CANDIDATES FORUM, Nov. 3
Mary Regan-Seither
Republican candidate, Rocky Hill Borough Council
I believe in public service. My platform and that of my running mates has been for open government, controlled taxes, emergency services and fiscal management. To me, open government means not only that discussions are not carried out in private, without public input, but people in the community are actively encouraged to participate in discussions of all aspects of legislation that could impact them. If anyone comes to a Borough Council or Board of Education meeting with a question, that question should be answered.
I grew up in Rocky Hill and came back here to raise my children. The administrators of Rocky Hill were fair, ethical and committed to the health of the community. This included the Borough Council, Board of Education and Community Group. I was an elected member of the Board of Education for one term. I was committed to work cooperatively, professionally and ethically while I served on the board.
Dianna Dineen’s letter in Tuesday’s Packet implying that I did not is absolutely untrue. It is also disturbing that these accusations should be made the week before the election. I would like to point out that what she describes as "ignoring the board" was specifically endorsed by the New Jersey School Ethics Commission as the proper course of action in this case. There was no finding of any personal involvement, hostility or unwillingness to work with others.
After the election was over, when I ran for re-election, the decision was published and is a matter of public record, as are the minutes of the Board of Education meetings. I hope that voters go to the polls and vote for those officials who are willing to do what is best for the community. Brad Merritt and Eileen Uhrick are able to do that, and I strongly encourage you to vote for them.
Dan Harrington
Independent candidate, Rocky Hill Borough Council
As a candidate for Borough Council in Rocky Hill, I have had the opportunity to knock on almost every door and meet so many people. I have come to learn that these people are very appreciative of the work the council does, but are extremely tired of partisan bickering that continues today. That is why I am glad that I decided to team up with Ed Zimmerman and Bill Hallman to run on a bipartisan ticket. The borough has had enough of this silliness and we need a council that can work together, whether they agree or not.
I believe I can add great value to the council. My background in management, construction projects and security will help as issues that we may see in the future will probably involve some or all of these. More importantly, as many who know me from the Co-Op Nursery School or the Traffic Calming Committee will attest, I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and do whatever it takes to get things done. I have seen the labor that Toby Whitlock and Ed put in to save the borough money and I am willing to do the same. With Toby retiring and Ed hopefully moving on to mayor, this becomes even more important.
I agree with the statement that we are running for council and not against each other. It is important to have a council that can work together, disagree when appropriate and then move on to the next issue. We may work together on some issues and take adverse positions on others. That’s good and that’s healthy, but we must end the personal nature of what is going on with our council. I have been to many of the meetings this year and I have witnessed good ideas and projects delayed or stopped for political gain rather than the good of the borough. I won’t be a part of that when serving on council. Bill Hallman and I will work with all members of the council to get things done for you while keeping an ever-mindful eye on your tax rates, your safety and restoring the commitment to the community over party politics.
I believe Ed is the right choice for mayor and Bill and I will do whatever we can to help him bring openness, civility and respect back to the government of Rocky Hill. Please vote for Ed, Bill and myself on Nov. 7.

