Hillsborough Democrats Announce Endorsed Candidates for Township Committee

The Hillsborough Democratic Organization has officially endorsed township residents Jason Storipan and Art Skaar as their candidates for Township Committee.

            “At its meeting on March 6, the Hillsborough Democratic Organization overwhelmingly approved the recommendation of its Screening Committee to select Jason Storipan and Art Skaar as their officially endorsed candidates for Hillsborough Township Committee,” said Sonya Martin, First Vice Chair of the Democratic Municipal Committee.  The screening Committee was composed of three former Township Committee members, Martin, Paul Drake and Christine Jensen.

            “Storipan and Skaar were recommended and endorsed because of their professional skills and preparation, their experience in municipal governance and law enforcement, their knowledge and application of state and national labor laws and their conflict resolution experience,” said Martin.  “Both candidates have the ability and the skills to fulfill the responsibilities of a member of the Township Committee on day one.  Both are experienced campaigners and look forward to reaching out to Hillsborough residents for their input.”

            Jason Storipan is an attorney with the New Jersey office of Fisher & Phillips LLP, a national labor and employment law firm.  A Hillsborough resident for six years, he has been a registered Democrat for almost two decades.  Prior to attending law school, Storipan worked on a number of political campaigns for Democratic candidates, ranging from State Representative to U.S. Senate races.  Since moving to Hillsborough, he has become active as a coach, coaching Soccer for the Hillsborough Recreation Department and Lacrosse for Hillsborough Lacrosse.  He is a member of the Somerset County Bar Association and serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Somerset County Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Somerset Bar Association that supports a number of programs and fundraisers benefiting the local community.  He also served as this year’s co-chair of the Committee for the Mock Trial Competition for Somerset County high school students.        

“My wife and I are parents of two boys and understand the concerns and aspirations of Hillsborough residents with children who are working hard to meet the needs of their families in a challenging economy,” Storipan shared in his remarks to the Democratic Committee members after his selection.  “Just like other Hillsborough residents with growing families, we want quality schools, a healthful, safe environment and life affirming experiences that are affordable.”

Art Skaar has practiced law in Hillsborough since 1988 and has served over the years as Special prosecutor and Counsel for the Township from 2000 to 2004 and General Counsel for the Municipal Utilities Authority from 2002 to 2008.  He is currently Associate Prosecutor in Franklin Township and was previously Manville borough's Public Defender.  A local businessman and property owner, Skaar has donated land for open space preservation to Hillsborough Township.  An avid bicyclist, he is also a member of the Shore Cycle Club, Atlantic/Cape May Counties, New Jersey & Princeton Freewheelers.

            Skaar and his wife Cindy are longtime residents, residing in one of Hillsborough's age restricted communities.  As an “empty nester”, he is sensitive to the needs of our residents who are retirees, living on fixed incomes and have health needs that require affordable and accessible medical services.  

“My running mate, Jason, and I understand the needs and concerns of the local business community and are committed to revitalization of our downtown, attracting consumers to patronize local retailers and assisting new business owners,” Skaar emphasized.  “We want to focus on public safety and insuring that local police have the support they need.”
            For more information about the candidates and the upcoming primary election, contact Art Skaar, Chairman, Hillsborough Democratic Organization at (908) 281-9887, e-mail him at artskaar@comcast.net, check out www.voteborodems.org or see the “Hillsborough Democrats” section in the Hillsborough Patch for future articles.