Hillsborough Primary Election 2023: Catherine Payne

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough's primary election on June 6 has four candidates running for two open seats on the Township Committee.

Catherine Payne is one of two Republican candidates running in the uncontested primary. Payne is running with incumbent James "Jim" Ruh.

Additionally, there are two Democratic candidates Ron Yoder and Samantha Hand also running in the uncontested primary.

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.

Catherine Payne

Age: 49

Town of residence: Hillsborough

Position sought: Township Committee

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Husband, Al; Daughters, Emma and Brenna; Son, Dylan

Education: Bachelors from High Point University in International Business and Spanish

Occupation: Technology professional specializing in infrastructure and security technologies

Previous or current elected appointed office: Currently serving on the Hillsborough Board of Adjustments; Hillsborough Open Space Advisory Committee

Campaign website: hillsboroughnjgop.com

Why are you seeking election to the Township Committee?

My commitment to Hillsborough has been a guide for myself and my family throughout our 15 years here. I have volunteered for the PTAs, cub scouts and girl scouts, GiGi’s Playhouse, and church. I want to take those experiences and make a greater difference for Hillsborough families and residents. The best way I can do that is lending my time and energy to the Township Committee.

Balancing the township budget becomes more difficult each year with inflation and the loss
of revenue since COVID. How do you plan to address this?

Having consulted for finance firms for over a decade, I would exercise fiscal sense. I embrace the Township’s business-like approach to government and strong fiscal policies. I will be that fiscal hawk to ensure spendings are prudent and continue to leverage competitive bidding for vendors. In addition, close monitoring of our service-level agreements have ensured projects have been completed on-time and within budget.

Overdevelopment and warehouse applications have become an issue in the township. How would you address this?

Overdevelopment has been driven by the State’s affordable housing mandates. The whole State is inundated with these applications. Our State has led us to deal with these on our own by not passing meaningful legislation reforms.

With regards to warehouse applications, again the State has failed to give municipalities the tools to manage these effectively. This includes finalizing the long overdue update to the stormwater regulations which will address the flood prone areas.

Until the NJ Legislature addresses the affordable housing mandate crisis, we must continue expanding on our already extensive open space and farmland preservation. As for warehouses, we need to continue examining and updating our various non-residential zoning ordinances, to properly define warehouses and, where appropriate, eliminate large scale distribution warehouses as an approved use.

Having trust and transparency in the township government is important to residents. How has the township improved on this or how would you improve this?

I have sat in and watched many Township Meetings’ final comments. In the typical meeting, there are no less than three residents that come forward with questions of the Committee. I feel that Mayor Lipani is very patient and thorough when answering. I would encourage that leadership to continue. I too am a very honest and blunt person, I have no trouble speaking the truth, as I have nothing to hide.

In general, folks have very little trust in State and Federal levels of government right now.

However, here in Hillsborough that is fortunately not the situation. With meeting videos, posted meeting schedules/agenda/minutes, an award-winning e-newsletter and evening office hours, Hillsborough has set the standard in accessibility to information and services for residents.

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

We pride our Township on being beautiful, however, to maintain these levels is an annual challenge. We must continue to aggressively pursue grants and budget appropriately for improvements. I will maintain that focus on our recreation infrastructure as well as the Township’s road paving plan.

Further, I have a son with special needs. I have been an advocate for him throughout his career in the Hillsborough Schools. I will seek opportunities with our Superintendent and BOE on joint programs to benefit all our youth.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

I am truly the mama bear of Hillsborough. I have a strong compass guided by common sense. Our children and our families are my focus for Hillsborough’s success. Together with a strong business and finance background, my sole goal is our commonsense path forward. I believe this is unique and sets me apart.

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

I hear from parents; I know what is keeping them awake at night. I’m in this election not only for our families, but for all residents of Hillsborough. I am coming into this with fresh eyes, a unique perspective, fiscal experience, and a strong business background. I’m not a ‘well that’s what we’ve always done’ person, I’m a ‘let’s see how we can do better’ person. There are two of us here, Jim Ruh and myself, that want to make a difference and to keep Hillsborough as one of the best places to live.