Locals Pete Biondi and Michael Goldberg both are running for election in the 16th Legislative District.
By: Melissa Edmond
Hillsborough could have two residents representing the 16th Legislative District in the New Jersey Assembly, with incumbent Republican Pete Biondi and Democrat Michael Goldberg both running for election.
But it appears that’s not likely to happen certainly not to the candidates.
"I don’t see that as being an issue," Mr. Goldberg about the possibility. "It would just happen to work out that way if people voted for Mr. Biondi and myself."
"I don’t think it will happen," Mr. Biondi said. "I think my running mate, Kip Bateman, and myself will be successful."
Mr. Biondi, a 30-year township resident, has over 20 years of political experience on the township, county and state level. He was mayor of Hillsborough from 1986 to 1993, a Somerset County freeholder from 1994 to 1997, and has been an assemblyman since 1998.
Republican Christopher "Kip" Bateman, 48, has been an assemblyman since 1994. He was a Somerset County freeholder from 1998 to 1994 and a member of the Branchburg Township Committee from 1983 to 1988. He is a lifetime Branchburg resident and has been a prosecutor for over 15 years.
"They have zero experience," Mr. Biondi said about his opponents. "They haven’t served on a local, county or state level."
Mr. Goldberg, a 20-year township resident, and his running mate Charles Eader, a Bedminister resident, admitted that they are political neophytes.
"Sometimes that allows you to bring a fresher perspective," said Mr. Goldberg. "I would work very hard on the issues with the people in power currently and demonstrate that the life and business experience I have will translate into working well facing the issues that we are experiencing today."
Democrats Mr. Goldberg, 53, and Mr. Eader, 39, said they have strong political interest and involvement as well as strong community involvement. Mr. Eader has worked for AT&T since 1995 and Mr. Goldberg owns his own marketing business that he started in 1998.
Mr. Eader is his district’s representative to the Bedminster Democratic Committee and an appointed member of the Bedminster Township Board of Health.
Mr. Goldberg is vice chairman of the Hillsborough Cultural and Arts Commission. He was active in the effort to petition for a change of government in Hillsborough, and lost a bid for a seat on the Township Committee last year.
He said that after the loss, he went through a period of decompression.
"When it was over, I sat down and said, ‘Wow. I still want to keep going and there’s nowhere to go,’" Mr. Goldberg said.
He said that his experiences from last year and the people he met created the basics to run for the Assembly this year.
"I know it will be a challenge but it’s a challenge I enjoy. I want to make this district better for everyone" he said. "I’m focused on winning."
Mr. Goldberg and Mr. Eader charged Mr. Biondi and Mr. Bateman with serving their own self-interests rather than the interests of the people. They said that the vast majority of people they have talked to while campaigning do not know the names of their current assemblymen.
Mr. Biondi said that he is a full-time legislator and a retired businessman. "I’m in my Legislative office every day with the exception of when I’m in Trenton," he said.
He said that his future goals are the same goals he’s always had.
"I want to be able to serve my constituents," he said. "I enjoy being able to help people regardless of their party affiliation."

