Meet Hazlet’s New Mayor Tara Clark

HAZLET, NJ - The Hazlet Township Committee selected a new mayor this month, a committee member since 2019 with a background in finance and education. Tara Clark, who served as deputy mayor in 2020, was appointed to a one-year term during Hazlet’s annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 5.

Each year, members of the five-person committee select a new mayor and deputy mayor at the reorganization meeting. Clark takes over for Mike Glackin, who served as Hazlet’s mayor in 2020.

Michael Sachs was also sworn in for another three-year term on the all-Republican governing body. He has been an active member of the committee since 1997.

Clark has been a member of the Hazlet Township Committee since 2019. She serves on an array of standing committees such as the Land Use Board, Library Commission, Economic Development, Recreation Advisory Committee and Finance and Central Purchasing and is the liaison to the Hazlet PTO and the Hazlet Township Police Department, according to the municipal website.

Her term is slated to end on Dec. 31 of this year.

Patch spoke to the new mayor to learn about her plans for Hazlet in 2021 and beyond:

What is your vision for Hazlet in 2021?

I have called Hazlet my home for the past 31 years. Hazlet has been a wonderful town for my husband and I to raise our three daughters, and I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as Hazlet’s mayor in 2021.

Last year we faced considerable challenges due to COVID-19, however, with the help of Hazlet’s dedicated employees, our Township Committee, and our incredible volunteers, I am extremely optimistic for the year ahead.

Since property taxes are the single most pressing issue facing our residents, we will continue to focus on stabilizing municipal taxes. This year’s budget process is underway. We will implement cost saving measures through technological improvements, operational efficiencies, and by seeking out additional shared service agreements.

To dramatically improve our communications outreach to residents, last year we rolled out a state-of-the art municipal website, hired a Public Information Officer, significantly expanded our social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and launched a new emergency communications system.

In our very first year, our Public Information Office won the award for best web and social media in the state in the Municipal Public Information Contest. We will continue to expand our communications outreach in 2021 by introducing a new agenda and meeting management system and by automating online processes to improve customer service.

In addition to continuing our town-wide road restoration program which we began two years ago, the Township Committee plans to actively pursue grant opportunities. We would like to retain a skilled professional grant consultant, at no hard cost to the town, to research, write, and prepare grant applications focusing largely on open space and environmental initiatives.

Are there any specific projects you are looking forward to this year?

I am eager for springtime because we plan to open a new environmental building in Natco Park. Natco Park is Hazlet’s biggest park, with trails spread out over 260 acres. The new environmental facility will enable us to offer a welcoming meeting place to hold environmental educational programs and kick-start our Green Team and Clean Communities initiatives.

The Township Committee is currently developing plans to renovate the Cullen Center in Veterans Park to offer an updated, hospitable place for seniors, families, teens, and other community groups. We plan to offer a variety of educational and recreational programs for our residents as COVID conditions begin to subside.

Lastly, I would like to kick-start a volunteer program. We need more volunteers! We have so many new residents that have moved to our town over the past two years. We would love to welcome them and ask for committed volunteers to offer their talents on a committee or commission that they are passionate about; environmental, recreation, or economic development to name a few.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this role?

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, I worked in public and private industry as a CPA and CMA. My financial background has been extremely valuable to understand our town’s budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting requirements, as well as perform a variety of project analyses.

In 2016, prior to being elected, I volunteered on the legal team of Residents Against Giant Electric (RAGE), a highly successful community group that defeated a monster powerline project proposed by JCP&L. My experience working with a remarkable group of volunteers from all walks of life taught me valuable collaboration skills and opened doors I could never have imagined. I learned that there are so many talented, passionate individuals who live right next door! Our town has a wealth of talent to offer!

After having a successful career in accounting, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in Elementary Education. I have worked as an educator for the past 24 years in the East Brunswick Public School System. I am blessed to work at a job I love - teaching young children, collaborating with other educational professionals, and mentoring new teachers.

The best advice ever shared with me:

My dad left an indelible impression on my life even though he died of cancer when I was 17. He would always say: “If a great opportunity comes your way, take it, even if you don’t know exactly what to do – figure out what has to be done later. The important thing is to make things happen.”

What else would you like Hazlet residents to know about you?

I was born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, but moved to Ireland with my family when I was 10 years old. I attended an all-girls secondary school (St. Leo’s Convent) and returned to the United States to go to college. I took accordion lessons for several years, learned to drive a stick shift car, and my favorite drink in the whole world is Nestle Nesquik chocolate milk!