Citing Record, DelCore 'Humbly' Asks for Voters' Support

I have had the distinct privilege of twice being elected by the voters of Hillsborough to serve on the Township Committee.  In addition, it has been a great honor to serve three years as mayor, including this year.  I am now seeking re-election for another 3-year term on the Township Committee.

During my six years on the Township Committee, I have been very fortunate to work with a number of colleagues that share a vision for Hillsborough and are committed to the betterment of our community.  I believe that together we delivered on pledges and promises made, and I am very proud of our record of accomplishment.  

First and foremost, I pledged to promote a business-like approach to local government and to maintain fiscal responsibility.  During my time in office, municipal spending has been reduced to the point where we now spend less in the municipal budget than we did six years ago.  I don’t believe many townships in NJ can make that claim.   

This has been accomplished through the continuous scrutiny of all municipal spending, the combination or elimination of positions, and the increased use of shared services to reduce costs.  

Another major pledge during my prior campaigns was to work for the construction of the Route 206 Bypass.  Just this week, at a ceremony we hosted with Gov. Christie, the first completed section of the Bypass was officially opened to the public.  This milestone, which many said would never happen, is now a reality that, when completed, will lessen congestion along Route 206, and pave the way toward the future Town Center that is envisioned in our Township Master Plan.  

Importantly, we have stayed true to our pledge to continue the aggressive acquisition of open space to limit over-development.  A number of large, strategic open space acquisitions, including the 360-acre GSA property and the 235-acre PID property, have been a result of the policy and decisive action of this Township Committee.  In fact, nearly 33 percent of Hillsborough is now preserved and off limits to developers. 

In addition, while I am a strong supporter of open space acquisition, I also believe that taxpayers should have access to the open space that has been purchased with your tax dollars.  Earlier this year, the Township Committee approved a ballot initiative that will allow the voters to determine if, starting in 2014, we can use up to 20 percent of the open space monies collected each year to make improvements to open space to facilitate recreation.  

These improvements could include hiking and biking trails, walking paths, picnic areas, boating facilities, playgrounds, and ball fields.  I believe that greater recreational opportunities will lead to an improved quality of life in Hillsborough, and I therefore support the ballot initiative.  

Finally, I am very proud of the recognition the township has received again this year from Money Magazine, which for the third time named Hillsborough to its prestigious list of Best Places to Live in America.  I am particularly proud that all three of these listings have come during my terms on the Township Committee.  This year, Hillsborough was number 16 on the list, the highest ranking we have achieved.  

While this designation is not solely attributed to the excellent stewardship by the Township Committee, I believe that our actions, including our fiscal and open space policies, have contributed significantly to the ranking.  Number 16 is a tremendous accomplishment, but I believe with continued strong leadership in our municipal government, the number 1 ranking is a goal within our reach. 

It has been a great honor to serve on the Hillsborough Township Committee for the past six years.  I, along with my Township Committee colleagues, have worked diligently to accomplish the achievements noted above.  

If I am fortunate enough to be re-elected to another 3-year term, you have my commitment that I will continue to govern with the best interests of Hillsborough as my priority.  

Thank you for the opportunity to serve Hillsborough these past six years.  I hope that I have earned your trust and I humbly ask for your vote on Nov. 5th.

Frank DelCore

Republican candidate for Township Committee