Summer is in the midst of its transition to fall and all that follows. Whether you have a student, are a student or perhaps a teacher, the fall always feels like back to school to me, and as such, I hope it’s a wonderful academic year for your loved ones.  Differently, we began the week with the shooting and killing of two children and wounding of more than a dozen at the Annunciation Catholic Church, where the school community marked the beginning of the school year attending Mass. The grief these families now carry, and its impact on the Minneapolis community, is reverberating across the nation. While I pray for them, as is part of my faith, this tragedy underscores the continued need for gun violence prevention.

 

This is a segue to those who serve and protect our community, the Bernards Township Police Department, which was a major highlight of August. On August 5, the Township Police Department and Parks and Recreation ran the annual National Night Out. The national program seeks to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while instilling a true sense of community. This year residents had an opportunity to interact with first responders including, among others, members of our Police Department, fire and rescue companies, Somerset County’s K-9 unit, and a host of other community partners.   

 

The Bernards Township Police Department is currently undergoing reaccreditation. The accreditation is administered by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and requires departments to comply with best practice standards in five basic areas: the administrative function, the personnel function, the operations function, the investigative function, and the arrestee/detainee function. Our Police Department has been accredited for quite some time now. The department goes through this process every three years. Lieutenant Alex McNight is leading the effort with the whole team contributing. As part of the reaccreditation process, the public is invited to provide feedback and comments on the department’s performance. Comments may be offered by calling 908-204-8802 on Sept. 5 between 10 and 11 a.m. or via email to the Police Department at accreditation@bernardpsd.org. For more information, you are invited to contact Lt. Alex McKnight at 908-204-3055.

Ana, Mike McCarthy and Officer Omar Caponpon

Those of you who attended or watched the August 12th Township Committee meeting are aware that there were public comments and discussion on the dais regarding the Bernards Township Law Enforcement Fund (BTLEF) and the organization’s objective to contribute to the Police Department. There were differing opinions expressed, among the Township Committee, on the efficacy of accepting funding raised.  As a Township Committee member, I see it as my responsibility to perform due diligence on any organization that wishes to donate to the township, to ensure that the organization’s mission and objectives are aligned to the Township’s and to understand any potential for conflicts of interest. It’s important to me that the organization has stated its scope, and does not have an involvement in day-to-day operations, including, among other areas, matters of employment, strategy and policy, or having an advisory or consultative role.

 

I had the opportunity to attend a meeting with the leadership of the BTLEF and our Police Department in June 2025, and my takeaway was that the BTLEF’s objective is to raise money to support our Police Department, that in turn provides an opportunity for the PD to consider wish list items.  At the time of the meeting, the BTLEF’s mission and bylaws were still in development.  Considering that, I recommended the group connect with an expert in non-profit governance, Mr. David Carcieri, CEO of the Greater Somerset County YMCA, and Mike Fitzerald, President of BTLEF, has done so. I look forward to seeing the updated bylaws and mission statement, which will inform future consideration of accepting funding.

 

Another issue is the participation of Township Committee members serving on non-profit boards that would donate to the Township.  A municipal official sitting on a non-profit board could potentially have a conflict of interest, particularly if their involvement impacts decisions or actions related to a department or city resources. The question was raised during the August 12 meeting, and I anticipate we will consider guidelines for current and future Township Committee members who are active on boards that intersect with municipal matters.

 

Join the Community to Celebrate our 265th Anniversary on Saturday, September 20!  “Colonial Farms, The Original Work from Home” is being presented by Bernards Township, Farmstead Arts & the Basking Ridge Business Alliance, on Saturday, September 20th, 10am-2pm.  The focus will be on the original work from home and pay tribute to the contributions of local businesses both past and present. During this event, attendees are invited to bring items to be appraised by antique appraiser Jon Felz of RZM Fine Art & Antiques inside the beautifully restored English Barn. Inside the Barn, attendees will be able to view the premiere of a new display tracing the business and economic history of Bernards Township from colonial times until today. In addition to the events in the Barn, attendees will enjoy the Fall Members Art Exhibition in the 18th century farmhouse, and take self-guided tours using the maps provided. Picnicking on the Farmstead's riverside 4-acres is highly encouraged on what is sure to be a spectacular fall day. Hope to see you there!

 

Your Voice Matters! You can contact me with township questions/thoughts/comments 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 clerk. 

With the November 4 elections approaching in a matter of weeks, the BTDC Executive Committee thought it would be fun to share the media and activities we enjoy in our efforts to stay on top of political issues and more – both local, and those further afield. It’s certainly a great time to learn more about ways in which each of us can gather more information and participate in efforts to preserve and strengthen our democracy during these unprecedented times.

I don't have a lot of time for reading, so I mostly listen to podcasts. I do, however, read the BTDC Beat cover to cover and love every section!  It’s so helpful and informative.  I also read the NJEA and NEA Magazines that I get as being part of the teacher's union.  It's very interesting to hear what other teachers both in NJ and around the country are experiencing in this time of our history as well as how people are combatting some of the struggles people are facing on behalf of their students.

 

WHAT I LISTEN TO 

I love listening to everything that Heather Cox Richardson puts out.  I find her to be very informative, yet not completely negative.  She gives us action steps to take that frankly, many of us are doing.  She talks about getting involved locally, getting good candidates to step up, being a part of our local community, and communicating what is happening on the ground.  It's inspiring to hear what she has to say.  I listen to The Daily for quick updates day to day on current events. I also watch The Daily Show and John Stewart, who while they are comedy, tend to be very informative.  For fun, I listen to What Now with Trevor Noah.  He talks to people from around the world about a host of topics and it's always interesting, thought provoking and uplifting.

 

In the Fall, I'm focusing on whatever I can to help get our township candidates elected.  I'll help to get volunteers (expect a call from me to bug you about helping in some way), make phone calls, canvass, liaison with the county for connection on that end, and attend local community events.  I'll also spend my time going to Township Committee and School Board meetings to keep myself informed on the local needs and happenings.

WHAT I READ 

The first thing I read every morning is Heather Cox Richardson's Letters from an American - either on FB or Substack.  Then The New York Times, sometimes only the headlines but the print edition is delivered on weekends when there's more time to absorb.  The Wall Street Journal gives a different perspective and helps me keep up with the financial gyrations, and for more feature stories, it's The Atlantic. It sounds like a lot, and subscriptions can be expensive, BUT, if you have a Bernards Township Library card, many publications can be accessed online, or in person at the library, absolutely free.  For instance, you can get the Wall Street Journal online daily.   Amazing resources available FREE with a library card!

 

WHAT I LISTEN TO 

NPR, MSNBC and CNN in the car, PBS Newshour on television, and when I get tired of the hyperbole, non-political podcasts:  How I Built This, with Guy Raz, tells the stories of entrepreneurs and the businesses they built and The Splendid Table, about all things food, baking and cooking.  And, if you haven't listened, please please please find Renegades: Born in the USA and listen to every episode.  Bruce Springsteen and Barack Obama - it never gets old (it was recorded in 2020) and it's a reminder we deserve leaders who lift us up and encourage our better nature.  Plus, you will get a chance to laugh and who doesn't need that right now!?

 

Working on the Hodges & Tompkins campaign is a priority. I believe when people see Democratic leadership at a local level improving the quality of life, keeping us safe, and governing fairly, impartially and transparently, they will feel more confident electing Democrats to higher office. The Republicans spent years building the local base across the country and now we can see how that time paid off for them.  It's a long slow road, but if we don't start now, when will we?

I love seeing what the other side has to say, or more accurately, what they’re whining or lying about. So I usually take a peek at the NY Post headlines every morning before digging more deeply into the day’s news via the New York Times, and Heather Cox Richardson’s Substack, Letters from an American. And let’s not forget this monthly rag – the BTDC Beat!! (Especially Ana Duarte McCarthy’s monthly Municipal Matters column for all that’s happening in Bernards Township)

 

There’s nothing like a good podcast to get me through my dog walks and some long drives. My favorite is Pivot, with NYU Business School professor Scott Galloway and tech writer, Kara Swisher. They cover everything from Trump’s latest absurdities to business headlines and timely cultural issues. I also love Raging Moderates, which again features Galloway and FOX’s token liberal, Jessica Tarlov. They usually interview interesting political guests and discuss current events. Finally, the NY Times’ Daily is a good 30-minute primer on what’s going on each day.

 

WHAT I'M FOCUSING ON 

Over the next few months, I’ll be busy setting up events for the Hodges & Tompkins campaign for Township Committee, working on text banks for the candidates, delivering signs and spreading the word about these awesome local leaders as best I can! I’m also very eager to support Mikie Sherrill in her bid for governor and I’m starting to look ahead and work on a campaign for a 2026 congressional candidate to beat back Tom Kean Jr.

I read The New York Times and The Guardian, which are basically the same. I check CNN, though I’ve been less of a fan lately. As a news junkie, I try to limit myself for the sake of my sanity, but I still end up reading far too much throughout the day. I also click on articles from HuffPost, which never helps in that regard.

 

When it comes to podcasts, I stick to ones that aren’t political, just to give my mind a break from the state of the world. SmartLess, Wiser Than Me, and Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend help me zone out a bit, making the next few years feel a little more manageable.

 

I’m focused on helping Brett and John join Ana on the Township Committee. It would be an incredible feat to have our town finally turn Blue. My goal is to help Mikie Sherrill and NJ Dems in any way I can – fundraising, phone calls, lawn signs. If we want the pendulum of justice and reason to swing back - and swing back fast - it’s up to us to push it there.

I read The Washington Post, The New York Times and avoid doom scrolling!

 

I only listen to entertaining or informative podcasts like SmartLess, Wiser Than Me, Good Hang, On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Mel Robbins, and On Being with journalist Krista Tippett and The Oprah Podcast.

 

WHAT I'M FOCUSING ON  

I manage the Hodges Tompkins campaign, so with less than 80 days left ’til election night, the team is working hard to turn out the vote! This year we are part of the NJ Dems coordinated campaign. Our biggest challenge is voter turnout, convincing voters that all elections matter at every level of government. It’s easy to be disillusioned or distracted in this abysmal political climate, thinking our vote/voice doesn’t matter. We all have agency to make the difference and avoid all the nonsense and distraction. The ONLY way this changes is by focusing on what we have the power to do moving forward, electing leaders with the courage to drive change rather than go along to get along.

Paid for by the Bernards Township Democratic Committee