To the editor:
This November 3rd, cast your ballots to re-elect Deputy Mayor Greg Burchette, a responsible and competent elected official. All of this is reflected in his public service, first as a committeeman and then as our deputy mayor.
During his service in public office, Greg and his team have shown their commitment to delivering lean and responsible budgets, and indeed they have. In fact, their recent municipal budgets show current spending is at 2008 spending levels. Greg has also shown competence by taking on big projects and working together with members of our community to deliver results, such as the successful implementation of the Shop Hillsborough program — a program that has benefited our community of homeowners, renters and businesses. It is not very often that we have the benefit of elected officials serving like Greg, who possess a commitment to public service and a track record to prove it.
Hillsborough’s 2014 and 2015 municipal budgets were $27,870,408, and $28,182,103, respectively. Despite costs associated with an increased snow removal activity, wages due to contractual obligations and pension contributions, our deputy mayor and his team have stayed true to their commitment to us and delivered fiscally responsible budgets. Any responsible citizen would value such commitment and fiscal restraint, especially when our budgets support important services to keep our community vibrant. Their budgets generously provide for services that benefit our entire community — services that are supported by an efficient and smart administration whose focus is on the needs of our community. No wonder our per average capital municipal tax spending is the lowest at $753.67 per taxpayer when compared with neighboring towns such as Bridgewater at $905.71 and Montgomery Township at $1,207.53.
Deputy Mayor Greg has also shown that he is capable of delivering on big things such as the Shop Hillsborough program, which was unveiled last year. This program rewards citizens for shopping and dining in Hillsborough and comes at no cost to us, the taxpayers. So far the program has generated thousands of dollars in property tax savings for residents who participate. Plus it has brought our community together by encouraging our citizens to support our business community — many of them being our fellow neighbors operating small businesses. As of this date, there are more than 80 participating businesses and more than 3,800 registered card holders, with more expected to join. Without a doubt, the Shop Hillsborough program exemplifies good government and the competence of deputy mayor and his team.
It is no surprise Hillsborough Township is a wonderful place to live. Our community is one that puts service above politics and common sense above slogans. We do this by electing officials that are responsible and sensible to our community’s needs, and with a track record to prove it. That is why this Nov.3rd, we are casting our ballots for Mr. Burchette and Mr. Suraci. We can count on them to keep moving Hillsborough forward.
Abed Medawar
Hillsborough
