Jennifer Bryson, Wertsville Road
I’ve spent many years on a farm in western Hillsborough, and during that time, have advocated for the protection of farms, open space, and natural resources, especially in the Sourland Mountains. Somerset County is a beautiful place and we need to keep it that way.
I strongly support Cecilia Birge and Doug Singleterry for Somerset County Freeholder. Ms. Birge has been a very successful advocate for open space as a committeewoman and mayor of Montgomery, which has one of the best land preservation programs anywhere. Not only has Montgomery made a substantial public investment in open space and farmland, they have an excellent record of leveraging local dollars to attract private, non-profit and state grants.
Ms. Birge is also a skilled and careful steward of taxpayer dollars, with an eye for wise investments and a solidly conservative approach to debt management. Contrary to the tone and false accusations in the campaign mailings of the Republican incumbents, Ms. Birge and Mr. Singleterry have enacted strict, effective ethics reforms in their respective townships, and will push for the same at the county level.
Somerset County will benefit from returning to a long-overdue two-party government by electing two outstanding Democrats to the five-member freeholder board.
And while we’re at it, let’s vote Democratic locally, and bring two-party government back to Hillsborough, too.
During these tough economic times, we will need fresh and inclusive approaches to protect the Sourlands, our water supplies, and our farms for future generations to enjoy.
Ms. Birge and Mr. Singleterry care about the issues that matter to me, and I trust them to serve the people wisely and well.

