Hillsborough Primary Election 2023: Ronald K. Yoder

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

Ronald K. Yoder (Ron) is one of two Democratic candidates running in the uncontested primary. Yoder is running with Samantha Hand.

Additionally, there are two Republican candidates incumbent James "Jim" Ruh and Catherine Payne 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.

Ronald K. Yoder (Ron)

Age: 69

Town of residence: Hillsborough

Position sought: Hillsborough Township Committee

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Wife Mary Jane (lifetime Hillsborough resident), 3 Children (Daughter, Corey Sons, Keith, Matthew), 1 Grandson Aiden.

Education: University of New Mexico (History, Economics)

Occupation: Mass Mutual since 1992 (Agent Emeritus)

Previous or current elected appointed office: None.

Campaign website: borodems.org

Why are you seeking election to the Township Committee?

Affordability, good schools, open space, and public safety to name just a few things which lie at the heart of what appeals so strongly about our community. Each year though, it is more evident that a lack of leadership by local officials put those characteristics increasingly under threat. Poor development planning, more traffic, higher taxes, residents not receiving the most efficient provision of services, these are areas of increasing concern and the responsibility for all of them lies with the Township Committee. I want to change that.

We need to ensure that our residents receive the best value for the money we do spend. We need to listen more and be more attentive to the community as a whole, not a select few. This requires fresh thinking and a new perspective. With my experience in business, and as a long-time community volunteer, I offer that, and would be honored to serve our community in this capacity.

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?

If you look at areas where other municipalities share services, you must wonder why Hillsborough is not more aggressive in pursuing these types of arrangements. This would mean cultivating cooperative relationships with other municipal, county and state elected officials in order to explore and implement cost cutting strategies that benefit everyone.

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

Yes! Look at how new warehouses and overwhelming development affect traffic, local roads, flooding parts of the community that never used to flood, increasing our school population and the impact on taxes because of the increasing need for municipal services. It’s a result of poor planning by the Township Committee. The challenge we face now is what to do about it.

Let’s start by appointing new members to the Planning and Zoning Boards who can not only rewrite our land-use plan but who have a real vision for what tomorrow’s Hillsborough should be. We can't stop development, but we can limit some of its effects by reducing truck traffic on local roads, adopting better stormwater management and flood prevention plans, and minimizing the approval of new residential housing that generate the most school children.

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?

Having group discussions about relevant issues in town would be a good start. How about holding monthly town halls, where residents can directly communicate with the members of the township committee. Engaging in meaningful dialogue about concerns and ideas is a great way to build trust.

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

Hillsborough needs to strengthen its relationship with existing businesses and attract new ones that are friendly to the environment and to our citizens. The Township Committee must remove barriers and encourage start-up business in Hillsborough to help provide goods and services and share the challenges of our growing town. Also, we need to communicate better with residents to foster a feeling of community and inclusion that addresses the needs and concerns of everyone. Let’s also strive to provide more cost effective and efficient municipal services.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

I do not have a primary election opponent.

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

I'm a lifetime member of Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Company #3, where I have served as Executive Secretary and Trustee. I am a 25-year member of the Somerset County Business Partnership, where I was a Membership Ambassador for 13 years. I was a founding member, Past President, and Treasurer of Business Networking International (BNI), Hillsborough Chapter, and a member of the Hillsborough Economic Development Committee.

I’ve been an Assistant Little League Coach helping to guide our local youth and build their interest in sports, teamwork and good sportsmanship. I have dedicated much of my free time to our community, and through this experience I have a good understanding of what makes Hillsborough great, and where we need to improve.