Democratic Candidates Outline Priorities Prior to Election

This year’s election is all about priorities and a vision for our future. Our lives are changing as we speak, so is our environment.  We have been clear as to what our priorities are and our Republican candidates have outlined their priority and it is cut, cut and more cuts.  And when will their actions result in tax decreases?  The all Republican Township Committee has had eight years of control of our Township Committee; our taxes have gone up and now our vital services our being slashed with no end in sight. Tax and spend Republican candidates have not told us what future they envision for Hillsborough beyond cuts, cuts and more cuts that only result in higher taxes and less services.

Here is what we stand for:

We will always maintain that maintaining public safety is the primary duty of local government.

We will be fiscally responsible, recognizing the challenges of today’s economic realities that require tough choices.  We will demand full transparency in the development and introduction of the budget.  Our priorities will reflect the needs of the residents of Hillsborough, not special interests or paid professionals.  We will re-negotiate all contracts for paid part time professional services to achieve the absolute best value for Hillsborough residents.

We will treat all people with respect. We will not make jokes during critical debates about public safety as one of our opponents recently did.  We will not arrogantly “close the door” on debate as was recently done by a current member of the all Republican Township Committee. 

We will only appoint exceptionally qualified individuals to work for the residents of Hillsborough and not the politically well connected.  The current all Republican Township Committee recently appointed their Republican Municipal Chair as Township Administrator and Clerk even though he never had any experience running a municipality and lacked the required certifications.

We will support our quality education system and work closely with education professionals to fully understand the impact of the decisions we may be asked to make.  We will not make drastic budget cuts and notify the Board of Education only hours before they are made.

We will immediately revitalize efforts to establish Hillsborough as a unique regional destination for shopping and entertainment and be stronger economically by implementing plans for a clearly identifiable, walkable downtown that will bring jobs, revenue and pride to our community.

We will make appointments of residents to Township Boards and Commissions without checking the party affiliation of the applicant.  Recent requests by Democrats to volunteer to serve the community have been repeatedly denied and ignored by the Republicans. 

We will work for ethics reform locally by passing an effective ordinance limiting campaign contributions from entities that want to do business with the Township, not just pass a non-enforceable resolution that simply is not effective to limit the practice of pay to play.

We will not deprive voters of Hillsborough of an opportunity to hear different points of view and ask questions as our opponents recently did by refusing to attend a student-sponsored public forum.  Duck and hide Republicans must be held accountable to the residents.

We recognize that collective bargaining is a process where both sides must genuinely desire to achieve a sensible outcome in order to achieve results that benefit all the residents of Hillsborough.

Hillsborough does not exist in a vacuum.

Republicans control the U.S House of Representatives and are also saying simplistically “cut, cut and cut more”.  Also, our Governor has similarly taken away critical funding to our municipalities.  The all-Republican Township Committee thinks it is more important to say yes to the Governor than stand up for the residents of Hillsborough.  The middle class in Hillsborough is being squeezed while the very wealthy have not been asked to make sacrifices. 

With the all Republican Township Committee debate is non-existent, questions are not asked, discussions are pre-scripted and decisions are pre-ordained.

Protecting the public interest has been our career long vocation. We bring leadership, financial and accountability skills to the table. Our professional and lifetime experiences have prepared us to be thoughtful, respectful, creative, and resourceful.  We have strong values and an absolute commitment to our employer, you, our fellow Hillsborough residents.  

You can find out more about us at www.hdaonline.org or Hillsborough Democratic Alliance on facebook.  

We ask for your vote on November 8th.

Thank you,

Aldo Martinez

John Reddan

Democratic Candidates for Township Committee