Mayors Discuss Innovations To Attract And Support Local Business

Posted by Rich Reitman 

Session II of the 4-part “Meet the Mayors” series presented by the Somerset County Business Partnership, was held at Royce Brook Golf Club on Wednesday, June 4, 2014.  The session highlighted the innovation taking place in Hillsborough, Montgomery, Franklin Township, Rocky Hill, and Millstone to support local businesses.  

Mayor Douglas Tomson of Hillsborough Township, Deputy Mayor Chris Sugden of Montgomery Township, Mayor Brian Levine of Franklin Township, Mayor Ed Zimmerman of Rocky Hill Borough and Mayor Ray Heck of Millstone Borough spoke at the event.

The mayors discussed local innovations and programs taking place that are designed to help local businesses.

Mayor Tomson of Hillsborough gave an overview of the programs Hillsborough has adopted to make it easier to start a business. He also detailed the launch of the “Shop Hillsborough” program to promote local shopping while allowing card holders the opportunity to reduce their property tax bill.

Deputy Mayor Chris Sugden of Montgomery Township highlighted Montgomery’s commitment to attract more positive commercial ratables to the town to help increase the tax base and offset the reliance on taxes from residential home owners. He also discussed the plans for improvements to the Route 518/206 intersection as a gateway to the community and Montgomery’s commercial district.

Mayor Levine of Franklin gave an overview of the in-house services that Franklin provides to the business community and highlighted the economic development potential of the Rutgers University move to the Big 10.  He anticipates substantial increases in tourism dollars coming into Franklin Township hotels and restaurants with the expected influx of visitors from around the country to experience Big 10 sports.

All five Mayors emphasized their history of shared services and how this approach results in cost savings to the taxpayer.  All the Mayors support the reactivation of the West Trenton rail to bring passenger rail service back to the region to improve the commute to NY and Philadelphia. 

Another top prior of the Mayors is to support investment in Millstone River flood control.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available for the balance of the “Meet the Mayors” series. Contact Takeena Deas at tdeas@scbp.org for information.