Letter To The Editor: Republican Candidates Tout Townships Record Of Success

Submitted by Mayor Douglas Tomson and Committeewoman Gloria McCauley

As many residents are aware, Hillsborough recently made Money Magazine’s list of best places to live in the U.S., finishing #16 in the publication’s Top 50 list. This is the third time in recent years an authoritative source has recognized Hillsborough as of one of America’s very best communities.

In its 2013 rankings of 514 New Jersey towns, New Jersey Monthly rated Hillsborough #10. Of the top 50 towns in that ranking, Hillsborough had the 7th lowest property taxes, one of the lowest crime rates, and a 16% increase in home values since 2010.

Earlier this year, SafeWise, a community-focused security organization, rated Hillsborough the 19th Safest Community in New Jersey. In tabulating its rankings, SafeWise supplemented its own research with data from the FBI’s Crime in the U.S. Report. As SafeWise security analyst Alexia Chianis said,

“...to see a place with nearly 40,000 residents make such great strides to keep their residents safe is quite impressive.” The SafeWise report also stated “you’ll want to learn more about the delightful community of Hillsborough.”

Public health and safety being the number one priority of the Mayor and Township Committee benefits our community in myriad ways, including tax savings. Case in point, for the 4th consecutive year, Hillsborough earned the distinction of “Exceptional Safety Performance” at the annual safety meeting of the Central Jersey Joint Insurance Fund, the Township’s liability insurance provider.

That distinction means lower insurance premiums for the Township, which, in turn, helps control property taxes for all residents.

It is often said that a community is best defined by how its serves its children, its senior citizens and its veterans. Here again, Hillsborough is second to none.

Our Township’s recreational programming is dynamic, innovative and more inclusive than ever. In fact, SafeWise, in its report, specially praised our recreational programming. Our senior citizen facilities and programming are exceptional. Our various veterans events throughout the year, not to mention our Veterans Way and Garden of Honor, pay special tribute to those whose sacrifices should never be forgotten.

Our library, which is now debt-free, is state-of-the art and beautifully demonstrates our steadfast commitment to learning and culture. That’s not all. We’ve also demonstrated our commitment to the environment by installing sewers in some neighborhoods for the very first time; establishing railroad quiet zones on major freight lines; and completing the massive Phase 1 environmental cleanup at our future athletic complex, Mountain View Park.

All these investments ensure a bright future for Hillsborough.

The recognitions, distinctions, and community investments are no accident. The Mayor and Township Committee are keenly focused on making Hillsborough’s quality-of-life, in all respects, exceptional. We have also proven that continually investing in our community does not have to mean higher taxes. Indeed, we have achieved the difficult balancing act of providing outstanding municipal services while also stabilizing the municipal budget and taxes – Hillsborough’s municipal budget is less today than it was in 2008!

Having said all that, Hillsborough’s greatness asset will always be its citizens – citizens more than worthy of an open, honest, transparent and accessible local government that is responsive to their needs.

What citizens expect is what motivates Mayor Tomson and Committeewoman McCauley. That is why we, as your local elected representatives, believe strongly in dedicating ourselves full-time to ensuring Hillsborough always remains a great place to live, raise children, work and recreate.

• Mayor Douglas Tomson and Committeewoman Gloria McCauley