Hillsborough General Election 2023: James 'Jim' Ruh

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough's general election on Nov. 7 has four candidates running for two open seats for Township Committee.

Incumbent James "Jim" Ruh is one of two Republican candidates running. Ruh is running with Catherine Payne.

Additionally, there are two Democratic candidates Ron Yoder and Samantha Hand also running.

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.

Jim Ruh

Age: 49

Town of residence: Hillsborough, since 1989

Position sought: Township Committee

Party Affiliation: Republican

Family: Married to my wife Cybil; daughter Isabella and sons James and Greyson

Education: Bachelors Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison NJ

Occupation: Vice President of Sales

Previous or current elected appointed office: Currently a Committeeman serving on the Hillsborough Township Committee; Hillsborough Board of Education

Campaign website: hillsboroughnjgop.com

Why are you seeking election for Township Committee?

I have called Hillsborough home for close to 35 years, and Hillsborough is the only town my children have ever called home. I have a deep appreciation and sense of being present with the community through my years of involvement in youth sports and other charitable organizations. Having the opportunity to continue serving the people of Hillsborough, and maintaining our status as one of the best places to live in America plays a major role in my desire to serve on the
Township committee.

Manufacturing buildings or warehouse applications are becoming more common in NJ. How do you feel about proposals to bring this type of development to Hillsborough Township? And how do you propose to limit it?

Unfortunately, many of the issues we face are a result of State (and in some instances Federal) mandates. Municipalities, like Hillsborough, are forced to work within State guidelines that are not always clear and often times incomplete. I propose to continue Hillsborough’s approach of leveraging open space and farm land preservation to lessen the impact of the affordable housing mandates as well as helping to revise the Master Plan and facilitating public input. Now that the Murphy Administration has finally approved the Inland Flood Protection Rule, I will focus to make sure that Hillsborough enforces the legislation and uses any tools to protect residents from unnecessary loss of lives and property that we saw with Ida. To be blunt, these rules should help slow down unnecessary development in Hillsborough and beyond.

Having trust and transparency in the township government and police department is important to residents. Do you feel the township is doing a good job of being transparent? How would you improve this?

That's one of the best parts of Hillsborough, access to public officials. Our Township Committee, Mayor, and police department are always around, participating in many events throughout town and are always open to discuss concerns and other topics impacting Hillsborough. Our meetings are streamed “live”, stored in the cloud for future reference and continuity, and relevant
documents are posted for public access. We have digital newsletters, and are expanding more into the social media platforms as well to enhance transparent communication to the residents of Hillsborough.

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

Other important issues that I intend to tackle for the Township include focusing on the health and well-being of our senior population and supporting efforts to enhance the community involvement and respect of our top-notch law enforcement department. Just like our youth programs, there is an inherent need to support active lifestyles and independence for seniors. I will ensure these needs are at the forefront of our planning (like the efforts for a dedicated senior
center), and that the senior voice is heard. Simultaneously, our Police department is made up of some of the bravest men and women I know. It takes a special person to wake up each day to serve and protect our community. Ensuring the continued development and improvement of our Police department will be a driving factor for me.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

I take a great deal of pride in being from and representing the residents of Hillsborough. Whether it's a youth or a senior citizen, I want to provide the best options and outcomes for the individuals as well as the community. I believe actions speak louder than words. I have demonstrated a long history of volunteering, coaching, fundraising and awarding academic scholarships and research grants through community leadership and fundraising efforts that spans over the last 20+ years. I will use this experience and work tirelessly in tackling any challenges and ensuring we remain One of the Best Places to Live in America.

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

Being in this town for decades, I have the benefit of connecting with and engaging with many people throughout the town. Upon being appointed to the Township Committee last year, many people reached out and were comforted that I would represent them and that through me they would have a voice in what is happening in our town. I am also happy to be running alongside Catherine Payne for the other seat on the Township Committee. We share a common objective, a strong work ethic, and even stronger desire to serve the people of Hillsborough.