HILLSBOROUGH: GOP duo cites communication improvements

Campaign Corner material submitted by the candidates

   Republicans on the Township Committee have made local government more customer-friendly, open and transparent for Hillsborough residents, say the party’s two candidates for Township Committee.
   Eliminating no-bid contracts that previously characterized the local government professional vendor process has been key, said Mayor Carl Suraci and running mate Greg Burchette.
   The open competitive bidding process for professional contracts, which the township has been following since 2005, results in the township getting high-quality formal proposals, they said, and allowed hiring the best possible expert professional services at a reasonable cost, they said.
   Mr. Suraci and Mr. Burchette said open government also means bringing citizens into the process as early as possible. They cited a local rule, implemented in 2008, that notifies residents of proposed zoning changes when they are being initially considered, when it’s easiest to make changes, they said.
   The Township Committee provides residents access to information through its Web site on which news, announcements and all public documents, such as proposed ordinances and budget information, are posted.
   The township videotapes Township Committee and Planning Board meetings, and shows them, a calendar of events and news bulletins cable channel 29. Information is distributed through Twitter, and emergency bulletins are sent via Nixle. An award-winning weekly e-newsletter is sent to those who request it.
   Dog license applications and sign-ups for recreational programs are available on the Web site.