I am a lifelong resident of New Jersey and grew up on a small farm in Hunterdon County. I was educated in New Jersey, first attending Middlesex County College then graduating from Rutgers University. My professional experience started with nine years in research and development in the pharmaceutical industry. I went on to open a small business as a paint and wallpaper contractor, a non-traditional field for women but a successful venture nonetheless. Currently, I am an Information Technology professional working in the insurance industry. I am married and have two boys.

My community involvement started when I was a stay at home mother for a few short years. I volunteered in the schools that my boys were attending, putting my scientific background to use as a science fair judge and on a science curriculum review committee. I also delivered meals to senior citizens in Flemington through our local Meals on Wheels program.

I’ve been involved in Raritan Township government, serving on the Environmental Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Open Space Committee and our Affordable Housing Board. I had the opportunity to briefly serve on the Raritan Township Committee when I was appointed to fill a vacant committee seat in 2006.

Seeing how government works, I am convinced that small changes add up and a vision can become a reality. My vision for Raritan is a safe, forward-looking community that continues to take pride in it’s great schools and rural heritage but also plans for a sustainable future. We have to look past the current fiscal year and plan for the challenges that lie ahead in providing the services that our residents value. This must be done with a steadiness that insulates taxpayers from the inevitable bumps in the road. I’m running for Raritan Township Committee to bring that vision for our community’s future to our governing body.

My goals are to:

• Attain fiscal responsibility through sound budgeting principals, shared services and increased use of technology. A measured and modern approach to municipal operations will improve the ability of our township to provide services without bankrupting our taxpayers.
• Attack the related problems of sprawl, traffic and high taxes by making farmland preservation and open space acquisition a priority. I’d like to find new and creative uses for the open space that the township has acquired. We need to make it accessible to the community for a variety of activities and tap its potential to be an economic draw for the area.
• Attract good paying jobs to our community. Raritan Township has many underutilized sites that are waiting for a great idea to come along. An Economic Development Committee would be the first step towards steering the future growth of the community towards high paying job opportunities for our residents, right here in Raritan Township.

Develop a long range plan to address our state mandated obligations for affordable housing. Not only is it a legal obligation, but it also makes our community affordable for our children who would like to return to the town where they grew up to raise their own family.