Thuy Anh Le and John Beggiato Announce Candidacy for Township Committee

Thuy Anh Le and John W. Beggiato, long-time Hillsborough residents with extensive community involvement in education, sports, scouting, and the environment, have announced their candidacy for two seats on the Hillsborough Township Committee.  They will be running in the Democratic Primary on June 3rd, 2014 and the November 4th, 2014 General Election, and welcome all residents to participate in the campaign.

“Our presence on the Hillsborough Township Committee will make township government more inclusive and transparent,” Ms. Le said today.  “We will bring the same communications and leadership skills we have brought to our volunteer work over many years of serving our community.   We will examine all business that comes before the Township Committee for economy, value, fairness, and sustainability.  We welcome public understanding and participation and will make sure all aspects of decisions are clearly communicated”, she asserted.

Energized by last year’s successful campaign to stop the Township Committee from diverting up to 20% of Open Space Trust Funds to other purposes, Le and Beggiato are running for office to bring their care and vigilance into the decision-making process in Hillsborough.  “We would like to provide a voice for those who are not satisfied with the way their government is run.  Last year, the Friends of Hillsborough Open Space (FOHOS) proved that you can fight Town Hall when you feel that Town Hall is not representing you,” stated Beggiato.  “We are humbled and appreciate the trust of residents that we have earned over the many years that we have worked for the betterment of our town,” Le added.

Thuy Anh Le and John Beggiato strongly believe that “we all have to take turns at leadership in order to have a thriving community.  We want to add balance, diverse thinking, transparency, and fresh ideas to improve the quality of governance in our town.“

Thuy Anh Le was elected to the Hillsborough Board of Education in 2010 and immediately faced the challenges of a $7 million budget cut.  She chaired the Facilities Committee, focusing on economy, energy awareness, and safety as she encouraged utility cost savings and prioritized timely building repair and maintenance.  She also chaired the Education Committee, which commenced a critical 21st century technology initiative so that our children will be prepared for their future.  She led two Girl Scout troops for 14 years, and served as Woods Road Consultant, Council Trainer, and Junior and Senior Corner Consultant for Hillsborough’s Service Unit.  She served on many different parent committees during her daughters’ years in Hillsborough schools.

By mayoral appointment, Ms. Le served as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Sustainable Hillsborough Steering Committee from 2008 to 2012.  Thuy Anh’s efforts helped Hillsborough Township receive Bronze certification from Sustainable Jersey.  While serving on the Steering Committee, she founded the local grassroots group BoroGreen to provide more opportunities for residents interested in focusing on environmental issues to improve the quality of life in our town.  Her efforts were recognized in 2011, when she received the Somerset County Outstanding Woman’s Award for Environmental Initiatives. 

Thuy Anh holds an MBA in Pharmaceutical Studies from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a B.A. in Biochemistry from Rutgers University.  She is a Medical Communications professional who has worked for Johnson&Johnson and is currently employed by Ono Pharmaceutical.  Her work entails publication planning and requires strong collaborative skills in a multinational setting.

John Beggiato’s experience as an Information Technology professional specializing in the financial services industry will also benefit the Township Committee.  He has strong leadership skills in managing cross-organizational teams and expertise in delivering improvements to cost, efficiency, and productivity.  He has worked for Merrill Lynch, Bank of America, and is currently employed by Fiserv, Inc.  He holds a BBA in Management Information Systems from Pace University’s Lubin School of Business. 

Mr. Beggiato has coached Hillsborough Little League Baseball, Mary Mother of God CYO Basketball, and Hillsborough Youth Lacrosse each for many years, and is currently President of the Roycefield Swim Club after serving seven years as a Trustee.  He has spent four years as videographer for Jr. Raiders Cheerleading.  He was a Boy Scout Leader while attending college, and has been a Knight of Columbus for over 30 years.  He has worked with Ms. Le as a founding member and trustee of BoroGreen and has been President for the past two years.  He is also a founding member of FOHOS.

John’s interest in government started during High School when he was selected to participate in the American Legion’s Jersey Boys State, an annual program of citizenship training that began in 1946. He learned about the principles and organization of representative government, the duties, privileges, rights, and responsibilities of citizenship, and the ideals and processes of democracy. 

Thuy Anh Le and John Beggiato know that sustainability in the broadest sense is not just about the physical environment; it is also about fair taxation and financial structures, efficient services, a healthy business climate, excellent schools, strong neighborhoods, good transportation, and social and cultural opportunities.  These all are factors that make people want to live, raise a family, or operate a business in Hillsborough.  “We are concerned about the ability to attract and retain residents and businesses in Hillsborough based on planning decisions that are made in our Township and the manner in which community engagement takes place.  We will approach all decision-making by listening to residents, and by being responsive and accountable. We both have deep roots in Hillsborough and care deeply about the community.  We believe we can get things done because we are pragmatic and energetic, work toward shared outcomes, and have proven track records of working with people of differing viewpoints.”

For more information or to volunteer, please contact us at www.facebook.com/Le.Beggiato4BoroTC or at Le.Beggiato4BoroTC@gmail.com.