TO THE EDITOR: Bedminster is fortunate to have two very qualified individuals running for re-election to our Township Committee this November, Doug Stevinson and Gina Fernandez.
Committeeman Stevinson is completing his second term in office and has served our community exceedingly well.
A strong advocate for recreation and open space, he championed the creation of the dog park at River Road Park, oversaw the expansion of the hike and bike path to Burnt Mills Park and spearheaded the refurbishment of Pluckemin Schoolhouse Park.
He has been instrumental in delivering budgets that keep Bedminster a leader in low municipal taxes.
His 15-plus years of voluntary service to the township 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 courtside, previously assisting our Little League baseball teams and now an integral part of our recreation basketball program.
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 over multiple years, helping to raise over $100,000 for Bedminster School.
In 2018, she also ran Project Graduation, which coordinates multiple fundraisers and social events for the graduating class at Bernards High. 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.
As a Township Committee member, Gina has been instrumental in handling many of the complex personnel issues involved in running a Township. As committee liaison to the Recreation Committee, Gina has overseen the revitalization of our parks and the relaunch of Fall Fest.
Working with the Board of Health, she has also championed the new “Stigma Free” mental health initiative here in town. This program was developed to encourage those whose mental health has suffered, particularly as a result of the stresses placed on many during the past two years, to seek assistance and no longer suffer in silence.
Doug and Gina’s enthusiasm for Bedminster is contagious – they truly love everything about our small town.
In November, I strongly encourage my fellow residents to re-elect Doug Stevinson and Gina Fernandez.
JAMES H. CHRISTIE
Fairview Drive
Bedminster
Editor’s note: This Letter to the Editor originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.