Independent Candidate: Status Quo Not Enough

The following is a Letter to the Editor from independent Township Committee Candidate Judd Mandell.

The recent controversy between Mr. Goldberg and Mr. Suraci sheds light upon  the true problem with partisan politics: it is ineffective for our town and detracts from focusing on real issues. As a candidate for Township Committee, I found it striking how challenging Mr. Goldberg and Mr. Suraci were with one another regarding the business administrator position.

Mr. Ferrera may end up being the best Township Administrator we ever have, but the process of his appointment is questionable and raises concerns to town residents. As residents of this town, we are all responsible for how transparent our local government is because we are all in this together.

My slogan is Helping Hillsborough's Future because the status quo will not be enough to maintain quality of life in Hillsborough. My candidacy offers the opportunity to elect action through civil dialogue instead of political bullying. I have good listening skills and can interact with fellow committee members to approach issues in logical and thoughtful ways. It's my intention to serve the whole township–parents, business owners, students, farmers, and local organizations–to work together towards a thriving Hillsborough. I want to know what you care about. Email me [juddmandell@comcast.net] and tell me or talk to me when you see me in your  neighborhood.

Great towns have great vision. When our township committee has a clear vision for the town center or the GSA depot which are two major areas of  development that will affect us all, it will be able to attract interested  businesses. As I’ve introduced myself to residents, I’ve been unable to find residents who have a good sense of what the town’s master plan is. Even if the master plan is terrific, there hasn’t been enough communication and therefore people keep asking what the delayed 206 Bypass is supposed to improve. I aspire to add an increased level of transparency and communication to the existing Township Committee.

A Hillsborough resident since 2003, Judd Mandell lives on Fieldhedge Drive with his fiancé Jennifer and daughter Haley and sons Colin and Conroy. He owns Landscape Better LLC, a sustainable landscaping business based in Hillsborough. He has a degree in environmental planning and design from Cook College, Rutgers University and is a certified artisan of decorative concrete. Judd has been a volunteer township recreational soccer coach since 2007. He has created educational programs for Woodfern Elementary School to enrich children's minds and artistic skills, to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day. He is a founding board member of Borogreen, an avid hiker and adventurer. He will build a sense of community for all residents of Hillsborough.