Hillsborough General Election 2023: Samantha Hand

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

Samantha Hand is one of two Democrat candidates running. Hand is running with Ronald K. Yoder (Ron).

Additionally, there are two Republican candidates running together including incumbent James "Jim" Ruh with Catherine Payne.

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.

Samantha Hand

Age: 49

Town of residence: Hillsborough

Position sought: Hillsborough Township Committee

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Family: Husband, Matt. 2 daughters (Hallie & Lily; Lily attends Hillsborough Public Schools)

Education:

• 2013 Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics - Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional
• 2011 Seton Hall School of Law – Healthcare Compliance Certification Program
• 1996 - 1997 University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City, MO - Candidate for Masters Degree in Psychology
• 1994 - 1996 University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City, MO - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, minor in Spanish
• 1992 - 1994 Drury College Springfield, MO

Occupation: Senior Leader in the Pharmaceutical and HealthCare Industry

Previous or current elected appointed office: None.

Campaign website: borodems.org.

Why are you seeking election for Township Committee?

Last year I saw two great Democratic candidates for Township Committee talk about new ideas, an exciting vision for the future, and a commitment to bringing a positive, productive perspective on how to work together to build an even better future for all Hillsborough residents. They came so close to winning, even as they were being outspent 3:1 by their opponents. Their ideas resonated with voters.

This year I had the opportunity to join one of those candidates, Ron Yoder, in a campaign that builds on last year’s momentum. I am here to contribute by bringing in my leadership experience, collaborative approach, and focus on results.

As residents we expect our tax dollars to be spent wisely and for property taxes to remain stable. Our community needs a sense that it is moving in the right direction. I will get Hillsborough back on track!

My reason for seeking election is to tap into the strengths and capabilities of our residents, together, to help make Hillsborough stronger and more affordable for our children, our seniors and all my fellow residents.

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?

A strong community needs to grow and move forward but in a thoughtful and sensible manner. This requires leadership that looks ahead, sees developing trends and implements policies and regulations that protect our neighborhoods from excessive noise and traffic. A community that is not proactive will be exploited. Current leadership was not proactive and as a result warehouses are being built in the backyards of our neighbors.

Our current municipal officials are reactive in trying to limit this development and have put our residents in a defensive position, trying to protect our town and our property.

Hillsborough has had multiple lawsuits filed against us, with each one costing the taxpayers our hard earned dollars to defend. Foresight and planning, including a comprehensive review of our zoning regulations, could have avoided this uncertainty and expense.

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?

Being an elected official demands one be open, accountable, and honest as they serve the public. Nothing else is acceptable and any official who violates the public trust should not remain in office. The same code applies to those who are appointed or hired to work in government. Trust is earned through action.

For the most part, Hillsborough does make most information available either on its website or in emails. Meetings of the Township Committee and other Boards are available on YouTube.

However, I would like to see more information available as to how and why ordinances are developed, not simply, as is required by law, the posting of ordinances and the process of adopting them. Each ordinance should require a narrative statement giving background. While the Township Committee follows the letter of the law, more time should be devoted to discussion and debate. This is especially relevant to the Municipal Budget. I would like to see a special meeting with residents and staff to go through a line by line review.

Hillsborough Township Police have earned the trust and respect of the community. Their efforts to build relationships through community policing is commendable. When incidents have occurred, information has been forthcoming in a timely manner.

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

Hillsborough, a vast municipality, has a diverse population with varying concerns. We need governance that reflects the community it serves. This can be achieved through continuous outreach, interaction and involvement by our elected officials to include all residents on the Boards and Commissions that are critical to getting Hillsborough back on track.

More specifically, as someone with two daughters, I know there are very limited places in Hillsborough for teenagers to socialize. No town center, no public recreation center, only private facilities. A community activity center including recreational areas and rooms would give families a place to go and create memories together.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

My opponents are part of the same political party that has run our town for over 20 years. I am
an independent thinker and will do what is best for the community, not what is best for a political
party. I will not hesitate to bring ideas forward and will encourage discussion and debate on
issues facing our community. I will be publicly accountable for my actions and will demand the
same from my fellow committee members.

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

I am a lifelong community volunteer with a passion for leaving things better than how I found
them. I will work hard, make difficult decisions, and represent the township to the best of my
abilities. My campaign has been focused on the issues that matter to my family and the families
in Hillsborough. I am looking forward to serving the public and making a real difference!
I am committed to getting Hillsborough back on track and with your support we can make this
happen!