Pizza 'n Politics with Art Skaar, Democratic candidate for Hillsborough Township Committee

In early October, several Democrats from Hillsborough and Manville gathered for “Pizza ‘n Politics”, with Art  Skaar, Democratic candidate for Hillsborough Township Committee.  In attendance also were Frank Jurewicz, candidate for Manville Town Council, Keiona Miller, Democratic candidate for Somerset County Freeholder, Peg  Schaffer, Somerset County Democratic Organization Chairwoman, Manville township officials, Hillsborough Democratic Alliance officers, and members of the Hillsborough and Manville Democratic communities.   “ I decided to seek office in order to address pressing and important community needs” Mr. Skaar stated to the audience. “My previous experience with municipal government will be helpful in local problem-solving and providing new ideas and a different perspective as a long-time businessman and property owner in Hillsborough.  I am pleased to have the support and endorsement of Democrats in Hillsborough, as well as friends and professional associates from across the township, as well as everyone here” he said.  “As I reviewed the literature from previous campaigns for Township Committee going back even 15 years, it struck me how many of the issues facing Hillsborough today  have not really changed, including property taxes, land preservation, and open government.”  Art went on to thank everyone for coming out and supporting him.  

Peg Schaffer, County Democratic Chairwoman, reiterated how much she appreciated Art for stepping up to run at such a relatively late date and how he had hit the ground running.  She also reiterated her support for Barbara Buono’s gubernatorial run, and said Senator Buono was working very hard and coming across for her constituents despite being outspent by her opponent.  

Keiona Miller, candidate for Somerset County freeholder,  dropped by to tell participants a little about herself.    She is a North Plainfield councilwoman, representing over 21,000 constituents. She introduced a proclamation designating March 1st as Read Across America Day in North Plainfield, and advocated for programs using Sustainable Jersey initiatives to create a more sustainable community. For her community service and civic leadership, Keiona has received recognition for her service as New Jersey Next Rising Star and has been recognized by the Eagleton Institute of Politics as one of New Jersey’s elected officials “bucking the trend.”  Keiona is a strong believer in grass  roots organization and working together, which definitely came across when she spoke.  “Every vote in every community in Somerset County is very important to this election” she said, and she plans to  work hard reaching out to Hillsborough Democrats from now until election day.   

At the end of the evening, the Hillsborough Democratic Alliance, which had a quorum  at the meeting, officially endorsed the entire Democratic ticket; Barbara Buono for Governor, Christian Mastondrea for State Senate, LD16, Marie Corfield and Ida Ochoteco for State Assembly, LD16, Richard Arline for County Sheriff, Keiona Miller for County Freeholder, and ART SKAAR for HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE. 

Anyone interested in helping with Art Skaar’s campaign can contact  Christian Jensen, Campaign Manager, at coj@net-lynx.com, or Elizabeth Baker, Treasurer, Campaign to Elect Art Skaar, POB 6252, Hillsborough, NJ 08844.   Anyone interested in getting more involved with the Hillsborough Democrats should contact Meryl Bisberg, mbisberg@comcast.net or go to Hillsborough Democratic Alliance on facebook.   And remember, VOTE  TUESDAY,  NOVEMBER 5th polls open 6 AM to 8 PM!