firefighter. I am a 25 year member of the Somerset County Business Partnership (Chamber of Commerce) and served as Membership Ambassador from 2005-2018. I am a founding member (2006) and Past President and Treasurer of BNI Hillsborough Chapter (Business Networking International) and I’m 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’ve been out there in the community for years and it is through those interactions that I have developed a good feel for what really concerns our residents and how we can better the process of addressing those concerns.