I’ve had the privilege of knowing Bob Edwards for about twenty-five years. While we’ve always enjoyed chats about television and film – both Bob and his wife, Ferne Pearlstein, are filmmakers – Bob is also a US Army Iraq War veteran and has always had a healthy interest in and unique perspective on all things political. He launched a progressive blog, “The Kings Necktie,” during Trump’s presidency and has shared no shortage of content and opinion over the past few years.
On July 30, Bob will be speaking about his first book, Resisting the Right,published just last month, to a gathering of our committee members. Edwards’ publication and engagement with our group couldn’t be timelier and we’re hoping to host him in a larger forum sometime this fall.
Here's a little bit about Bob…
His book is available to order on Amazon.com.We hope you find the subject matter as interesting and pressing as we do!
Best,
Jen
Jen Aaron
BTDC Vice Chair
Hello!
I hope you have all been enjoying the summer. The past month has unfortunately included storms and power outages. JCPL has been working in partnership with the Township, and will be conducting a study to review the analytics on frequency and locations of where outages occur, as well as variables, such as where trees were last trimmed. This will take several weeks, and will be reported back to the township. In the meantime, if an outage occurs in your home, please, as you are able, call JCPL so the outage is recorded. The contact number is 1-888-544-4877. In addition, if you or anyone in your household is dependent upon electricity for life support equipment, and/or you have a well, contact JCPL.
Safety and security have been among the community’s top priorities. To that end, during our June 26th meeting, Mackenzie Weber was sworn in as the fourth woman and 40th member of the Bernards Township Police Department. Mackenzie joins us from the Somerset County Sheriff’s department. You can meet Mackenzie and other members of our Police Department and emergency responders, along with county resources, at the upcoming August 6th National Night Out, held behind the 1 Collyer Lane municipal complex.
All of the Township Committee members serve as liaisons to the various boards and commissions. I am the liaison to our Environmental Commission, on which BTDC member Nancy Cook is assistant chair. Among the Commission’s projects has been the design and creation of a Native Plant Pollinator Garden at the Bernards Township Library. The project is now complete, and at the July 23 Township Committee meeting I had the pleasure of recognizing resident Susan Kessel for her leadership and 80+ hours of volunteering to design and create the garden.
Committeewoman McCarthy, Susan Kessel, Mayor Asay
Lastly, as I’ve communicated in previous newsletters, Affordable Housing fourth round legislation was signed into law on March 20, 2024. Our township will again be faced with making decisions to meet our obligations in support of the legislation. In preparation, the Township has contracted Kendra Lelie, Principal Planner, Kyle and McManus, to assist with our fourth round of Affordable Housing requirements. Kendra made a presentation to the community on June 9, providing a review of definitions, the fourth-round timeline, and Bernards’ past and anticipated approach. The presentation can be viewed here.
Thank you again to all who have been attending the Township Committee Meetings. Your presence is greatly appreciated!
You can contact me on Township matters at (201) 306-0178, or via email at amccarthy@bernards.org. Please note that any correspondence sent to me will be visible to the full township committee and township clerk.
August 1-18 Graner & Subervi Food Collection for Veterans Food Pantry (see On the Campaign Trail article)
August 6, National Night Out, 6pm @ Municipal Complex
August 13, Township Committee Meeting, 8pm @ Municipal Building
August 21, Write Postcards for Graner & Subervi Campaign, 9:30-11:30 am @ 109 Emerald Valley Lane, Basking Ridge
August 25 & 26, Weekend of Action (see On the Campaign Trail article)
August 26, Board of Education Meeting, 7pm @ Ridge PAC
August 27, Write Postcards for Graner & Subervi Campaign, 7-9:00 pm @ 109 Emerald Valley Lane, Basking Ridge
August 27, Township Committee Meeting, 8pm @ Municipal Building
Graner & Subervi campaign activities are heating up in August!
First, please participate from now through August 18th in our effort to collect food donations for The Veterans Food Pantry, sponsored by the Food Bank Network of Somerset County. Cans and boxes only – no glass. Drop off donations at 145 Arbor Circle, Basking Ridge. Thank you!!
In an effort to get the word and the vote out for our two great candidates, help write postcards for the campaign on the following dates:
**Wednesday, August 21st from 9:30-11:30am **Tuesday, August 27th from 7pm-9pm
On August 24th & 25th, beginning at 10:00am, we will be participating in a Weekend of Action. Our campaign will be canvassing along with the Sue Altman Campaign and the Andy Kim campaign. This event is being coordinated with the Somerset County Democrats. Join us! Details will be available on our campaign website.
Finally, please canvass with our candidates! Liz and Adam will be out canvassing from August through Election Day! Go to www.granersubervi.com to sign up for a slot or two. Phone banking is another easy and can be done from the comfort of your home. Please sign up if you are interested.
