BEDMINSTER TWP. – Fiscal responsibility and bonding the community are in the sights of Republican Township Committee candidate Bill Rosen of Thistle Lane and running mate incumbent Gina Fernandez of Deer Haven Road.
The pair are being contested by Democrats Caroline Carpenter of Crestmont Road and Jean Johnson of Pluckemin Court.
Republican Township Committeeman Doug Stevinson resigned from the dais earlier this month for undisclosed reasons.
The following candidates’ comments are in response to a questionnaire sent to them by this newspaper.
Gina Fernandez
Fernandez said she is seeking re-election “so that I can continue to serve the residents of Bedminster with the same dedication and integrity that I have brought to my first two terms.
“This would be my third term on the Township Committee, and I remain deeply committed to maintaining the exceptional quality of life that makes our town so special. Over the past several years, I have developed strong working relationships with our department heads, local organizations, and residents, and I want to continue building on that progress. Public service is both an honor and a responsibility, and I believe my experience, institutional knowledge, and steady leadership will continue to benefit our community.”
Asked what she saw as important issues, Fernandez said, “Like many communities across New Jersey, Bedminster faces ongoing challenges related to affordable housing and the rising cost of living. Fortunately, we have a strong track record of proactive planning that allows us to meet our affordable-housing obligations responsibly and without placing undue burden on our taxpayers.
“In addition, inflation and increasing salary and insurance costs continue to put pressure on municipal budgets statewide. If re-elected, I will remain focused on managing Bedminster’s budget efficiently, ensuring that we continue to deliver the high-quality services our residents expect—police, public works, recreation, and administration—while maintaining one of the lowest municipal tax rates in Somerset County. Responsible fiscal management and long-term planning are key to preserving both our financial stability and our small-town character.”
Fernandez also noted her accomplishments to date on the dais.
“As the Human Resources Liaison, I have personally interviewed and filled over 16 key municipal vacancies, ensuring that each department is staffed with capable professionals who reflect our community’s values and commitment to excellence,” she said. “This work has been vital to maintaining smooth day-to-day operations and ensuring that our residents receive seamless services without interruption.
“During my first term, which began in the midst of the pandemic, I helped organize community initiatives such as blood drives, food-pantry partnerships, and free dump days that supported our residents during a challenging time. I also helped bring back our beloved Fall Fest, strengthening community spirit and engagement.
“Currently, as the Recreation Liaison, I am proud to be working on several new projects, including the creation of a community garden and the development of a dog park at Burnt Mills. Going forward, I would like to continue championing projects that enhance community connection, promote wellness, and preserve the charm and vitality of Bedminster.”
Fernandez said that she strongly believes the township “does a strong job keeping our residents informed and connected.
“We have made great strides in recent years to improve communication and transparency. Every household receives a township newsletter with each tax bill, summarizing key updates, upcoming projects, and community resources. In addition, our RAVE alert system allows residents to subscribe to real-time updates about important township information—ranging from weather alerts to community events.
“That said, communication is always evolving. In today’s world, many residents are accustomed to information coming directly to them rather than seeking it out, so we will continue to explore new ways to engage—whether through expanded digital platforms, community meetings, or social media—to ensure every resident feels informed and connected.”
She said she also takes pride that the township continues to hold down costs passed to taxpayers.
“Bedminster has long been recognized for its responsible fiscal management, and that is something I am very proud of,” she said.
“We actively participate in shared services with neighboring towns whenever possible to reduce costs and increase efficiency. In addition, our Township Committee takes a hands-on approach to the budgeting process—reviewing each department’s line items, meeting regularly for months to make adjustments, and carefully monitoring every expenditure.
“As a result, we have been able to maintain one of the lowest municipal tax rates in Somerset County while continuing to deliver high-quality services and maintain the exceptional quality of life our residents expect. I believe we do an outstanding job holding costs down, and I will continue to advocate for efficiency, accountability, and long-term financial stability.”
Fernandez said she is also pleased the township is doing its best to keep residents safe.
“Bedminster continues to place a strong emphasis on public safety and community collaboration. The Safety Committee has been a wonderful addition, providing an avenue for partnership with neighboring municipalities and helping us stay proactive in addressing regional safety concerns,” she said.
“Beyond that, we have also formed smaller, community-based subcommittees that focus on localized issues, such as speeding on certain roads, enhanced police presence in specific areas, and other quality-of-life concerns raised by residents. These groups work closely with the Police Department, Township Engineer, and municipal staff to find practical, community-driven solutions.
“Safety is not a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing partnership between our residents, our police, and our governing body. We remain deeply committed to maintaining Bedminster as a safe, peaceful, and welcoming place to live.”
Summing everything up, Fernandez said that “It has been a true honor to serve the residents of Bedminster for the past 6 years. Our community is defined by its strong sense of neighborliness, civic engagement, and pride in where we live. I am proud of the progress we’ve made together—whether through responsible budgeting, improved communication, community events, or thoughtful planning for the future.
“As we look ahead, my goal remains simple: to preserve the small-town charm that makes Bedminster unique, while continuing to deliver excellent services, maintain fiscal responsibility, and enhance our residents’ quality of life. I am grateful for the trust our residents have placed in me and would be honored to continue serving them for another term.”
Bill Rosen
Rosen said he chose to run after Township Committeeman Doug Stevinson resigned from the dais for undisclosed reasons and chose not to seek another term on the now all-GOP, five-member dais.
He said running for the governing body “has been something that I have wanted to do, the timing was right for this election with Doug Stevenson retiring and not seeking reelection, and with my nest becoming empty.
“I have been described as a serial volunteer and hope to bring my dedication of service to the community to the next level. I truly want to help Bedminster continue to thrive and grow,” he said.
“Fiscal responsibility is paramount. Keeping taxes and costs low while providing services is a key issue.
“I attended the budget meetings this year and was exposed to the process, which was extremely beneficial. The budget is not rubber stamped – it is literally gone over line-by-line by the entire Township Committee, with give and take and compromises between the various departments.
“The cooperation and efforts between the Township Committee, the Township Administrator and the department heads result in favorable outcomes for the taxpayers.”
He said the township is “definitely” holding down costs.
“There are already shared services in place, such as our shared court, the Clarence Dillon Public Library, our fire companies and first aid squad, in addition to the Somerset Hills Safety Committee.
“Opportunities are always being looked at to work with other municipalities and the school to further engage our recreation facilities, (Department of Public Work) services, and other initiatives to optimize costs and deliverables.
“In this spirit, we are now planning America 250 initiatives with then surrounding communities, (Jacobus Vanderveer House) JVH and the Somerset Hills School District,” he said.
Another key issue, he said, “is responsible controlled development. This is something that Bedminster has done very well, keeping commercial development contained to the Route 206 corridor and maintaining the historic appearance of the community.”
And then, there is the power issue with Jersey Central Power & Light, what Rosen calls “a concern.
“(Township Committeeman) Colin Hickey has been working very closely with JCP&L to obtain solutions and corrections to the infrastructure to result in less loss of power,” he said. “I intend to do whatever I can to continue help with these improvements.
If elected, Rosen said he would live up to what he calls the duo’s “Campaign mantra” – “keeping Bedminster active, affordable and accessible.”
Rosen may not have held an official seat on the now five-member, all-Republican dais, but he has been active in the community.
“I have been described as a serial volunteer in the community,” he said. “I have spent 11 years on the recreation committee, chairing it for the last six years. I am also on the Farmers Market advisory board and a fixture at the market on Saturdays. I have also coached in the Bedminster basketball program for 12 years. I will help maintain and look to expand our recreation facilities, which are already outstanding.”
He says he’s also been involved in various improvement projects, like the new Bedminster Community Garden in River Road Park, which he said should be ready for planting in the spring.
“This has been a long time coming and will be a tremendous asset to the community, especially to the green-thumbed Hills residents who don’t have the space for gardens,” he said.
If elected, Rosen said he will “help to maintain fiscal responsibility by having an active role in the budgeting process. My profession is purchasing and logistics for a chemical manufacturing company.”
Additionally, he said, “I have years of experience in sourcing, negotiating and keeping pricing down which I will bring to the committee. I will also maintain our open space and advocate for responsible controlled development that is right for the community.”
When it comes to keeping connected with residents, Rosen said the township “does an outstanding job.” That connection was improved when the Bedminster Alert System “was implemented a number of years ago as a ‘push’ alternative available to residents, as opposed to them having to go to the Township website or Facebook page,” he said.
Additionally, Township Committee meetings are hybrid half-life, live-virtual meetings, one of the few towns in Somerset County that do this, he said.
Rosen is also confident the township is doing enough to keep residents safe. an initiative that was enhanced when Mayor Larry Jacobs last year formed the Somerset Hills Safety Committee with other mayors to mitigate an increase in car thefts and break-ins.
“One of the biggest accomplishments to come out of that was the implementation of Automatic License Plate Readers throughout the area to assist in crime detection and prevention and they have obtained great results,” said Rosen.
On top of that, said Rosen, Jacobs, Chief Frank Bernardo, and Lt. Tom Polito “have made community outreach and community policing a priority. Our residents have seen an increased police presence through town, as well as different venues to engage with our officers-the Farmers Market, Coffee with a Cop and Hills Master Board meetings, to name just a few,” he said.
Rosen is a 21-year resident of the Hills. His wife, Karen, owns a day care center in Malapan, and they have two children kids, Shelby, a sophomore at the University of South Carolina, and Ari, a freshman at the University of Mississippi.
“I truly love this town, it is an amazing community with a great quality of life,” he said. “I want to do whatever I can to maintain and improve Bedminster.”
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.
