Douglas Tomson Named Mayor

The Hillsborough Township Committee tapped two new faces for this year's leadership, named Douglas Tomson mayor at Thursday's reorganization meeting.

Committee members also tapped Greg Burchette to serve as deputy mayor. After swapping name plates to one noting his new title, Burchette quipped, "Cool."

The reorganization meeting included a number of area political representatives attending, despite the winter storm. U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance, Freeholders Robert Zaborowski and Mark Caliguire, and Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, who administered the oaths of office for Mayor Tomson and Deputy Mayor Burchette.

Tomson, a lifelong resident of Hillsborough, is in his third year on the Township Committee, and served as deputy mayor in 2013. He served on the Planning Board before running for the committee seat.

He said he would focus on developing the Shop Hillsborough program, encourage collections of outstanding debts and working with state and county officials for the opening of the former GSA depot property as a park.

Mayor Tomson recalled his introduction to the Hillsborough municipal complex as a young Scout when former Mayor Pete Biondi led a tour of the building shortly after it opened.

"Mayor Biondi showed up every nook and cranny," he said, adding he was disappointed to learn the mayor doesn't get a car and big house as perks of the job. "It never stopped me from wanting to be mayor."

He thanked the visiting officials and others who have helped him advance in the municipal government, including his many family members in attendance.

"Except for my grandfather," he said. "It's better this way because he's a Democrat and it kills him to see me up here as a Republican."

The other members of the committee congratulated Tomson on his selection, with Committeeman Carl Suraci joking, "Congratulations on the eve of your first state of emergency."

Burchette, in just his second year on the committee, said he also appreciated the support shown by those braving the storm to attend the meeting.

"I promise I will give you my very best," he said.

The committee quickly completed the meeting's reorganization business, and encouraged the audience to enjoy cake and coffee before heading back out into the winter storm.