By: centraljersey.com
Six people – but only one of three incumbents – will vie for three seats on the township’s Board of Education.
Filing by Tuesday were Christopher Pulsifer, Judith Haas, Jennifer Haley, Frank Herbert, Marissa Sladek and David Wald.
The election for the three-year terms and yes-no vote on the local tax levy to support the school budget will take place on Wednesday, April 27.
The two incumbents not running are Neil Hudes and Wolfgang Schneider.
Incumbent Haas of Titus Court is the only incumbent to run.
Mr. Pulsifer, of Ditmars Circle, is a former board president.
"I was on the board previously from 2002-2006," he said. "I didn’t run for re-election because of a combination of work and family situations at the time. Now I have time to serve again, so I’m interested in getting back and being involved."
Mr. Herbert of Baird Drive and Ms. Haley of Mulford Lane both said their main reason for running was to help the community. Neither named the recent budget woes as influencing the decision.
"I’ve been a resident of Hillsborough for 35-plus years. I recently retired, and I have time now to give back to the community," said Mr. Herbert, who was an electrical engineer that spent most of his career with AT&T.
Ms. Haley said, "Our children’s future is the most important thing."
Marissa Sladek lives on Dover Court, and David Wald on Bywater Court.
Mr. Pulsifer was president from 2004 through 2006.. The current budget dilemma, he said, played no role in his decision.
"When I left the board after 2006 I knew I wanted to do it again, it was just a question of when the time would be right and when the situation would be right," he said. "The reality is the last couple of years the budget has been a tough issue and it will continue to be, so this year’s budget on its own is not going to motivate me anymore. It’s an ongoing problem we’re going to have."
Ms. Haas said she believes it’s imperative "to have people on the board with experience and skills and knowledge and courage to work on the kinds of problems we’re facing.
"We have to figure out a way to accomplish affordability without assaulting the school system or the residents of the town, and striking a good balance," she said.
If elected, it would be Ms. Haas’ third term.

