Four candidates seek mayor’s post in Rocky Hill

Three to seek two open seats on council

By: Jake Uitti
   ROCKY HILL — Borough Councilmen Richard Batchelder, Brad Merritt and Ed Zimmerman, and resident Bill O’Brien, have announced their candidacy for the open position of mayor in the borough — with Mayor George Morren not seeking re-election — and residents Dan Harrington, Todd Hunter and Eileen Uhrik have announced their candidacy for the two open seats on the council — those of Ms. Uhrik and Mr. Zimmerman.
   Council President Batchelder, Mr. Hunter and Ms. Uhrik are running on the Republican ticket, Mr. Merritt is running as an independent, and Mr. Zimmerman and Mr. Harrington are running as a team as independents. Mr. O’Brien is running on the Democratic ticket for mayor with, he said, two still-unnamed residents who will run for the seats on council.
   "I think I’m qualified to (run for mayor)," said Mr. Batchelder, who said he has been on council for about 13 years. He noted that responsible spending, support for Rocky Hill’s emergency services and support of public safety are some of his main concerns.
   Mr. Merritt said he has lived in the borough for about 25 years and has served on council for about 13 years.
   "I’d like to continue working toward open government in the borough, and also to ensure inclusion with everyone in town, including people with different interests and concerns," he said. "’"Mr. Merritt noted that issues such as suggestions at the state level that municipalities begin to pay for State Police coverage are also a concern for him.
   Mr. Batchelder and Mr. Merritt would retain their seats on council if their bids for mayor are unsuccessful.
   Mr. Zimmerman said he has lived in the borough for about 10 years, has three children and has been on the council for about three years.
   "I believe we need to look forward," Mr. Zimmerman said. "I am for renewing the contract with the South Bound Brook Police Department, against paying more for the State Police and am opposed to the gas tanks on top of Wawa."
   Mr. O’Brien, who has lived in the borough for six years and works for the State of New Jersey, said, "I am running for mayor because I continue to believe we need new direction and leadership in Rocky Hill. We need a borough government that’s as good as the people of Rocky Hill, one that’s open and listens to their concerns and will act on them in a positive and productive way. And we have not had that over the last several years. One of the principle issues for the borough is the proposed Wawa on the Princeton GammaTech site, which I vehemently oppose."
   One of the three candidates for council, Mr. Harrington said he has lived in the borough for about four years, has two children and works for Chanel USA as the executive director of construction and facilities.
   "I think I could be an asset," he said. "I have always loved the old-town feel, and small-town politics interests me. I feel I can really make an impact and that’s why it’s worth getting involved." Mr. Harrington said his concerns range from municipal taxes and the Schafer Tract to the proposed Wawa development.
   Mr. Hunter, who has lived in the borough for 12 years, and is a recent graduate of Lehigh University, said, "I am fond of the emergency services. I have been an EMT since I was 18. I want to improve our state of preparedness, the way we act with surrounding communities, as well as increase the revenue going into the fire department while keeping everything volunteer. ‘"
   Ms. Uhrik has been living in the borough for about three years and has been on the council since January.
   "I wanted to run for a longer term," she said. "I want to keep taxes as low as possible, keep the environment clean and keep communication open between neighbors and council members."