http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/pdf/elections/application-for-vote-by-mail-ballot-080509.pdf

Lauren Polito, the candidate for Tewksbury Township Committee, spoke about her reasons for running for office. Polito explained how she graduated from Babson College and majored in Finance, had a concentration in Economics. From the time she graduated until 2009, she worked in the structured finance bond market as a financial analyst. She then decided to become a stay-at–home mom to raise her two young children. “I love Tewksbury. I love that when I go to The Tewksbury Inn, or Melicks, or The Magic Shop, I almost always see someone I know. I love that when I go for a run or bike ride, everyone that passes smiles and waves. I love raising sheep and living amid farms. I’m a fiscally conservative taxpayer who is concerned with the financial future of Tewksbury. Despite the rapidly dissipating surplus, no real solutions have been forthcoming from the Township Committee. I believe my education and real experience in the field of finance will enable me to help solve the budget issue without raising taxes.”

Karen Carroll of Bound Brook then spoke. Carroll is running with Scott MacDonald of Washington Borough as the Democratic candidates for the Assembly in the 23rd District. Carroll spoke passionately about how issues in the campaign were all connected by a common thread. “I have concern for women’s issues, labor, education, health care, the environment, and senior citizens. The thread that connects them is their vulnerability. The Governor and his friends have perfected methods for demonizing all of these and making it seem appropriate to “rein them in.” I never understand how and when we became the “bad guys” when we stand up for the poor, the homeless, the hungry, for clean air and water, good paying jobs with benefits, workplace safety, health care for women, children and the poor, education and financial security for our seniors. I plan to point it out every time my opponents have voted against the interests of their constituents and the rest of New Jersey. And I believe if we can truly connect with enough of them, physically and on-line, we can succeed.”

Andrea Bonette, the candidate for County Freeholder, spoke at length about the need for transparency on the Board of Elected Freeholders. “As a former township official I understand the need to sometimes go into executive session but our Freeholders use this approach a regular basis, denying our citizens the right to follow the legislative process. If elected I plan to work for a much more open process.”

John Graf of Bedminster is the Democratic candidate for the Senate in the 23rd District. He is currently the Director of Development for The Resource Center of Somerset and serves as the chief fundraising official and community affairs officer for the non-profit agency dealing with domestic violence and abuse in Somerset County. Graf is also a minister who he has performed non-denominational weddings, baptisms, funerals and memorial services throughout the metropolitan area since 1997. Rev Graf spoke about the closing of Hagedorn Psychiatric Center. He said Senator Doherty lost his credibility when he abstained from voting on a bill that aimed to restore funding for Hagedorn earlier this month. “My opponent says one thing and does another and becomes the governor’s puppet and then just goes along with the boss,” Graf said. “He didn’t go with his conscience, bottom line.”

DePinto ended the presentation by reminding everyone that this could be a close election and it was more important than ever to come out and vote on election day.

I’m LAUREN POLITO and I’m seeking a seat on the TewksburyTownship Committee. At a local meeting recently, someone told me that they hadn’t yet heard my voice in this campaign, and wanted to know why I am in this race. So here it is, my voice, explaining why I am running.

We need a fresh perspective. Government, or any line of work for that matter, benefits from a new set of eyes looking at the issues. Not long ago there was an article in the NY Times about a school district that saved $350,000 in annual utility bills simply by reminding people to shut off the lights to conserve energy. We need new initiatives like this in Tewksbury.

My ideas, expertise, and enthusiasm will add vigor to the Committee. I worked in the NY bond market for over 10 years and know that I can help with our budget issues and our dwindling municipal surplus.

I understand what Tewksbury families want. My husband John and I have two kids. We are delighted that they are growing up in this community and we recognize how fortunate we all are to be here. I know I can represent this perspective.

I WANT TO PRESERVE WHAT WE ALL LOVE ABOUT TEWKSBURY.

 Polito holds a B.A. from Babson College in Wellesley, MA. She majored in Finance, had a concentration in Economics, and attended the MBA Institute in Paris, France. From the time she graduated in 1998 until 2009, Lauren worked in the structured finance bond market as a financial analyst.

Lauren is married to John Polito and they have four children. Lauren is an accomplished athlete who finished four marathons in New York, Philadelphia, Paris and Copenhagen. Most recently Lauren completed her first triathlon. She enjoys cooking, gardening and traveling with her family. Currently she is completing her first documentary on the subject of the news media.

Polito is a fiscally conservative taxpayer who is concerned with the financial future of Tewksbury. She notes that despite the rapidly dissipating surplus, no real solutions have been forthcoming from the Township Committee. Her education and real experience in the field of finance will enable Lauren to solve the budget issue without raising taxes if the available tax dollars are used more efficiently. If elected, she pledges to not issue debt nor disturb Tewksbury’s open spaces, two methods employed by past administrations. Lauren believes that the issues facing Tewksbury have nothing to do with partisan politics and everything to do with intelligent planning and concern for our environment. Now is the time for the residents of Tewksbury to vote for the most qualified candidate.

Tewksbury’s Dwindling Reserves.PDF

LIVE GREEN & SAVE!.PDF

Dear Chairman Schrier & Director Swan,

The Highlands Council’s decision not to standby its previous ruling on the substation in Tewksbury makes a mockery of the legislation establishing the Council. The Highland Council has been entrusted with the responsibility to protect the environment and the historic fabric of the land governed by the Highland Master Plan. After ruling that the landscaping scheme presented by JCP&L for their substation on a scenic road was inadequate and not acceptable the Council has given into pressure and will defer to her sister agency, the DEP.

This is a gross betrayal of all of us who actively supported the Highlands Plan and its adoption for Tewksbury. We request that the Council do its job and rescind its decision to passively standby and be dictated to by the DEP and JCP&L. Anything less is to shirk its responsibility in the name of bureaucratic peace.

Dominick DePinto

Approximately 25 members of the Tekwsbury Democratic Committee gathered at Lauren and John Polito’s home on March 26th.  They were there to sign her petition and endorse her run for the Township Committee this year.  The crowd enjoyed good food and conversation and listened to Lauren explain why she is running.   She eplained how she has come to really love Tewksbury and feels she is now in a position to give something back to the Township.  She believes that as a mother of two young children she can bring a fresh outlook to the Committee.  She also feels that her deep background in finance can be a big help in addressing Tewksbury’s financial situation, budget, and taxes.

Lauren intends to run a serious campaign this year and asked those in attendance to help her win.

About 40 people attended the event including State Representative Joe Cryan who gave an excellent speech about maintaining our core Democratic values in the face of the Governor’s pressure.  Lauren Polito, our candidate for the Township Committee was also introduced to the crowd.

Meeting Minutes