Bedminster Republicans

BEDMINSTER TWP. – The Bedminster Republican Municipal Committee has endorsed incumbent Colin Hickey for Township Committee.

Hickey is running for his second, three-year term. He was first appointed to complete an unexpired term in 2017, and was then elected to a full term in November of that year.

A township resident for 28 years, first residing in Stone Run, he now lives in the Clucas Brook neighborhood with his wife, Wendy, and daughter, Taylor.

A businessman who specializes in start-ups and the tech sector, Hickey first served on the Environmental Commission, where he later became chairman. In 2017, he was named to an advisory panel convened to assist the Land Use Board with its master plan re-examination.

In a press release, the Republican Municipal Committee said Hickey “has been the voice for smart growth, advocating for initiatives that temper size and scale while improving ratables to keep property taxes low.

“He has teamed with Mayor Larry Jacobs to encourage AT&T’s long-term viability in Bedminster, while exploring potential alternatives to ensure the campus remains a vital technology hub,’’ it said. “He has worked tirelessly to make JCP&L more responsive to power outages in The Hills, and is now championing the recently formed Public Utilities Committee to improve service reliability and combat rate increases.’’

Hickey is the committee’s primary liaison to the township Board of Health, Board of Education and Recreation and Technology committees. He also serves on the Land Use Board.

“His constant attention to budget details underlies his ongoing efforts to make local government more efficient and responsive to the residents,’’ the press release said.

His campaign, it continues, “will focus on his passions – keeping Bedminster’s property taxes low, improving the community’s quality of life and making local government work for the taxpayers.’’

“Colin is uniquely qualified to lead Bedminster,’’ said RMC Chairman Steve Parker, a former township mayor. “His business acumen and dedication to the community will ensure that Bedminster continues to lead Somerset County in low taxes and a high quality of life.”

The five-member Township Committee is currently all Republican. The Democratic Party has yet to announce its candidate this year.

The primary election in New Jersey is on Tuesday, June 2.

This article originally appeared in the Bernardsville News on March 6, 2020.

The Bedminster Republican Municipal Committee will hold their primary candidate screening on February 26 at 6:30pm in the Clarence Dillon Public Library, Lamington Road and US Hwy 206. There is one seat on the Bedminster Township Committee for nomination for the 2020 general election. If interested in screening as a candidate or running for the 2020-2022 Republican Municipal Committee, contact Chairman Steve Parker at [email protected]

EDITOR: Good local government relies on great teamwork. In Bedminster, the proof of that is reflected in having the lowest tax rate in Somerset County, in the accolades that the town received from New Jersey Monthly and in the tremendous community pride that is shared by Bedminster residents.

The success that we experience is in large part due to the trust that the Township Committee members have in each other, even when we don’t always agree on specifics.

As a Committeeman, Doug Stevinson exhibits the same teamwork that he teaches as a youth basketball coach. Working with the other Township Committee members and staff, he has overseen the improvements to our parks and public facilities, restructured our employee personnel policies, assured that our contracts remain cost-effective and made certain that our at-risk seniors were being provided with safe living conditions.

Doug has been with me throughout this last year of police contract negotiations and his legal acumen was critical to Bedminster arriving at a fair disposition with our police. And, of course, budget season means all hands on deck, and that is when Doug is a fullthroated advocate for Bedminster taxpayers making sure our tax dollars are spent wisely.

Over the past several months, Gina Fernandez has attended Township Committee meetings taking notes and studying up on the issues, including the operation of the municipal budget.

Anyone familiar with Bedminster PTO’s Spring Fling can attest to her preparation, leadership and organizational skills. As a school teacher, she is certainly accustomed to preparing daily lesson plans and exhibiting subject matter expertise. I see that she is taking that same diligence as a candidate and I have no doubt she will do the same as a Bedminster Township Committeewoman. Fernandez has established her credentials as a strong team member and will be a terrific asset to the Township Committee.

In the coming years, the committee will again be faced with tough budget and contract negotiations. I hope that Bedminster voters will join me in voting Doug Stevinson and Gina Fernandez for the Township Committee team. They are both champions for our residents who will work tirelessly to keep Bedminster the envy of Somerset County – low taxes, great services and an exceptional quality of life.

LARRY JACOBS
Mayor
Bedminster Township

EDITOR: Don’t you want someone to really listen to you, have your best interests at heart and be fully vested in the community in which you live?

I do, and the more I learned about, and have gotten to know, Doug Stevinson and Gina Fernandez, they are just that and exactly the right people to lead our wonderful town of Bedminster.

Serving in his third year on the Township Committee, Doug has helped reduced spending and delivered a budget, which has kept Bedminster taxes among the lowest in Somerset County. Two years ago, the budget remained flat with a zero tax increase from 2017 to 2018. This year, the total appropriations for 2019 decreased from 2018.

He is the committee liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission, police, fire and department of public works – well respected and has established relationships to get things done. Active in our community, having served on the Land Use Board, Recreational Committee, Far Hills Little League and Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House, he brings insights to how the town operates and can negotiate and implement favorable policies for us.

Gina, bringing a fresh voice and a fresh perspective as an educator and public school volunteer, offers new and practical ideas from her proven leadership in fund-raising – raising over $100,000 for Bedminster School, teaching, community service and advocacy on behalf of parents.

She has done her homework on the budget and township regulations; she cares about the well-being of your children, serving parent teacher organizations and chair of Bernards High Project Graduation; and she brings passion to children’s causes. She founded an after school club, the Hispanic Heritage Club. Her energy is boundless and her commitment ongoing.

Together, Doug and Gina will adopt annual budgets below the rate of inflation, support commercial enterprises and equestrian activities to lessen residential tax burdens and negotiate new shared services arrangements to continue fiscal responsibility. They will put taxpayers first.

They will enhance our quality of life by expanding recreational facilities, preserving Bedminister’s rural heritage, and advocating for the revitalization of Pluckemin Park. They plan to strengthen youth activities, co-sponsor educational community programs with Bedminster School and Environmental Commission, and reform land use regulations to encourage homeowner reinvestment, growth and prosperity.

I’ve joined them on neighborhood walks, and the eagerness to hear residents’ needs, concerns and desires is sincere. While walking in District 8, which is affordable housing, Gina conversed in Spanish with residents to ensure she and Doug heard their opinions. They are inclusive, respect diversity and will represent everyone.

I trust Doug Stevinson and Gina Fernandez to understand my needs and put all of the people of Bedminster first. That’s why I’m voting for them; please do the same on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

ALICIA BERKOWITZ
The Hills
Bedminster Township

EDITOR: The overwhelming burden of taxes is the greatest challenge to living in New Jersey, and the reason most of us know somebody who has left, or is planning to move out of the state. Property taxes are most often cited as the tipping point.

In Bedminster, we are fortunate to have among the lowest property taxes in the state. This does not happen by accident – it takes responsible government at both the municipality and the county.

Doug Stevinson continues to lead the Township Committee by pursing shared services and efficiencies. Doug negotiated the most recent police contract that is both fair to the union and provides budget stability for the coming years. The police department constitutes the largest line item in Bedminster’s budget.

While fighting for the taxpayers, he still championed quality of life improvements for the community like the dog park on River Road.

Gina Fernandez will bring the innovation of a tireless community volunteer. She ran our local Girl Scout Troop, co-chaired the Bedminster PTO Spring Fling fund-raiser, and Bernards High School “Project Graduation.”

If you have children in Bedminster, you likely already have been touched by Gina’s caring leadership. She has a strong record of doing “more with less” and will bring those skills to the Township Committee.

Your property tax bill would be out of control without the Somerset County Freeholder Board keeping a lid on their budget. Pat Walsh has served as a freeholder for 12 years. In that time the county budget has remained stable; even cut taxes in recent years.

Somerset County continues to have a Triple A bond rating and quality services due to Pat Walsh’s leadership.

Bill Parenti, North Plainfield’s police chief, is running for Somerset County sheriff. He puts public safety as job one, but pledged to run a lean Sheriff’s Department that will work more closely with municipal police departments to save each township department costs.

Bill has programs to fight the opioid epidemic that have already been adopted by retiring Sheriff Frank Provenzano and praised by his opponent. Parenti is uniquely qualified to serve Somerset County well as our next sheriff.

I was heartened to read your recent article profiling the Township Committee candidates. In it they all agreed that the committee has done a good job managing the budget and they appreciate our lower taxes.

Budget responsibility is all too rare in government these days – look no further than Trenton and Washington – we need to keep Bedminster on the right track.

Please join me in voting for Doug Stevinson and Gina Fernandez for Bedminster Township Committee, along with Pat Walsh for Somerset County Freeholder and Bill Parenti for Sheriff on Nov. 5.

STEVEN PARKER
Airport Road
Bedminster Township
Editor’s note: The writer is a former Bedminster Township mayor.

EDITOR: Doug Stevinson and Gina Fernandez are the natural choices for Bedminster Township Committee. Conservative values and traditions of low taxes and less government have made Bedminster an idyllic and affordable refuge in an environment of high real estate taxes.

Doug has a long record of active service to the community in a wide range of involvements including serving on the Open Space Committee and the Land Use Board.

Additional volunteer roles reflect his passion for recreation – coach, past president of the local Little League, and a former Recreation board member.

As a member of the Township Committee, Doug advocates for the residents of Bedminster. He is helping those who live in Pluckemin Park prompt their landlord to make overdue improvements and helped Hills residents by adding crosswalks to improve safety.

Throughout the township, he supports increased investments by JCP&L in infrastructure upgrades to reduce power outages.

Doug’s commitments to lowering taxes, seeking support from the county and state, and exploring shared services opportunities are important to keeping Bedminster affordable. His consistent dedication continues to make Bedminster a great place to live and raise a family.

Gina also has a record of active involvement as a Girl Scout leader, Bedminster Parent and Teachers Organization board member, and Bernards High School Project Graduation steering committee member. In each of these community service roles, she raised huge sums to enhance the educational and extracurricular experience for students.

With experience as an educator, translator, community leader and parent, Gina is a strong advocate for families and our schools.

On Nov. 5, I encourage you to vote for Doug and Gina – the team committed to fiscal austerity and preserving our low tax rates – for Bedminster Township Committee.

RICHARD TRAVAGLINI
Bedminster

EDITOR: I have lived in Bedminster, specifically The Hills, for 17 years, and spent most of that as a board member for both my neighborhood and the master association here, and the last eight years volunteering on township boards.

In that time I have had a chance to see that not only is Bedminster a great place to live, but also is well run, and on a low tax budget. In addition, our local government has proven tirelessly and many times to be responsive to our community.

Over the last few years, the Hills master associations have invited Township Committee members to attend their meetings to answer questions and update residents on what’s happening in town. Current Committeeman and candidate Doug Stevinson has fulfilled this role many times.

He and other committee members have also been instrumental in helping The Hills neighborhoods and other parts of the township address frequent power failures in recent years. This has been achieved by working with the local power utility (JCPL) to repair aging equipment and streamline the outage alert notices. JCPL, township and community leaders meet periodically throughout the year to monitor progress and keep things moving.

Doug has also been a big part of helping parts of The Hills with crosswalk installations and street light repairs on township roads feeding The Hills.

Like Doug Stevinson, Gina Fernandez comes to the plate with a similar devotion and years of volunteering for our township. This devotion has proven to benefit Bedminster in every instance. I feel that Gina will be a great asset to the committee.

Both candidates are listening to the needs of The Hills, the largest part of Bedminster’s population.

Both candidates also bring a wealth of experience with our local school and will work hard with the board of education to provide our school students with the best education possible, and do so with our continued low property taxes.

That is why I am voting Stevinson and Fernandez for Bedminster Township Committee on Nov. 5, and encourage Bedminster residents to do likewise. All residents, please remember to vote!

JEFFREY S. LEONARD
Bedminster

EDITOR: The women and men on the Bedminster Township Committee are well-known for taking great care of our town – keeping our taxes low, increasing open space, advocating for all residents, and volunteering their personal time to support township activities.

With Committeewoman Staci Santucci deciding not to run this year, it’s great to know that another accomplished woman has stepped up to ably fill her shoes.

Gina Fernandez is an experienced community leader who has devoted countless hours to raising funds to support programs that benefit the student body at the Bedminster Elementary School and Bernards High School. The excellent organizational skills and strong work ethic that Gina already exhibits as a teacher, a mom, and a chronic volunteer are well-suited to the demanding role of Bedminster Township committee member.

As the mother of a student at the Bedminster School whose daughter was in Gina’s Girl Scout troop for many years, it has been my good fortune to be an eyewitness to Gina’s tireless dedication to every project she takes on.

Gina’s running mate, Doug Stevinson, is seeking re-election to a second term on the Township Committee.

Over the past three years, Doug has accomplished much for the residents of Bedminster: Extended the hike and bike path, created the dog park at River Road Park, and helped Hills residents gain crosswalks for safety and a commitment from JCP&L to repair infrastructure and reduce power outages.

During his second term, Doug plans to continue to expand our trail systems through open space initiatives, renovate parks throughout the township, and seek out shared service arrangements that benefit residents and make fiscal sense.

The team of Stevinson/Fernandez is the right choice for Bedminster. They will work on your behalf to continue the efforts of the Township Committee to improve the quality of life for all.

On Nov. 5, please cast your votes for Doug and Gina, champions for Bedminster.

LORI CROWELL
Bedminster

EDITOR: As often happens during this time of year, we hear of the qualifications and resumes of candidates up for election, but sometimes miss the human element.

Folks willing to run for office, regardless of political affiliation, are typically hard-working volunteers looking to make a difference in their respective towns, and each has a story.

I have a somewhat unique perspective on Bedminster Township Committeeman Doug Stevinson, as I sit next to him on the dais.

From my vantage point, I have witnessed firsthand Doug’s emotional reaction to reports of neglect and unsafe conditions at the Pluckemin Park senior housing facility. He quickly became personally involved and used every ounce of his legal acumen to spearhead the township’s pursuit of the landlord and management company to compel the needed maintenance and repairs.

I have also seen Doug embrace the interests of the community when he organized and led discussions on ways to improve our dog park facilities. Have no doubt – people are really invested in their pets! Capably navigating the needs of the owners, the requirements of the town and budgetary constraints, Doug delivered an improved dog park at River Road Park that has been met with an overwhelmingly positive reaction.

Bedminster proudly stands at the front of the Somerset County line in creating “greenways” and open space. Doug shares that vision, and his passion for recreation has driven improvements in our parks, trails and open space areas, including the current upgrades at Pluckemin School House Park. Shovels are in the ground because Doug goes to bat time and again for all Bedminster constituents.

I have watched Doug speak with both knowledge and conviction as he has advocated for the town and its residents, be it on matters involving the police, public works or taxes, as well as issues faced by residents of The Hills, including pedestrian crosswalks and power problems. He is a true ally of all and an asset to the community at large.

Let me also share some insight into Doug’s running mate, Gina Fernandez. We all know her in town as the mom who, despite her crazy schedule, still manages to run school fund-raisers, volunteer tirelessly at PTO and HSA events and even lead a Girl Scout troop.

What you may not know about Gina is a bit of her back story. After reading a 2010 article in New Jersey Monthly magazine touting Bedminster, she moved here on a teacher’s salary, residing in affordable housing for six years before buying her current home.

In addition to working in the Union County school system, she has always had a passion for assisting underprivileged children, and has run outreach programs to provide these kids with a helping hand.

She has also served as a certified crisis intervention specialist, assisting folks in their most urgent time of need. At times, she has managed multiple jobs and worked in excess of 100 hours a week.

Her willingness to roll-up her sleeves for those in need is evident. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her energy is unbridled. She would be a welcome addition to the Bedminster Township Committee.

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, I urge my fellow residents to vote for the team that will truly be champions for Bedminster – Doug Stevinson and Gina Fernandez.

R. COLIN HICKEY
Bedminster

EDITOR: Bedminster is synonymous with a great quality of life including historic resources, open space, athletic fields, outstanding municipal services and very enviable low taxes.

Having served on the Planning Board, the Township Committee and as mayor, I spent 16 years trying to make things better. Our Township Committee is Bedminster’s caretaker and I would like to ensure that we stay on track.

Over the past three years, Bedminster Township Committee member Doug Stevinson has focused his efforts on projects that address immediate needs, such as advocating for improvements for the seniors at Pluckemin Park, and those that help position Bedminster to achieve longer term goals, such as looking for opportunities to expand our trail systems.

His tenure to date proves that he is productive, consistently maintains sound fiscal practices and is laser-focused on supporting all Bedminster residents.

Doug’s running mate, Gina Fernandez, is an experienced elementary school teacher, Girl Scout troop leader and fund-raiser for projects that benefit our youth via the Bedminster Township School Parent Teacher Organization and Bernards High School’s project graduation. These leadership roles have prepared her to take this next step in community service.

Gina’s record shows that her commitment is genuine, she puts in the time required, and she gets the job done.

Whether at the polls or by mail, your votes for Doug Stevinson and Gina Fernandez will enable them to continue to serve the community of Bedminster.

Despite the claims by the financial community, past performance is an indicator of future success. You can count on Doug and Gina to be the caretakers that will help Bedminster stay on track.

ROBERT F. HOLTAWAY
Bedminster Township

EDITOR: Candidates for Bedminster Township Committee Doug Stevinson and Gina Fernandez are focused on maintaining the excellent quality of life and sense of community that we enjoy as residents.

To that end, these multi-taskers are well-prepared to devote their time and considerable energy to helping Bedminster remain an oasis of greenways and open space in densely populated New Jersey.

Also, they will concentrate on spending your tax dollars wisely, working to keep the township’s taxes comparatively low.

Doug’s volunteerism as committee/board member – Bedminster Recreation Committee and Land Use Board, Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House and the Somerset County Open Space Advisory Committee; coach – flag football, basketball and baseball, and past President of the Bedminster-Far Hills Little League – paved the way for his election to the Bedminster Township Committee in 2016.

Since that time, Doug has continued to look out for the residents of Bedminster. His accomplishments to date are many. They include working with the community to create the dog park at River Road Park, paving the hike and bike path between River Road Park and Burnt Mills Park and allocating funding for additional park renovations throughout the township.

He is also teaming with community members in The Hills to help keep kids safe by adding crosswalks and working with JCP&L to reduce the frequency of power outages.

Gina’s outstanding work ethic is evident to all who worked alongside her in support of the Bedminster Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and Bernards High School (BHS).

With Gina as three-time chair of the annual Spring Fling fund-raiser, the PTO amassed more than $100,000 for the Bedminster Township Elementary School, put to good use providing technology for classrooms, buses for field trips, and much more.

As a member of the Project Graduation 2018 Steering Committee, her leadership and hands-on style helped the senior class raise funds to support special events throughout the school year culminating in an alcohol-free post-graduation party for the entire BHS Class of 2018.

Doug Stevinson and Gina Fernandez are the best candidates for Bedminster Township Committee.

As invested members of the community where they choose to live and raise their children, both have excellent track records of involvement and hard work that continually produces positive results.

On Nov. 5, vote for Doug and Gina for Bedminster Township Committee.

JOSEPH METELSKI
Bedminster Township

EDITOR: Take a moment and think how fortunate we are to live in such a wonderful town as Bedminster.

We have historic resources that serve the community and provide educational opportunities for all. A walk along the township’s hike and bike path or any of our other trails and parks displays the natural scenery and beauty we are lucky enough to enjoy in our town, often quite literally in our own back yards.

That doesn’t come by accident. Bedminster’s Township Committee has been hard at work for years, preserving open space, taking measures to protect our environment and maintaining the town’s historic resources.

Doug Stevinson has been part of that. He has worked with the Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House for years, helping to preserve this historic property for future generations.

He is active as the Township Committee’s new liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission. He has spent years working on behalf of our community and deserves another term in office to continue his successes.

Electing Gina Fernandez will help continue this. She is deeply committed to Bedminster and wants to maintain the quality of life we all enjoy. She has been a long serving volunteer, raising money to benefit our town’s school. Gina will bring a new energy and dynamism to our township government.

Local government is about local issues and having a vision of where a town is heading. It is about electing experienced, pragmatic people who know how to maintain a town’s quality of life.

That’s Doug and Gina. They are committed to serving Bedminster – to serving us.

I plan to vote for them, and I encourage you to do the same.

SEAN BLINN
Bedminster Township

EDITOR: As a long-time Bedminster resident, it is a source of pride to me that our town is a successful blend of a large rural area and a very developed area called The Hills.

In many ways, The Hills is a town unto themselves. We hire our own contractors for snow removal, garbage collection, landscapers and painters. We have our own rules and regulations that guide our neighborhoods in areas such as parking, outside lighting and maintenance of any patios/decking.

We do, however, look to the town to provide schools, roads, recreation space and a healthy economic atmosphere, and it is important that we have representatives on the Township Committee that can maintain the high marks we currently earn in Bedminster.

Doug Stevinson, a resident since 2004, and Gina Fernandez, a resident since 2006 and past resident of the Parkside neighborhood, understand the balance of the responsibilities of the homeowner associations and the responsibilities of the town.

As a current member of the Township Committee, Doug has been instrumental in controlling township spending and adopting budgets that keep our town taxes low. He is involved in helping to resolve issues that directly aect The Hills residents such as adding crosswalks on Robertson Road and improving the condition of the dog parks located in River Road Park and Burnt Mills Park. 

Additionally, he is actively advocating for improvements to be made to the age/income restricted community Pluckemin Park. 

Prior to being elected to the Township Committee, Doug’s experience as a member of the Bedminster Recreation Committee and past president of the Bedminster-Far Hills Little League illustrate that he is completely invested in our town.

Gina has shown her dedication to Bedminster by contributing to our children’s future, many of whom live in The Hills, in her tenure as vice president of the Bedminster PTO, chair of the Bernards High School Project Graduation for the 2017-18 school year, and 12 years as a Girl Scout Troop Leader.

Gina’s experience of working with many people to achieve success in these organizations will translate to success working on the numerous projects that the Township Committee is responsible for directing.

On Nov 5, please join me in supporting Doug Stevinson and Gina Fernandez for Bedminster Township Committee so we can continue to live in a well-balanced and well-loved town.

RENEE MARESKI
Bedminster Township
Committeewoman

EDITOR: Summer in Bedminster has been wonderful with so many great activities right in our own backyard.

Our Bedminster Farmer’s Market is tremendously successful and will continue through Saturday, Oct. 26, its last day for the year and also the date of our annual Bedminster Charities’ Fall Fest fund-raiser beneting seven Bedminster-based organizations, including the Bedminster Township School Parent-Teacher Organization, Center for Contemporary Art, Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department, Far Hills-Bedminster First Aid Squad, Pottersville Volunteer Fire Company, Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House and Friends of the Clarence Dillon Library.

But as the weather gets a bit cooler, it is also crucial to remember another important date this fall, and that is Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5.

As we know, Bedminster is a very special place, unique in its rural and equestrian character, low taxes and safety. Residents, when asked how they like living in Bedminster as you visit door to door, say, “Please don’t change a thing, we love living in Bedminster!”

Bedminster has been fortunate to have leaders in our community that care deeply and put the time and eort into making sure that Bedminster does not lose these qualities that make us very proud and able to live here.

Township Committeeman Doug Stevinson and former PTO Vice President Gina Fernandez are two such individuals who have worked hard for Bedminster to protect the quality of our everyday life.

Doug is currently serving as Township Committeeman, elected in 2016. He is the township liaison to police and re departments and department of Public Works, as well as the Historic Preservation Commission.

Prior to his election as Township Committeeman, Doug had already been extremely involved as a member of the Bedminster Land Use Board, Recreation Committee, president of BedminsterFar Hills Little League and also with the Friends of the Jacobus Vanderveer House.

In each of his assignments and on a day-to-day basis, Doug serves our residents well as he is able to utilize his legal acumen as an attorney and critically analyze issues in order to provide creative solutions.

He has worked, along with the Township Committee, to revitalize the River Road dog park, improve The Hills crosswalk and reduce Route 206 engine noise.

Doug is goal-oriented and takes each task presented as a challenge, making sure that he hits his mark in order to best represent Bedminster and its citizens.

Gina has been a resident of Bedminster since 2006 and has served very successfully as Bedminster PTO vice president, co-chairing the PTO Spring Fling fund-raiser, raising over $100,000 for Bedminster School over a three-year period.

She also chaired the Bernards High School Project Graduation for the 2017-18 school year.

In addition, as a volunteer Girl Scout Troop Leader for over 12 years, and also as an educator, Gina understands the work necessary for the success of a project and also knows the tremendous importance and value of building relationships within our community. She is an advocate for keeping our property taxes low, preserving open space and keeping our community safe.

Doug and Gina have repeatedly and consistently demonstrated their allegiance, commitment and dedication to Bedminster as leaders in our community.

As we look forward to a beautiful autumn in Bedminster, please remember to support Doug and Gina on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, so they may continue to be champions for Bedminster.

STACI SANTUCCI
Bedminster Township
Committeewoman

EDITOR: Tuesday, June 4, is Primary Day. While some consider 2019 an off-year election, particularly given the absence of a senate or gubernatorial race, it still represents an important opportunity to support your local candidates running for office.

Here in Bedminster, we are fortunate to have two very qualified individuals running for Township Committee, Doug Stevinson and Gina Fernandez.

Committeeman Stevinson is completing his first term in office, and has served our community exceedingly well. A strong advocate for recreation and open space, he championed the creation of the new dog park at River Road Park, and oversaw the expansion of the hike and bike path to Burnt Mills Park.

Most recently, he was instrumental in delivering a budget that reduced appropriations for 2019 vs. 2018, allowing Bedminster to once again be a leader in low municipal taxes.

His 15 years of voluntary service have given him the leadership and experience to deal with the most complex aspects of municipal government, and he is viewed by colleagues and constituents alike as the “go-to guy.”

Doug’s community activism, however, extends well beyond the confines of Town Hall. “Coach Doug” has been a fixture both in the dugout and court side, previously assisting our Little League baseball teams and now an integral part of our recreation basketball program. It must run in the family – his wife Suzie and their three sons are active in both Bedminster School and Bernards High. It’s rare to go to a school or township event without spotting at least one Stevinson.

Not to be outdone, if volunteerism had a face, her name would be Gina Fernandez.

A leader in our community, a teacher in Union Township and the mother of two, she does it all. Gina served as Bedminster PTO vice president and has co-chaired Spring Fling multiple years, helping to raise over $100,000 for Bedminster School.

In 2018, she also ran Project Graduation, which coordinates multiple fund-raisers and social events for the graduating class at Bernards High School.

In her “spare time” over the past 12 years, she has also served as a Girl Scout Leader for the local troop here in Bedminster.

Gina will strive to keep Bedminster a tight knit community, and her extensive volunteer work and involvement has provided her with the relationships necessary to hit the ground running on day one. She will be an asset to the Township Community, and is a worthy successor to outgoing Committeewoman Staci Santucci.

Doug and Gina’s enthusiasm for Bedminster is contagious – they truly love everything about our small town.

On June 4, I encourage my fellow residents to vote for the team that are champions for Bedminster – Doug Stevinson and Gina Fernandez.

JAMES H. CHRISTIE
Bedminster Township

BEDMINSTER TWP. – The township’s Republican Municipal Committee (RMC) has endorsed one incumbent and one first-time candidate for two, three-year seats on the Township Committee this year.

The GOP is supporting Committeeman Doug Stevinson of Ski Hill Drive and first-time candidate Gina Fernandez of Deer Haven Road.

The second incumbent, Staci Santucci, advised the RMC that she would not be seeking reelection to a third term due to increased work commitments, according to a press release from the party.

The 2019 primary election is Tuesday, June 4. The Democratic Party has not yet announced its candidates. Currently, the five-member Township Committee is all Republican.

Stevinson is running for a second term. He has made the municipal budget and quality of life issues the hallmarks of his tenure, the press release states.

“He led the effort to create a very popular dog park in River Road Park; he is monitoring improvements to Pluckemin Park senior neighborhood and will soon announce the 2019 municipal budget, which will again come in under the rate of inflation,” the GOP release states.

Stevinson’s wife, Suzie, serves on the Bedminster Board of Education. They have three children.

A teacher in Union County, Fernandez “is a leader in the community,” according to the GOP press release.

She and her husband, Gus, have been township residents since 2006, first living in the Parkside section of The Hills development before moving to Deer Haven Road. She is the mother of three children.

She has served as vice president of the township Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and co-chair for three years of PTO’s annual “Spring Fling” benefit, raising more than $100,000 for the elementary school.

She was a Girl Scout Leader for 12 years and served on the steering committee that ran Project Graduation for Bernards High School in 2018.

The founder of the Hispanic Heritage Club of Union, Fernandez “vows to keep property taxes low, preserve open space and uphold our tight-knit community,” the press release states.

Santucci was first appointed to the governing body in March 2013 to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Katy Rupert. She was elected to her first full term in November 2013 and was re-elected three years later.

“It is a privilege to serve Bedminster and I am very grateful for your continued support and camaraderie,” she said. We all know Bedminster Township is an extremely special place to live and I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve our residents and I thank you all for that.”

Santucci said she “fully supports” the RMC’s nominations.

“We are fortunate to have two highly qualified candidates,” added Bedminster RMC Chairman Steve Parker, the former mayor who stepped down at the end of last year.

“Doug is a proven leader and Gina brings some great new energy to the ticket. She has big shoes to fill replacing Staci Santucci, but I believe we have a good team to lead Bedminster into the future.”

https://www.newjerseyhills.com/bernardsville_news/news/bedminster-gop-endorses-stevinson-fernandez-for-township-committee/article_72b266cc-2dfa-5cb5-bb16-cdf3b840e24f.html

Here’s a list where you want to come in at the bottom! Bedminster’s average tax bill is among the lowest in the state (438 of 566) and we rank as one of the best municipalities for the size of our tax increase last year (544 of 566).

https://patch.com/new-jersey/bernardsville-bedminster/s/gmven/every-nj-towns-average-property-tax-bill-in-newly-released-list?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_term=weather&utm_campaign=alert

BEDMINSTER TWP. – In the first mayoral change in six years, Township Committeeman Larry Jacobs has been informally chosen by the all-Republican Township Committee to serve as mayor for 2019.

Jacobs was a 4-0 choice in a straw poll to succeed Mayor Steven Parker, who will leave the governing body at the end of this year after declining to run for a fourth, three-year committee term.

Jacobs is expected to be formally selected and sworn in at the committee’s annual reorganization meeting in January.

Participating in the straw poll were Jacobs, Committeemen Doug Stevinson and Colin Hickey, and Committeewoman-elect Renee Mareski, a Republican who was invited to briefly join the dais.

In voicing their choice, Stevinson said “gladly aye,” Hickey said “enthusiastically aye,” and Mareski said “absolutely aye.”

Committeewoman Staci Santucci was absent. Mayor Parker presided over the straw poll but as an outgoing committee member, did not participate in the decision.

Afterward, Parker congratulated Jacobs.

The decision was not a surprise. Jacobs, who is the committee’s senior member after Parker, has run meetings in the mayor’s absence.

As for how he felt about the honor, “A little trepidation, especially following this guy because he’s done a great job the last six years,” Jacobs said just after the meeting while seated next to Parker. “There’s large shoes to fill.”

“Hopefully I’ve learned a little on how to manage a meeting and deal with the issues that confront us here,” he said.

Jacobs, of Hillside Avenue, is completing his sixth year on the committee. He was elected to a third, three-year term in the Nov. 6 general election when he and Mareski defeated Democrats Denise King and Jacob Caplan.

He is an environmental attorney with the Wilentz, Goldman and Spitzer law firm in Woodbridge. A township resident for 22 years, he and his wife, Mimi, a former Bedminster Elementary School PTO president, have four children who have attended the elementary school and Bernards High School.

The township has had a mayor since 1952 when a state law changed the old title of committee chairman.

The mayors since then have been: Abram Ten Eyck, 1952-61; John Kean, 1962-68; Albert E. Winkler, 1969-77; Paul Gavin, 1978-85; Robert Lloyd, 1986-88; Joseph Cirona, 1989-91; James Sullivan, 1992-93; Cheryl Seiferheld, 1994; Joseph Metelski, 1995; Leo Johnson,1996; Don Cross, 1997-2001; Metelski, 2002-03; Robert Holtaway, 2004; Amey Mesko, 2005; Holtaway, 2006-12; and Parker, 2013-18.

https://www.newjerseyhills.com/bernardsville_news/news/jacobs-to-be-next-bedminster-mayor/article_a9a36ae2-2f3a-5408-8b01-b47cf1b70c52.html

EDITOR: Fall is in the air, and the Bedminster Democrats are getting ready for Halloween. They have already resurrected their favorite ghost story – the Township Committee doesn’t care about The Hills.

Having lived both in the Crestmont Highlands and Edgewood sections of The Hills for the past 20 years, I completely disagree. The Township Committee already has at least two members who previously lived in The Hills, one for over 15 years. With the addition of Renee Mareski, currently a 20 years Hills resident, we will be well represented.

But let’s look beyond the confines of the Township Committee and see how else The Hills is represented, especially on our volunteer boards.

I personally am on the Bedminster Land Use Board, which manages and approves all planning and zoning changes, and is an integral part of our municipal government. Its chair and vice chair are also longtime Hills residents.

In fact, four of the seven voting members reside in The Hills. And the same is true on our other boards, from the Environmental Commission – which is chaired by Renee – to the Historic Preservation Commission, both of which count a majority of their members from The Hills.

I find the divisive tactics being employed by the Bedminster Democrat candidates to be nothing but an attempt at distraction and division. There is only one Bedminster, not the “us vs. them” portrayal being touted by the Democrats as they try to divide us by geography. Bedminster is comprised of many hard-working individuals who volunteer their time and energy to keep Bedminster the special place that it is.

I’ve served personally with Larry Jacobs on the Land Use Board over the past 2.5 years, and have always found him to be a fair-minded individual intent on doing what’s best for all of Bedminster. He also happens to be the Township Committee representative on the Bedminster Hills Housing Corporation, where he has fought to ensure the town is meeting its affordable housing obligation.

Not care about the Hills? Nonsense.

Renee Mareski has been active in The Hills for many years, first as president of the Crestmont Homeowners Association and more recently as the Crestmont representative to the Hills Village Master Association.

Not care about the Hills? Really?

As they say in Ghostbusters, “I ain’t afraid of no ghost.” Instead, I’ll be voting for the team who knows The Hills and Bedminster best – Larry Jacobs and Renee Mareski.

SCOTT ZUPNICK
Bedminster Township