HILLSBOROUGH: What makes Township Committee candidates tick?

Five cite their personal strengths

By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
   Five candidates for Township Committee were asked to name two or three personal characteristics that would distinguish their service on the Township Committee.
   Two three-year seats on the governing body will be determined Nov. 6. The five are Democrats Michael Goldberg and Jim Farley, independent Judd Mandell and Republicans Carl Suraci and Greg Burchette.
   Mr. Burchette cited his positive attitude, enthusiasm, and moral lifestyle.
   He said he stays optimistic and positive, which he has found essential.
   ”Staying positive on the inside helped me to see problems clearly and find solutions, without the clouding of judgment and insight brought about by negativism,” he said. “The Township Committee is a team. I see my positive attitude and what it brings to the team being a big help in getting good things done for Hillsborough.”
   Enthusiasm might be seen as the same trait, “but the important ingredient it adds to that is sheer energy,” he said.
   He said he was I am proud to live by a code of sound moral principles.
   ”I believe in the importance of personal honor, in being a man of my word, in dealing straight with people, in obeying the law and in how I conduct myself in general,” he said.
   Mayor Suraci said his three, in no particular order, were being a listener, goal oriented and honest and trustworthy.
   ”To be an effective member of the Township Committee, I want to know what others are thinking,” he said. “I don’t allow any differences in beliefs and assumptions to cause me to reject other perspectives.”
   As a member of the Township Committee, he’s set goals to meet commitments he’s made to residents, he said.
   ”I believe my record demonstrates this,” he said. “Today, we have a culture of fiscal responsibility and a business-like approach to government. We have the lowest spending per capita. Yet, we expanded services, continued to acquire open space and preserve farmland and expanded recreational opportunities.”
   Mr. Goldberg said he was much defined by his struggle to obtain Medicaid for his mother.
   The challenge was met with one dead end or “no” answer after another, calling upon him to make one more phone call, letter, fax, email or trip.
   He said he encountered people who said “give up; it is too complicated” and offered no help. But he also discovered people who would work with him, become an ally and help him move forward.
   ”I would not give up,” he said. “Being persistent, resourceful and tenacious moved the process forward, and it is now resolved.”
   He said he’d do the same on the Township Committee.
   ”I understand issues can be very complicated,” he said. “But I can assure the voters, I will dedicate myself to finding the answers and solutions that will make Hillsborough a better place. I know how to get things done.”
   His running mate, Mr. Farley, said he would represent all residents “through honesty, trustworthiness, dedication and commitment.”
   Mr. Mandell said his open-minded, nonpartisan nature gives him freedom.
   ”Being nonpartisan not only allows me to listen to both of the parties, but also to the people who remain independent,” he said. “I want to create bridges in the community. Collaboration needs to occur across artificial boundaries.”
   He said, “Our town has a fiscal responsibility to put its time and resources towards actions that reflect the core values of the community and evaluate the effects of those actions publicly. I know that pesticides are spayed on the land across the street from my home. I know there are better ways of managing for invasive species that do not increase spending, endanger the health of our waterways or you and me.”
   As for perseverance, “as a struggling small business owner, I cannot afford to give up,” he said. “As a result, I have built mutually beneficial partnerships and enhanced my work ethic to drive my business towards success. I am achieving an increase in clients and revenue through greater communication and defined goals.”