By: Maureen Vella
As the Democratic candidate for Township Committee, I would like to share why I am running, who I am and some of my thoughts and ideas on how we can make Hillsborough an even better place to live.
I am running because I find it inexcusable that my opponent has chosen to raise our taxes each year he’s been on the committee – there’s no reason to believe that next year will be any different if he is in office. As an attorney I work with people looking for solutions in creative and fiscally responsible ways, I know these skills will be useful as a member of the Township Committee. What is clear to me is that every dollar is important.
I have lived in Hillsborough for 13 years with my husband, Jim DiCorcia, and our three children, James, Jonah and Gianna. I have been a cheerleading coach for the Hillsborough Dukes and I currently volunteer as a religious formation teacher at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Three Bridges.
I am a Rutgers graduate, and received my JD from Southwestern University School of Law. I have been practicing law for over 25 years, specializing in helping people work through difficult financial situations. For the past 24 years, I have operated a successful law practice, and am an Accredited Professional Mediator and a member of the New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators.
I have been vice-president and a board member of Women Helping Women and I volunteer at the Women Helping Women Legal Clinic and for Legal Services, and have served on the board of directors of the Metuchen/Edison YMCA, and the board of Women Aware. Currently, I am the vice-president of the board for BizNet.
Every year, residents are paying more in taxes – this needs to stop. We must look at every dollar as a dollar potentially saved. I know how to ask tough questions and will not be satisfied until I receive straight answers.
As Hillsborough grows, we have to insure the town doesn’t become a jumble of signs, with streets overrun by trucks and cars. As a business owner, I personally understand the challenges faced by the business owners in town. Hillsborough must not become "just another town" with a bypass taking business traffic away – a rational, thoughtful concept is essential to our future economic development.
Due to current single party representation on the Township Committee, debate on important issues is nonexistent. Over 99 percent of the time, the committee unanimously agrees, without discussion, on issues. This leads to second-rate governing. The residents of Hillsborough deserve much better. As a professional mediator and a collaborative lawyer, I know how to work to build consensus, without leaving any bases uncovered.
I have started knocking on doors and know the people of Hillsborough are concerned about the direction of our town. Over the next seven weeks I look forward to meeting more residents, sharing more information and hope to earn their consideration as they decide who will represent them.
Maureen E. Vella
The writer is the Democratic candidate for the Township Committee.
