Sireci won’t seek committee re-election

Ferrera, Gordon, Martin and Nisivoccia

on November ballot for Township Committee
By:Melissa Edmond
   There will be at least one new face on the Hillsborough Township Committee next year, as Committeeman Steven Sireci Jr. is not running for re-election this fall.
   Facing off for two seats on the committee will be Republicans Anthony Ferrera, a current committee member, and newcomer Lisa Nisivoccia, and Democrats Sonya Martin and Dale Gordon.
   Dr. Sireci was elected to the Township Committee in 2002 and served as deputy mayor in 2003 and as mayor in 2004.
   Dr. Sireci said that the primary reason he is leaving the committee is to spend more time with his family and three children, two 11-year-olds and a 7-year-old.
   "This has been a very time-consuming position," he said. "I have a very busy job in pharmaceuticals which involves travel. I didn’t have enough time with my children. I need to step away from my second job (the committee) to devote more time to my family.
   "I never looked at myself as a professional politician," he added. "I was a citizen who wanted to make a change."
   Dr. Sireci added, "I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot and made a positive change in the government in Hillsborough. We needed to be refocused on taxpayer. I feel good about it and don’t feel unfulfilled."
   He said that he was always focused on taxpayers and trying to find savings wherever he could.
   Dr. Sireci pointed out all the things he was proud of: the zoning in Duke Estate, the new Parks and Recreation Department, putting the town center plans back on track, and having helped to move the bypass plan even though it’s still being challenged by Montgomery.
   "I don’t leave feeling a sense of things being undone that would make me want to stay longer," he said. "I feel like I can walk away with confidence."
   "I can’t staysay if I’ll come back," Dr. Sireci said, "I’ve done what I set out to do and now it’s time to get back to basics."
   He is liaison to the Capital Planning Committee, Cable Advisory Committee, and Youth Services Commission, Joint Facilities Committee, and Wildlife Management Committee.
   Dr. Sireci and his family have lived in Hillsborough for six years. After having taught and practiced radiology for over six years, Dr. Sireci transitioned to a career in the pharmaceutical industry in 1997.
   Mr. Ferrera, 39, is completing the second year of John Souren’s term after being appointed to the committee in early March 2004.
   Mr. Gordon has served on the Zoning Board of Adjustment, Capital Planning Committee, and Open Space Advisory Committee.
   Ms. Martin was elected twice and served on the committee from 1999 through 2003.
   Ms. Nisivoccia is an alternate member of the Planning Board.