Editor’s note: This is the complete statement on accessibility and transparency issued by the Democrats running for Hillsborough Township Committee.
Hillsborough Township Committee Democratic candidates Thuy Anh Le and John Beggiato envision a local government that provides information to residents in a clear and timely manner. This allows residents to have a say in Hillsborough’s future. Here are two examples of how they have already brought issues to light for the benefit of residents.
In 2013, many residents were frustrated by the Township Committee’s attempt to divert future Open Space money from purchasing still-available land. Members of the Township Committee would not say what their plan was for the diverted money or agree to a needs analysis. The Friends of Hillsborough Open Space (FOHOS), a non-partisan open-space advocacy group whose founding members included John and Thuy Anh, launched a public awareness campaign. This non-partisan group was challenged by the Hillsborough Republican Election Committee in the form of distorted mailers, a newsletter, signs, and robocalls. Two public forums, press releases, and numerous letters to the editors were just some of the ways that John and Thuy Anh, as FOHOS members, helped the public to understand the diversion of the Open Space Trust Funds and how future open space acquisitions positively reduce the infrastructure strains that development causes. The ballot question was resoundingly defeated and open space acquisition has not been curtailed.
On March 11th of this year, the Township Committee introduced an ordinance for payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for an off track wagering (OTW) facility . At the next township committee meeting only two weeks later, the Township Committee voted unanimously for the PILOT ordinance, despite substantive concerns expressed by residents just before they voted. When pressed by John Beggiato, the township attorney stated that the Committee knew of the developer’s proposal for an OTW by Fourth Quarter, 2013. In fact, in an article published on March 20th in the Star Ledger , just days before the March 25th PILOT ordinance vote by the Township Committee, Mayor Tomson was quoted as saying "The ratables are certainly appreciated, but after visiting the Woodbridge location, I’m not concerned about the betting anymore". Tim McMahon, President of McCloone’s Restuarants, referring to Green Brook residents successfully fighting an OTW in 2007, said "There’s a level of assurity that it’s going to move forward (in Hillsborough) but you never know until everything is done." Le and Beggiato’s reaction? "Why did McMahon have a ‘level of assurity’ when residents had not even had a chance to publicly comment?", they say.
Little did the Township Committee understand the sentiment of Hillsborough residents because residents started both online and paper petitions within days after that ordinance passed which garnered thousands of signatures. Many local businesses also signed because of the unfairness that a business related to gambling would actually pay less in taxes than a mainstream business.
In the meantime, no information has been forthcoming from the Mayor’s office about the status of the application which originally was to have had a hearing with the State Racing Commission in May. In mid-September, Robert Kulina, President of Darby Development, stated in a NJ.com article that he was looking forward to a potential hearing in October. By following up on the OTW proposal at the September 23rd Township Committee meeting, Thuy Anh Le ascertained from Township Administrator Anthony Ferrara that the application had still not been filed with the Racing Commission. "Why doesn’t the Township Committee provide a monthly status update to help residents be aware of the progress of the OTW project", states Le. " Parents of busy families need advance warning if they want to share their concerns about the OTW facility with the NJ Racing Commission at the required public meeting."
As elected Township Committee members, Thuy Anh and John will continue to question issues on behalf of residents. "Hillsborough residents deserve to have information in a timely manner so that they have time to understand proposals that affect the quality of life in our town" say Le and Beggiato. "We also look forward to proposing ways to reduce our tax burden. While we understand that the township government strives to keep taxes low and maintain ratables, we believe that our fresh ideas will allow a reinvigorated Township Committee to partner with local businesses and regional attractions to bring visitors to Hillsborough. The current approach of jeopardizing our Open Space acquisition program, cutting municipal jobs, and reactive rather than visionary business development underserves our businesses, residents, and our youth, just to name a few." they say.
Le and Beggiato pledge to bring open government to Hillsborough that residents deserve. "We lead by gathering good information, involving interested participants from the public, collaborating, communicating, and making sound decisions", said John Beggiato. "We want to serve the residents of Hillsborough by speaking up about issues that affect our quality of life, always have and always will!" said Thuy Anh Le.
