Bedminster Republicans

TO THE EDITOR: It’s early October, but the Democrat candidates for Bedminster Township Committee have already gone negative.

With nothing constructive to offer, they’ve chosen a well-worn path that many federal and state political races invariably and unfortunately devolve into. I suspect Bedminster voters know better, and regardless of their political affiliation, prefer actual performance over performance art.

Their latest campaign literature attacks the incumbent Republicans, Mayor Larry Jacobs and Committeewoman Renee Mareski, for Bedminster’s power problems and encourages voters to elect leaders “willing to stand up to JCP&L (Jersey Central Power & Light).”

Interestingly enough, at our Township Committee meeting on Sept. 16, we hosted JCP&L for a detailed review and Q&A session. While the committee and residents peppered the utility with comments and questions for over two hours, neither Democratic candidate mustered the courage to utter a single word.

Rather than be silent, the Township Committee has taken deliberate action over the past several years to address the issue of persistent outages. We compelled JCP&L to inspect its local infrastructure and install new transformers and switches to replace aging and rusted units. We pushed to have local switching more widely deployed (look no further than Hills Drive), so that power can be redirected from a failed circuit to an active one.

We won a major policy dispute with JCP&L, forcing them to maintain the laterals (the connections between transformers and meter banks), as opposed to burdening the Hills Homeowners Associations with this ongoing expense. We advocated for the deployment of additional trip-saver devices, so that circuit faults don’t become extended outages (when the lights flicker but don’t go out for good, that’s what happening). I’ve even personally testified in front of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to encourage additional investment in proactive measures like tree trimming, so that outages can be prevented instead of minimized.

But investment is the key word. Bedminster Township does not own the infrastructure that delivers our electricity. Rather, it is owned and maintained by JCP&L, which in 2001 became a subsidiary of Ohio-based First Energy. I would argue that since this time, the parent company has not sufficiently invested in JCP&L’s physical plant or operations, which has led to the subpar performance we have all witnessed. As a multibillion-dollar private entity, First Energy has, at least historically, chosen to put profit ahead of customer service.

This problem is not limited to Bedminster but is rampant across all Somerset Hills towns, and in fact, extends to many of the areas that are serviced by JCP&L throughout New Jersey. Governor Phil Murphy has repeatedly slammed the utility for their poor performance and publicly decried their response to major weather events across the state.

Earlier this year, Mayor Jacobs sent a letter to the BPU demanding that JCP&L make the infrastructure investments necessary to improve reliability and resiliency. In 2024 alone, over $2.5 million has been allocated to two of Bedminster’s most problematic circuits and substations to improve uptime. As JCP&L deploys its circuit “loop scheme” architecture, which provides the ability to isolate faults and route around them, we should begin to see significant improvements.

This is critically important for circuits that traverse heavily wooded areas or run along the sides of highways, which are susceptible to downed poles due to motor vehicle accidents. In Bedminster, we certainly have both.

But this is not a one and done proposition. These investments must continue to be made by JCP&L, particularly against the backdrop of increased demand and more frequent storms.

As Mom used to say, the squeaky wheel gets the oil, and by holding public hearings and amplifying the concerns of our residents, the Bedminster Township Committee has certainly gotten the attention of JCP&L. Our job now is to continue to advocate that JCP&L put its money where its mission statement is – “making customers’ lives brighter.”

As the Township Committee utility liaison, and at the risk of being TL,DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read), I wanted to provide some insight into why these problems are occurring, and what’s being done to address them. There are no silver bullets or magic wands, and like most things in life, details matter. Talk is cheap, and anyone proclaiming their solution is to simply “hold JCP&L responsible” has no understanding of the underlying issues and therefore little chance of success.

But don’t take my word for it. Ask the candidates, both Republican and Democrat, what their plans are when they coming knocking at your door this campaign season. As a voter, you have a right to know where your candidates stand on all the issues impacting our local community. If you hear buzzwords like “transparency” and “accountability,” rest assured you’re playing political bingo with nonserious actors.

Public service calls for those willing to put in the time and do the work. If you love living in Bedminster, I strongly encourage you to vote for the team that consistently has the answers and delivers strong results.

Please join me in voting on Tuesday, Nov. 5 to re-elect Mayor Larry Jacobs and Committeewoman Renee Mareski to the Bedminster Township Committee.

R. COLIN HICKEY

Desiree Court
Bedminster Township

Editor’s note: The writer is a Bedminster Township Committeeman. Jacobs and Mareski are being challenged by Democrats Lawrence McShane of Wendover Court and Julia O’Brien of Stevens Court. This Letter to the Editor originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.

TO THE EDITOR: Having served for many years on both my neighborhood Homeowner Association’s Board as well as on the Hills Village Master Association Board, of which I am currently a Trustee at Large, I have found that it is far easier to say what should be done than actually rolling up your sleeves and doing the work.

Mayor Larry Jacobs and Township Committeewoman Renee Mareski have a proven track record of doing the work, and that is why they are getting my vote for Bedminster Township Committee on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Mayor Jacobs’ leadership consistently keeps Bedminster a step ahead of the issues facing the township.  With car thefts, break-ins and other crime rising in the surrounding suburbs, Mayor Jacobs is leading a coalition of local mayors to promote community policing, increase resident awareness and introduce local ordinances to crack down on gang infiltration in the region.

Committeewoman Mareski’s commitment to prioritize preservation of open space and protection of the environment through programs and awareness allows Bedminster to remain true to its heritage of green spaces and judicious land management. Having lived in The Hills for many years, she maintains her connections to the residents and HOA boards that comprise The Hills.

The Bedminster Township Committee has kept property taxes the lowest in Somerset County through a painstaking review of the municipal budget.  They also have and continue to address issues such as internet and electric service in The Hills, maintaining our recreational facilities and parks and advocating with county and state government when needed regarding traffic challenges that arise.

While some look to bring partisan politics to Bedminster, Mayor Jacobs’ and Committeewoman Mareski’s focus has been and will continue to be what is best for the residents of Bedminster. This was best demonstrated by the adoption of the recent parking ordinance on Clucas Brook Road.

Bedminster is such a special place because of the people who look to serve the needs of their neighbors, both now and in the future, which is why Mayor Jacobs and Committeewoman Mareski will be getting my vote. Please consider doing the same on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

BARBARA BAUMANN

Wendover Court
Bedminster Township

Editor’s Note: This Letter to the Editor originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.

TO THE EDITOR: The fear of crime is running rampant through the New Jersey suburbs. This is especially true in the Interstate 78/287 corridor where car thefts are becoming commonplace.

Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin have openly failed to prosecute these crimes. They have directed state resources to stand down, not chase car thieves, or prosecute property crimes.

Our local mayors and municipalities are passing ordnances that criminalize these offenses so our local police can arrest these thieves and prosecute them in municipal court—and we need to appreciate the efforts of Mayors like Larry Jacobs of Bedminster, Jennifer Asay of Bernards, and Matt Moench of Bridgewater, who are trying to keep us safe.

Now we are hearing that the stolen automobiles make their way to the ports, are loaded on ships, and transported overseas where profits from their sales are funding ISIS and other terrorist organizations. Frightening, but what can be done?

How about the state send a task force to the port, check the vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) of the cars before being loaded on the ships and determine which cars are “hot,” prevent their export and arrest the people who bring them in? This is infinitely easier and less dangerous than having several hundred local police forces on alert.

Where is the federal government in all of this? Don’t we have a Department of Homeland Security and US Customs and Border Service to monitor our ports? It would appear President Biden’s border security failure also includes the Port of Elizabeth.

For those who do not believe their vote counts, sleep well.

STEVE PARKER

Airport Road
Bedminster Township

Editor’s Note: This Letter to the Editor originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.

The Bedminster Township Republican Committee met March 12th and unanimously nominated Mayor Larry Jacobs and Township Committeewoman Renee Mareski for the Bedminster Township Committee.  Mayor Jacobs and Committeewoman Mareski’ s leadership has kept Bedminster a step ahead of the issues facing the township.  With car thefts, break-ins and other crime rising in the surrounding suburbs, Mayor Jacobs is leading a coalition of local mayors to promote community policing, increase resident awareness and introduce local ordinances to crack down on gang infiltration in the region.  The Bedminster Township Committee has kept property taxes the lowest in Somerset County through a painstaking review of the municipal budget.  Spending is based on the efficient prioritization of resources, not simply austerity for the sake of meeting a number.  They continue to prioritize preservation of open space and protection of the environment through programs and awareness. Larry Jacobs and Renee Mareski will appear on the Republican ballot in the Primary June 4, 2024.

The Bedminster Republican Municipal Committee (RMC) will hold a screening for two candidates for Bedminster Township Committee on Tuesday March 12, 7 PM at the Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, 811 Rattlesnake Bridge Road, Bedminster.  Chosen candidates will appear on the June Primary ballot under the local party line.  Republicans who seek to screen should notify the RMC Chair no later than Friday March 8 via email at info@bedminstergop.org or text/call 609-319-0832.

Last week Bedminster bid farewell to Theresa Petras, a woman who spent much of her life devoted to serving this community.

Theresa, who lived in the Timberbrooke, Parkside and Wynnewood neighborhoods, served as Secretary and Trustee of the Hills Village North Master Association. These homeowner’s associations are vital to maintaining the quality of life and facilities in these neighborhoods. Her work, along with others who have served, has kept these communities one of the reasons Bedminster is such an attractive place to live.

She was also an elected representative on the Bedminster Republican Municipal Committee. She championed her belief in small, responsive, conservative local government by vetting local candidates, promoting their policies, and sharing that philosophy with her neighbors. A founder of the local Republican Club, she served as treasurer, in an organization designed to bring people together with common values and interest.

As a member of the Bedminster Environmental Commission, she took a leadership role as Vice Chair, reviewing development applications for their impact on our open spaces and rural character. Theresa was a strong advocate for our township’s natural beauty.

Most of all, we all know that Theresa Petras could always be counted on as a friend and supporter of our wonderful community. Her service has truly made Bedminster a much better place, we will miss her and honor her memory.

Steve Parker
Bedminster Republican Municipal Committee Chair

BEDMINSTER TWP. – With a rise in car thefts and other crimes in the area drawing concern, township officials have organized a working group of local mayors and police chiefs to combat the problem.

Mayor Larry Jacobs said at the Township Committee meeting on Monday, Feb. 5, that the group was convened at the municipal building earlier in the day.

Participating, he said, were himself, mayors Jennifer Asay of Bernards Township, Mary Jane Canose of Bernardsville, Kevin Welsh of Far Hills, Mark Corigliano of Peapack-Gladstgone and Matthew Moench of Bridgewater Township, as well as police chiefs Frank Bernardo of Bedminster, Jon Burger of Bernards and John B. Mitzak of Bridgewater.

The participants spent two hours sharing the experiences of the police departments and the elected officials, Jacobs said.

Among the topics were “a lot of Ring camera videos of kids checking out cars, knocking on doors,” he said.

“There is tremendous concern among the residents,” the mayor added. The mayors and police chiefs discussed what they can do, what they can learn from each other, and if there are issues they can take “up the ladder” of government and law enforcement.

“It’s a working group now” and has been tentatively dubbed the Somerset Hills Safety Committee, Jacobs said. Participants are looking to meet monthly, with more input to be sought from detectives of different police departments.

They plan to discuss “what’s working, what could be working better” and “getting the word out to residents” to lock their cars, keep packages in cars out of view, and lock the doors to their homes.

“We will continue to have updates,” Jacobs said.

Crime has been a key topic at recent public meetings in several towns.

In Bernardsville, Police John Remian gave a presentation to the Borough Council last Dec. 11. Remian said the number of car thefts in the borough was not much greater than a decade ago but has risen since the pandemic.

He said an “alarming” trend has criminals now entering homes to get car keys.

On Jan. 22, council members said they would try to combat car thefts by providing the police department with rented license plate readers that would be installed at entrances to town.

In Bedminster, Lt. Thomas Polito spoke at a committee meeting last Dec. 18. He described the tactics of a national crime ring that targets any area where cars park so they can enter or break into those cars to steal exposed valuables.

In Bernards Township, Mayor Asay said at the Township Committee meeting on Jan. 23 that police have increased patrols to combat crime in locations and times when they occur.

Asay also said that, at the suggestion of a local resident, the township was launching a platform where residents could upload doorbell camera and related videos to police for use in their investigations.

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.

EDITOR: I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to the residents of Bedminster for the confidence they have placed in me as reflected at the ballot box.  

As is the case every October, candidates for elected office invade the physical and digital landscape.  Corners are filled with signs, Facebook feeds become filled with political advertisements and strangers knock on doors at the most inopportune times.  While these are the necessary evils of campaigning, the fact that you allow us to interrupt your daily routine is greatly appreciated and never overlooked.

I am grateful that the good folks of Bedminster took time out to share with me their thoughts and feedback as I walked the neighborhoods.  Campaign season affords candidates the opportunity to do some “walk around management” every year and hear directly what’s on people’s minds. The rainy weather precluded me from getting to everyone this year, but if you have a concern, please reach out to me via email or social media.

Public service is a privilege that I do not take lightly or for granted, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to work on behalf of all our residents.  Regardless of where folks may stand politically, I think every resident has a strong interest in maintaining the quality of life and low taxes that are the hallmark of Bedminster and township government.  I will continue to advocate for all residents and will maintain a strong focus on tackling and resolving local issues.

I would also like to express my thanks to Larry McShane – running for office is never an easy job, and both campaigns approached this year’s contest in a very positive and respectful manner.

Now that campaign season is over, I am eager to get back to work.  What has always been paramount to me is listening to your thoughts and taking action.  I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Bedminster.

R. COLIN HICKEY

Desiree Court
Bedminster Township

Editor’s note: The writer is a member of the Bedminster Township Committee. This Letter to the Editor originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.

TO THE EDITOR: Colin Hickey’s endorsement from the Bernardsville News is well deserved (“Our local endorsements,” Thursday, Oct. 26).  As was succinctly stated, “He’s a go-getter and really does work for his constituents.”  

Colin is a positive force for Bedminster.  He has set a new standard of excellence in service to our residents. He always demonstrates a can-do attitude and gracious demeanor on the dais. He emphatically believes that local government can do more with less, and that the governing body is there to serve as advocates for our residents.  And, perhaps most importantly, he delivers results, as many letter writers have already attested.

Frankly, it is difficult for me to reduce Colin’s impact to a few lines, so let me cite just a few examples.   Most recently, he compelled JCP&L to honor its commitment to replace broken electrical lines to our condominium buildings, sparing each association tens of thousands of dollars in potential repair costs.  When our residents complained about the poor internet service in the Hills, Colin pushed not only for immediate fixes and improved reliability, but for a long-term solution.  Due to his persistence, the cable company is investing in Bedminster and currently installing high-speed fiber in the Hills, providing not only state-of-the art service, but also significantly increasing the value of those homes.

Bedminster will be best served in this election by returning Colin Hickey to the Township Committee.  I hope you will join me in voting for Colin this November 7th.

LARRY JACOBS

Hillside Avenue
Bedminster Township

Editor’s note: The writer is the Bedminster Township mayor. This Letter to the Editor originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.

New Jersey’s political season for this year’s general election comes to a close on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Needless to say, it’s been a frenetic season, with all state Senate and Assembly seats up for grabs, not to mention seats on county Boards of Commissioners.

Just as important have been the elections for our local municipal and school district governing bodies.

Here then, are our picks to serve on local daises.

In Bernards Township, where four candidates are battling it out for two seats on the Township Committee, we endorse Republican incumbents Gary Baumann and Tyler Seville. They are moderates, experienced and good-sensed.

In Bedminster Township, where one seat is expiring on the five-member Township Committee, we endorse Republican incumbent Colin Hickey. He’s a go-getter and really does work for his constituents.

In Far Hills, where a one-year Council term is open council, we endorse Peter Cocoziello Jr. Again, he is an incumbent with knowledge of borough needs. This is essential at a time when the need to hold down costs but maintain a high quality of life is mandatory.

In the school board races, in Somerset Hills, we endorse Samantha Frenda and Felicia Ballard in Bernardsville and Heather Santoro in Peapack-Gladstone because they understand a district’s commitment to protecting all their students.

In Bernards Township, where meetings have been rife with a battle between extreme conservatives and more rational board members, we endorse Jennifer White, Janice Corrado and David Shaw. Again, they understand a district’s tenet to protect all the kids.

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.

BEDMINSTER TWP. – Quality of life issues and if they are being adequately addressed are the main themes of a contest for a three-year Township Committee term in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

On the ballot are Republican incumbent R. Colin Hickey of Desiree Court and Democrat Lawrence McShane of Wendover Court in The Hills housing development.

The five-member Township Committee has been all-Republican for the last nine years. Still, there has been a Democrat on the local ballot for 22 straight years – easily the longest streak in the Somerset Hills, with the party scoring upset victories in 2005 and 2011.

But in recent years, several Democrats who ran were not well known locally and were not seen at Township Committee meetings.

Both the Republican and Democratic candidates responded to questionnaires from The Bernardsville News seeking information about their background and their positions on issues.

Hickey, 58, has served on the committee since August 2017. He has been a township resident for 31 years, spending the first 15 years in the Stone Run section of The Hills development.

He works as an independent consultant and venture partner. He previously worked for AT&T in various management capacities, and as a senior executive and founder of multiple start-ups in the technology sector.

He said his experience in the technology and utility industry “brings a unique perspective” to the committee. “I understand not only how the infrastructure works, but more importantly, how larger organizations assess capital investment opportunities.”

McShane, 49, has lived in The Hills for 16 years.

He works as a marketing director and previously worked in marketing, strategy and finance.

“My background is in management in the pharma and chemical industries, and I have worked in finance,” he said. “I understand how to solve problems within a budget, because I do that every day.”

Hickey cited numerous accomplishments on the committee, including maintaining low taxes, addressing persistent power outages in The Hills and elsewhere, spearheading an effort to upgrade Altice Internet service in The Hills, successfully fighting water use rate increases, and improving communication with residents through information technology upgrades.

Infrastructure

According to Hickey, the township’s main challenges include working with utility companies to make necessary infrastructure investments; ensuring land management policies support both preservation and economic health; and maintaining the viability of the township’s business corridor and villages.

McShane, however, said the township has continuing infrastructure problems, with examples including “constant power outages, poor quality Internet service, and difficult traffic patterns.”

Although Hickey said the committee has prodded Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) to make infrastructure improvements, McShane said more work is needed and residents are frustrated.

McShane also questioned the work with Altice. “Where is the transparency and communication around the Internet service deal?” he asked. “Strengthening the monopoly for an historically bad service provider is the wrong way to go. We need more competition, not a monopoly.”

Hickey, in response, said, “Only someone uninvolved could oppose a project that is a transformational upgrade to our local infrastructure.”

He said that with providers like Altice owning the cable equipment, any new competitor would need to build similar equipment from scratch, making competition unlikely.

With respect to the deals, he said he facilitated public meetings between Altice and the 21 homeowners’ associations in The Hills.

“I only wish Mr. McShane had taken the opportunity to attend his own neighborhood board meeting or a Township Committee meeting to better understand the communications industry, the available options and the actions being pursued by these bodies to mutually address a long-standing issue,” Hickey said.

Traffic

With respect to local traffic, McShane said it is “very real, and about to get worse.”

“Development at Liberty Corner, Bedminster One, and planned developments on 202/206 will all contribute huge increases in traffic in Bedminster, especially between Hills Drive and Fresh Market,” he said. He said peak hour backups already occur on highway ramps and Route 202-206.

There is also dangerous traffic on Hills Drive,” he added. He said office workers and others “use Hills Drive as a shortcut and drive aggressively. The crosswalks are dangerous, and there is no police presence. Accidents are not uncommon.

“It seems to many that the Township Committee has shown no interest in these areas,” McShane said. “Bedminster needs to commission a traffic study to figure out real solutions.”

Hickey said that while Routes 202 and 206 are state highways, the township has worked with the state Department of Transportation (DOT) on safety measures, such as additional signage, roadway markings and signal improvements at the River Road and Hills Drive intersections.

Also, he said, “recognizing that many of the traffic delays in the areas adjacent to the Hills are caused by traffic back-ups in Pluckemin, we have worked closely with our own traffic engineers and the DOT to pursue dramatic improvements to the Washington Valley/Burnt Mills Road intersection.”

Looming improvements include “the installation of new signal heads and traffic sensing equipment, realignment of the intersection geometry, the addition of a peripheral ring road and the redesign of the queuing lanes to alleviate traffic back-ups,” Hickey said. He said they are expected to improve intersection efficiency by more than 50 percent.

“These improvements will begin within the next 12 months and will be made at no taxpayer expense,” he added.

Villages

Another issue was the local economy.

Hickey touted the township’s rezoning of the recently vacated former AT&T complex on Route 202-206. He said it will help attract life sciences and high-tech users while prohibiting warehouses.

The committee is currently focused on Pluckemin Village, he noted. He said that in spite of some business investments, the village had begun to look tired.

The committee passed a property maintenance ordinance that recently led to the removal of some unsightly buildings, he said. It is now working with business owners on “re-imagining” what the village could be, with better pedestrian access from The Hills being a possibility, he said.

McShane drew attention to vacancies in The Hills Village Center, saying “the travel agency is gone, the sushi place and Subway are gone, the Caldwell Banker building, Carriage House building and former Chinese restaurant are empty.”

“With the loss of these businesses, there are fewer services available to the residents of Bedminster and the Hills and people have to travel to other towns,” he said. “We need a plan to attract new businesses.”

“A green way to help with that would be to put EV charging stations in the Hills Village Center, driving commerce to the area from 287 and 78,” he said. “The Township Committee needs to be involved in solutions and incentives.”

When it comes to communicating with the public, Hickey said improvements have included real-time and recorded committee meetings online, up-to-the-minute updates via Bedminster Alert, and an online payment system for local property and sewer taxes.

McShane said the committee still needs a “better presence” with the community.

“I envision a monthly series of meet-and-greets or Town Hall events at Hills clubhouses and other local venues to hear concerns and communicate progress,” he said.

As for the election, Hickey said local politics shouldn’t be a partisan vote.

“At a municipal level, we don’t encounter uniquely Democrat problems or Republican problems, just problems that need to be resolved,” he said. “I embrace the philosophy that as a public servant, I work for the residents, regardless of political affiliation.”

McShane saw the situation differently, saying the “Republican incumbents clearly do not want Democrats to be involved in any aspect of governing Bedminster.”

Hickey disputed that. “If you were to look at the composition of the volunteer committees and commissions in Bedminster, you would see there are individuals serving from every political party,” he said. “There is no political affiliation test on the volunteer form.”

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.

TO THE EDITOR: A friend of mine recently forwarded me a piece of campaign literature from our local Democrat party in Bedminster.

It talked about the need to address power problems, improve internet services and create better communications with the local homeowners associations (HOAs). Mind you, the key word here is “talked.”

I sit on many boards in Bedminster, including serving as the chair of the Bedminster Land Use Board, president of the Four Oaks condo association, treasurer of the Hills Village North Master Association and vice chair of the Bedminster Republican Municipal Committee. Perhaps I have a bit more insight into the goings-on in town, but then again, the truth is easy to discern if you’re even casually paying attention.

The Bedminster Township Committee, and Committeeman Hickey in particular, are already at the forefront of addressing the power issues in our immediate area. Public meetings have been held with JCP&L, giving residents the opportunity to voice their concerns and demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the utility. Once we got their attention, they went to work, and we got results.

In addition to upgrading switches and transformers, JCP&L has relocated and replaced overhead and underground lines, fast-forwarded their inspection and maintenance schedule and invested significantly more in their local tree trimming budget.

In addition, Committeeman Hickey successfully fought to hold the utility liable for the lateral lines in our communities, which will save each homeowners association tens of thousands of dollars in maintenance fees. While there remains more work to be done, Colin’s efforts have resulted in tangible improvements to our local grid. He speaks in the language of actions and results, not just talk.

When it comes to cable, we here in The Hills suffered for years with subpar performance from our local provider Cablevision, which is now owned by Altice. Springing into action once again, Committeeman Hickey organized a public meeting to make Altice aware of the problem and compel them to act. As a result of his persistence, Altice committed to upgrading our local cable network to Fiber-To-The-Home service at no expense to the homeowners or the community. Not only will this significantly improve performance, but it will add to the value of our homes.

I’m glad the Democrats are “talking” about improving the service, but back in the real world, Altice already began the upgrade in my neighborhood two weeks ago. My understanding from Colin is that 17 of the 21 Bedminster HOAs he has worked with have already signed up for the upgrade, with more to follow, and my neighborhood is the fourth this year to be constructed, with many more to be completed by the end of 2024. Actions and results, not empty talk.

And this flowery language about improving communication with the associations? Has the Democratic candidate even been to one of his own HOA meetings, never mind served on the board? I can tell you from firsthand experience that Committeeman Hickey has been closely involved with each of the associations and their respective property managers, has attended our Master meetings to address issues and is always readily available to me and the rest of my board members whenever we have a question or concern. Actions and results, not simply talk.

Based on their rhetoric, I can only conclude that the Bedminster Democrats are endorsing Colin’s platform. Apparently, they read the room – or Colin’s website – and decided that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Like me, I suspect most Bedminster voters want the genuine article and trust Colin to continue his good work and build on the successes he has achieved to date.

On Nov. 7, I plan on voting for the candidate who, as the kids say, brings the receipts. Please join me in re-electing Committeeman Colin Hickey to the Bedminster Township Committee.

CAROL GUTTSCHALL

Heatherwood Lane
Bedminster Township

Editor’s Note: This Letter to the Editor originally appeared in The Bernardsville News.

The Bedminster Republicans will be hosting their Election Night Watch Party at Burnt Mills Cider from 7:00 to 9:00 PM on Tuesday, November 7th. Share a cider with friends old and new, and watch the results as they come in. Walk-ins welcome!