Hillsborough Primary Election 2023: Samantha Hand

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

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

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.

Samantha Hand

Age: 49

Town of residence: Hillsborough

Position sought: Hillsborough Township Committee

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Husband, Matt. 2 daughters (Hallie & Lily, both attend 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 to the Township Committee?

Residents expect at a minimum, good infrastructure like roads, water, and sewer, well maintained parks, and good long-range planning so we’re not overwhelmed with traffic, and overcrowded schools. Residents expect that when they interact with local officials, they can get the answers they need, with a minimum level of bureaucracy. To change this, we need new ideas and perspectives, on our Township Committee, Boards, and Commissions. I believe I can help make this happen.

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?

We need to look at exploring more Shared Services which is an area that municipalities are continuing to expand and gain significant additional savings. I would advocate putting a task force together to study the operations of other similarly sized municipalities. Let’s see what they are doing and implement some of their best practices. Also, let’s bring in a wider range of private sector stakeholders than we have now to bring new viewpoints to the table as to how we may cut costs while improving our responsiveness to our residents and their concerns.

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

For the 16 years I have lived here, the same group has been in control of the Township Committee. Their lack of planning has caused overdevelopment, and their solutions don’t solve the problem. We need new members, with diverse ideas and experiences, on the Planning and Zoning Boards that better consider the needs of the community. Our next Master Plan should be structured so that a real plan for Hillsborough‘s future is the priority, not reacting to lawsuits from developers that cost us more in legal fees. Let’s consider how zoning affects traffic, flooding, schools, as well as other consequences of overdevelopment.

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?

Seeking to understand what residents are thinking, what is keeping them up at night and what is important for them today and five years from now. This type of leadership is what I can bring to our town, just as I have at work. I would love to participate in Town Halls where I can hear firsthand the issues and ideas residents want to share.

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

Making our township services more streamlined, integrated and user friendly. For example, how can the Building Department work better for residents. Better scheduling? Clearer answers? Longer hours for working families?

Second, I would also like to see a greater emphasis on recognizing and supporting all sports teams, leagues, and clubs in town. The diversity of our sports and extracurricular offerings is an important attribute within our community and we should encourage more participation across the entire mosaic of offerings. In addition to Proclamations, we should recognize them outside of a township committee meeting.

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 have an extensive record of community involvement including but not limited to:

Hillsborough High School

• Girls Lacrosse Booster Club – 2019 to Present
• Girls Field Hockey Booster Club – 2020 to 2023

Bridge to Employment (BTE)

• Mentor to Franklin High School student – 2021 to 2023

Hillsborough Junior Raiders

• Girls Lacrosse Coach – 2015 – 2021
• Girls Lacrosse Co-Director – 2019 - 2021
• Girls Field Hockey Coach – 2017 - 2020

Hillsborough Township Volunteer Fire Company #3 Auxiliary

• Member – 2012 - Present
• President – 2014 - 2016
• VP – 2016 - Present

Hillsborough Township Life Skills Committee

• WRS Chair – 2012 - 2016
• Participant – 2017 - 2018

Hillsborough Soccer Club

• Master Scheduler - 2015 – 2018
• Girls04 Soccer Team Scheduler – 2018 - 2020

Woods Road School Home Association

• Spirit Wear Committee Lead – 2014 - 2015
• Friend Finder Committee Lead – 2012 - 2014