CHARTER STUDY CANDIDATES
By:
Editor’s note: On Nov. 7, voters will be asked whether or not Hillsborough should establish a charter study commission to study the township’s form of government, and simultaneously, who should serve on the commission.
If voters approve the establishment of a commission, then the top five candidates from the 14 below will serve on the commission.
As a public service to our readers, we offer an introduction to the commission hopefuls, with their views on the elections and the township.
Sam Conard
I am proud to run a sixth-generation family farm in Hillsborough, one of the largest in Central Jersey.
A longtime volunteer in Hillsborough youth athletics and community organizations, I was appointed by the president to the USDA Farm Service Agency State Committee, and have been active in many regional and state-wide agricultural organizations.
My experience also includes service on the Hillsborough Township Planning Board.
My wife, Esther, and I have three children and one grandson.
Our Charter Study Commission needs to be comprised of citizen volunteers who are willing to listen to all pints of view, have an unbiased outlook on the various forms of government, and be ready to lead a dialogue and discussion with all Hillsborough residents on the best form of government for our community.
Our townshipwide review of all forms of government should not be pre-designed to force one particular form of government over any other. There should be no room on the study commission for anyone who has already made up their minds about which form is best.
I will bring an open mind, and pledge to listen and respect all residents’ opinions, before crafting any recommendations.
Amadeo D’Adamo
I am a retired professor emeritus of the City University of New York, received a PhD from Rutgers University and have lived in Somerset County for 60 years, the last 15 years as a resident of Hillsborough.
As such I am able to examine data and separate what is of most importance from what is secondarily important. In addition, I am familiar with the history of our township and surrounding towns.
Hillsborough is one of the largest townships in New Jersey and encompasses 54 square miles or about 35,000 acres. We are on a growth path; we need to examine our governmental structure which is why I ask for your vote on the Charter Study Commission.
At the present time we do not have a direct election of our mayor. The five town committee people confer amongst themselves for a one-year term.
Not only do we not elect our mayor but there can be significant discontinuities from one year to the next. In addition, considering the growth of Hillsborough within the next decade we should consider enlarging the council to seven people.
I will work to have public forums and other means for the critical decision we must make for the future of our township.
Douglas DeCicco
Voters of Hillsborough Township, my name is Douglas DeCicco. I have owned and operated the Hillsborough Barbershop for 47 years.
I am 70-years-old and have never been involved with politics.
When I first came to Hillsborough the population was somewhere between 3,000 to 4,000 people. There were more cows that people, now there are more people than cows.
With the population today between 35,000 and 40,000 people, I think it is time to look for different ways to manage the township. The charter study will be very informative and it will give the voters of Hillsborough good insight into various ways of governing.
Since I have been in Hillsborough most of my life as a resident and a business owner, and have witnessed many changes, I can provide a well-rounded view of Hillsborough for the last 50 years.
In November, I would appreciate the voters of Hillsborough Township voting for me. I anticipate the five finalists will come up with a good decision for how to govern the township.
Thank you.
Michael Detsis
As a conservative candidate on the ballot, I need your vote for Charter Study Commissioner. Voters expressed interest in ‘directly electing a mayor’ but as we all found out last November there were unexplained changes to our local government that you rejected.
As a commissioner, I am committed to limit the power of local government in intruding in our lives while insuring that it is more accountable to Hillsborough residents. If you vote for a Charter Study, vote for me because I will get everyone talking about what type of local government we want and I will especially reach out to the schools to get the kids involved. This opportunity is historic and presents a great civics lesson for all.
As a 23 year resident, with two kids in school I am a proud outspoken and independent voice in addressing local issues and contributing to my community. As a parent of a boy scout in Troop 1776 as well as one involved in Raider Football and Raider Wrestling, I have volunteered. I am excited by the opportunity to actually examine how we want our government to work and make changes if we chose.
George Farley
My name is Goegre "Cheese" Farley, residing on South Branch Road. All but a few years of my 76 years have been in Hillsborough.My tour of duty with the Strategic Air Command during the Korean Conflict took me to different parts of the world, but my civic interests stayed focused at home.
I am a life member of Fire Co. no. 1, in which I have spent 58 years. I have served in all offices.
Three of my 76 years were served on the Hillsborough Board of Education as chairman of the House and Grounds Committee, overseeing the high school construction.
I also served for five years on the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Read some of my records — they’re there for your enjoyment (or amusement).
I am running for this committee because I want to be a part of a group advocating change as to how to select our mayor — by popular vote instead of appointment by the party in power!
Also, to have a broader council, representing every corner of the township and not just the "hot" spots.
I have no strings attached and will fight for you.
Thanks for your vote.
George Fenwick Jr.
My name is George E. Fenwick Jr. I live in Tudor Court, and am 50 years old.
I am running for the Charter Study Commission because I believe the number of options available should be fully explored. I would appreciate your consideration to vote for me on Nov. 7.
It is my goal to be (1) objective and (2) educate voters in all of the choices available.
My participation in Hillsborough begins with my parents George E. and Marian H. Fenwick. Both my parents served Hillsborough in a variety of ways. My father served for many years on the Board of Adjustment. My mother served on Township Committee as a committeewoman and mayor.
My mother also served on the Board of Education and the Hillsborough Township Municipal Utilities Authority.
I presently serve on the Environmental Commission. I also serve on the Tree Mitigation Commission as chairman.
I have been the president of my condominium association for the past seven years. I have been involved with this community my whole life with Scouting, 4-H, Little Dukes, and a variety of civic organizations.
I make my home here with my wife, Janet, and children, George and Erin.
Frank Herbert
Our family has resided in Hillsborough for over 33 years. Early on I was active in various youth activities, such as with Cub Pack 289 and Boy Scout Troop 89 in various capacities during the 1970s and 1980s.
Almost since we arrived, I have had a keen interest in township government and community issues. Most recently, I have had the honor to serve as the chairman of the Hillsborough Capital Planning Committee since 2003.
I am an electrical engineer, a graduate of Brooklyn Polytechnic University. Most of my career has been with AT&T. I am presently a consultant with the Andrew Corporation in Warren.
Why do I want to be a member of the Hillsborough Charter Study Commission? To be sure that the commission conducts a thorough and objective investigation of every form of government available to Hillsborough. All forms should be open for presentation; all options should be on the table for consideration.
Each form should be discussed, compared and debated objectively and dispassionately leading to an enlightened decision.
I consider this a civic duty and everyone should be aware that I do not have any political ambitions beyond the end of the commission.
Chris Jensen
This election year, voters will be asked whether to approve the creation of a charter study commission to determine if Hillsborough should change its form of government, and at the same time to choose five members for that commission from fourteen candidates that are running for that office.
My family has lived here for more than 15 years. I have worked in IT, as a teacher, performing symphonic artist and antiques dealer.
We have engaged our community and have had the good fortune to have served it in past years. I was allowed to serve on the Board of Adjustment, the Open Space Commission, the Open Space Utilization Commission, and the Planning Board, and to chair the latter.
My wife served as a Township Committeewoman and Deputy Mayor.
These combined experiences have provided me with a great deal of knowledge about the internal functions of municipal government. It is these experiences that provide me with the ability and desire to serve our community once again in this fashion.
I feel it is a wise choice to endorse the charter study question, and I would like your vote to be one of the five commissioners chosen. Thank you for your support.
Andy Levin
My name is Andrew Levin and I have been a lifelong resident of New Jersey and a resident of Hillsborough for almost 20 years.
In fact my townhouse, which I currently live in, is my first house. I am a newlywed and have recently introduced a new member to the Hillsborough community with the birth of my first child Jack.
I am a graduate of Rutgers College in New Brunswick and currently I am a professor of computers at Delaware Valley College. I volunteer on the Hillsborough Board of Health and have been involved in many local activities.
I come to this commission with no preconceived notions and an open mind to all points of view. In fact I only have two goals concerning this commission: One is to listen and explore all possible forms of government and Two, afterwards, to suggest the best possible form that will benefit all the residents of Hillsborough.
This is an important step for Hillsborough, and a commission such as this should not begin with rigid notions or hidden agendas. This commission should be free of bias or political slants.
I ask for your support and vote for me, Andrew Levin, for this commission.
Gloria McCauley
I am a 20-year Hillsborough resident and local businesswoman. My volunteer community service includes active membership on the Economic and Business Development Commission, and the Township Capital Planning Commission. I attended Rutgers University where I studied Business Management.
As a local businesswoman and member of the Economic and Capital commissions, I am committed to listening to the community and providing a dialogue so that residents can decide, together, which form of government can best deliver services, keep costs down, and attract a healthy commercial sector to hold down residential taxes.
It is vital that the Charter Study Commission members understand the importance of helping the community decide on that form of government that is most cost-efficient for taxpayers.
From speaking with many residents, it is clear that there should be a town-wide education process about all the information necessary on all the forms of government, so that the community can form a consensus and make a decision. I want to help lead that process and develop that consensus. My education, background, and experience proves I can do that.
I am the only woman candidate running. I believe it is vital that this commission represent all of Hillsborough, in all of its diversity. It is important that all Hillsborough residents have a voice on this commission.
George Ostergren
As an active member of Hillsborough Township for over 40 years, I have gained some insight in various problems facing our community.
In particular, while serving on the Township Committee from 1991 to 1996 I became aware of the shortcomings of our form of municipal government. At that time I advocated consideration of the alternatives available.
Since leaving the committee, I have urged the formation of a Charter Study Commission as prescribed under New Jersey law to study the alternatives available.
I believe our present form of municipal government, established over 100 years ago, lacks elected executive leadership, continuity, and the adequate checks and balances necessary for honest, open government.
The remedy for these problems rest with a different municipal charter issued by the State of New Jersey. The way to achieve this is to elect a Charter Study Commission to review the alternatives available and recommend an appropriate different form of municipal government to be voted on by the citizens of Hillsborough Township.
William Page
I am the 56-year-old vice-president and Treasurer of Digital Garden Software, a Hillsborough-based software development company, and have lived in Hillsborough for over 30 years and raised three children. As a registered independent I am not affiliated with any political party but have gotten to know many of our fellow residents working with organizations such as the 4H, Project Graduation, etc. My professional career has consisted of working with many of the area’s largest companies as both an employee and a consultant providing business and software solutions.
I am well qualified to provide the talents and skills needed for the Charter Study Commission. My three decades of solving business problems, primarily in the Human Resources area, gives me the experience to understand the many diverse ideas and opinions that we will need to integrate in order to create the best solution for Hillsborough.
Evidence of my commitment and hard work can be seen in the informational Web site I created and ran last year providing voters with impartial information as well as links and opinions for and against last year’s ballot question.
James Ruocco
I’m 61-years-old and a retired school counselor, having worked 34 of my 39 years at Hunterdon Central High School in Flemington.
My wife, Linda, and I have lived in Hillsborough for 38 years and raised three daughters, all of whom attended our public schools.
I served two years on the Rescue Squad in 70s and a short term on the Open Space Committee in 1999. My interests include old houses, woodworking, driving events with the Porsche Club and cars in general, gardening and being Sofia’s Grandpa.
I’m very interested in studying our form of government, the township committee and to explore other possibilities which may or may not benefit our community. Hillsborough has grown immensely since I moved here to "the sticks" in 1968. Nobody visiting our township would describe it as such now.
Is our form of government the most efficient and effective type for our current community? Are all of our farmers, home owners, renters, business owners, students and retirees well represented by our present system?
I hope to have the privilege of exploring these questions as a committee member.
Glenn van Lier
I am a 51-year-old engineer and Chemical Technology consultant parttime, and part of a company that protects against oil spills using patented technology.
I’ve lived in Hillsborough for over 20 years and I have an excellent record of community service and volunteerism. Most recently, I became part of the Hillsborough Community Emergency Response Team that was just formed last year.
However, the most compelling experience that makes me perfectly suited to serving on the Charter Study Commission is that I know our local government and the impacts from the pressures of political groups, having served on our Township Committee from 1994 through 1999, including one year as deputy mayor and one year as mayor.
I can and I will utilize my extensive problem solving skills (Cornell University graduate, co-holder of three U.S Patents) to help us obtain and discuss all of the pertinent facts as the Charter Study Commission researches new and better forms of government.
I am not affiliated with any political organization and so I can be counted on to do what’s right for all of our residents and not just one political party. I am already extremely knowledgeable in the various forms of government available to Hillsborough Township and I look forward to helping the community create a better and more responsible municipal government.

