Hillsborough Township Committee Election 2024: Shawn Lipani

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township's general election on Nov. 5 has four candidates running for two open seats for the Township Committee.

Republican incumbent Shawn Lipani is running along with incumbent Robert Britting against Democrats Hermes Vallejo and James VanderVliet.

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.

Shawn Lipani

• Age: 60
• Town of residence: Hillsborough
• Position sought: Township committee
• Party Affiliation: Republican
• Family: Married 1 daughter
• Education: B.S. Political Science, International Relations University of Rochester
• Occupation: Business owner of Central Jersey Nurseries
• Previous elected/appointed office: 2 Term Hillsborough Township Committee Mayor 2020-2023
• Campaign website: hillsboroughnjgop.com

Why are you seeking election for Township Committee?

To ensure the community is always my priority when it comes to financially responsible government, protecting rural charm by purchasing land for open space which helps control over development, supporting the Police department, and continuing the infrastructure program I initiated in 2020.

The state's Route 206 project has caused issues and delays throughout town. How do you propose addressing this issue?

The 206 Project is back up and running. Thanks largely to the Mayor's persistent communication with the State. We will continue to monitor and communicate any issue to the DOT.

Warehouse applications are still a concern for residents. How do you plan to address this?

As a member of the Planning board with open applications still pending, I can't directly discuss them. However, Last year while I was Mayor, we passed an ordinance banning warehouses as a permitted use in Hillsborough. Essentially ending any future applications as a permitted use.

Affordable housing. How do you feel about this state mandate and its impact on Hillsborough?

While we all acknowledge the need for affordable housing. I am always against mandates which don't consider impact to communities, infrastructure, schools, traffic, etc. I have heard this from residents for years and I don't disagree with them. This is why our open space initiative is so vital. The purchase of these large tracts of land removes potential development for the future.

As work on the Master Plan gets underway, is there anything you feel the town should >focus on?

The Master plan review by design not only focuses on land use but also social and economic aspects of the town. I think it is very important to review all and understand the changing dynamics of the town and how we address future growth.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

I have spent 30 years volunteering and serving on various boards and commissions including the Board of Adjustment, and Planning Board. This knowledge is invaluable to understand how the Township works before you become an elected official. Furthermore, my 6 years on the Township committee, which includes helping guide us through Covid while keeping the township open and running when many shut their doors and 3 terms as your Mayor, I feel is the experience this position requires. I am also proud of the 1,000 plus acres we were able to add to our open space inventory.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?

When I started public service my father Vince told me not to forget where you came from. I have never at any moment forgotten that I represent all of Hillsborough, all 40k residents. I have had the pleasure of growing up in Hillsborough, raising my family here, and continuing to run our family business with my brother, started in 1970 by my father. Many of you are customers, I have had the pleasure to see many of your families grow up over the past 40 years. Most importantly I feel that I am always approachable and am willing to listen, which happens frequently at work. Afterall we all want in our hearts what is best for this great community we call home.