Support Wright and Holmes; Transparency and Accountability Matter

I commend Olivia Holmes and Jeff Wright, Democratic candidates for Township Committee, for their persistence over the past few months in meeting residents to learn what matters to them. This information from residents will provide a good foundation for them as Township Committee members. Olivia’s longstanding ties in Hillsborough coupled with Jeff’s civic background as a member of the Zoning Board, Open Space, and Senior Citizens Committees in his previous community make them well suited for municipal governance.

Olivia and Jeff are concerned about rising property taxes; the tax rate may not have gone up but it’s clear that taxes have increased. Residents have expressed how bad the roads are in certain sections of town. When the Township Committee introduced the $8 million bond for road repair, they would not specify which roads would be repaired and they had to be questioned to ascertain that this was a partial repair over approximately 5 years. Transparency is lacking now but a bipartisan committee would surely solve that problem.

Jeff and Olivia’s positive responsiveness and courteousness will change the tone of our local government. When residents have attended Township Committee meetings to voice their concerns, they are too often marginalized and made to feel that their opinions don’t matter. This pattern has been repeated during meetings over the years. If residents’ suggestions had been taken, there could have been better outcomes regarding the:

• Township Committee attempt to divert Open Space funds in 2013
• Off-Track-Wagering Favorites that received a tax break in the form of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) in 2014
• Traffic congestion and safety issues that arise with developments such as Brookhaven Lofts (Route 206 near Falcon Road), Westering Place Apartments (Amwell Road and Pleasant View Road), Gateway (Falcon Road)
• The replacement of the local Hillsborough EMS squad with corporate RWJ EMS in 2017
• APEX sports facility approved in early 2018; the ordinance did not include the service fees that will cost taxpayers for 20 years

Jeff and Olivia understand the need to disseminate information to residents sooner and give people the courtesy of listening with respect. Let’s support them so that we have checks and balances and fuller representation in our local government. Please join me in voting for Olivia Holmes and Jeff Wright on Tuesday November 6th and exercise the privilege of casting your ballot. The polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM.

Thuy Anh Le

Ivy Lane

Hillsborough