One word describes Nola Hansen more aptly than any other – and that word is community. From years of involvement in her kids’ schools and activities, to a love for her tight-knit neighborhood, and a key operational role at Ross Farm, she brings a warmth and enthusiasm to every cause and person lucky enough to be in her Basking Ridge orbit.
The BTDC now calls Hansen their own as she recently became an associate rep and official member of the McCarthy & Bannan campaign’s “ground team” – a group responsible for campaign signage, canvassing and more. She’s enjoyed knocking on doors in the past, and most recently did so for CD-7 candidate Rebecca Bennett and Governor Mikie Sherrill. (Fun fact: her eldest son, Nick, was a young BTDC rep while attending Rutgers about ten years ago.)
Nola’s keen eye toward politics is born from early work as a journalist and a few years working for Glenn Poshard, her Illinois congressman, when she was in her twenties. Her parents also inspired her involvement. As a child, she witnessed them working with local politicians to build a school for the deaf to accommodate her hearing-impaired sister. Nola’s work brought her to Washington, DC where she met her husband, Tim.
The Hansens eventually made their way from DC to New Jersey, where they raised three sons through the Bernards public school system. Nola supported the boys’ participation in the Ridge Marching Band, Forensics and more. She became acquainted with Ross Farm when Nick volunteered there as a seventh grader to earn service hours. Fast forward more than a decade and she’s now a Trustee and leads the non-profit’s music committee. “We’re beginning our twelfth season now!” she beams. “We start with Jazz Fest May 9 and go through the season with eight different events. I’m especially excited about our new female-centric EmpowHer programming set for July 18.”
Local spirit means everything to Hansen. “I love the people I work with at Ross Farm, our pocket of neighbors who help each other out. We are so fortunate to live here,” she says. Nola also relishes the fact that Bernards’ Progressive Women’s Group continues to grow and feels likeminded people will help keep local government moving forward in all the right ways. “I can’t sit here and do nothing,” she insists. “I enjoy meeting people, especially other townspeople and have to do something to help.”
That, she is doing in spades.
– Jen Aaron
Hello!
I am pleased to share that I will be seeking reelection for a seat on the Bernards Township Committee, running with my friend and former Committeewoman Joan Bannan. It’s an honor to serve our community, and I look forward toward entering a second term with three years of experience in municipal government, along with continuing the momentum on fiscal responsibility, public safety, economic development, land use, and inclusive community. Joan is an exceptional candidate. She will bring professional and civic experience to the Township Committee, along with a deep commitment to our community. I look forward to our partnership in the months ahead. I am also grateful for the support of our Campaign Chair, Rani Maloney, Treasurer, Sima Guven, and the BTDC executive committee, on our road to success in the November election. In the meantime, we welcome volunteers to join us! For more information on how you can get involved, go to McCarthy Bannan.
The Township Committee celebrated the diversity of community during April with six resolutions, including recognition of Arbor Day, World Parkinson’s Day, and Autism Acceptance Month. We also recognized achievements and milestones, including the Millington Baptist Church on occasion of its 175th Anniversary, theRidge Youth Sports Senior Rec Team on winning the National High School Cheerleading Championship,and local resident Ann C. Smith, for her exceptional service to Bernards Township.
The Township approved the 2026 Municipal Budget and 2026 Golf Utility Budget with a total budget of $49,773,968, a levy of $24,316,594, and a tax rate of. 246. Sean McCarthy, Township Chief Financial Officer, introduced the 2026 budget on March 24, and again at the second reading on April 28th.
Reflecting on the 2026 budget, the Township is doing as much as we can while being fiscally responsible. The Township has almost doubled its capital spend in last four years. We are also focused on supporting our spend with grant funding. As an example, we were pleased with the recent selection of Bernards Township’s Pleasant Valley Park culvert project for $1.8M as among the project proposals moving forward for consideration under Congressional Project Funding. We pursue a Pay as You Go (PAYGO) philosophy, which has maintained Bernards Township debt free. Sean McCarthy’s presentation also highlighted 12 shared services where Bernards Township is either the lead agent and/or part of a shared service that provides savings and efficiencies.
Sean McCathy highlighted that the state health benefits plan is the larger driver of increased costs in the municipal budget. The Township staff, with the support of the Township Committee have worked hard to find best possible pathway, yet we still see the impact. The Township Committee is working with elected officials, and through consortiums, including the Conference of Mayors, and the NJ League of Municipalities, on reform.
A few items that came up during the budget public hearing included authorizing an independent study comparing private sector health insurance options to the State Health Benefits Plan. The Township has been doing this through our Risk Manager. The Risk Manager analyzes the Township’s claim experience, compares what the group looks like in terms of size and demographics, and compares if there are other options we should be exploring.
There is also a misperception that Bernards is bound to a long-term commitment with the State Health Benefits Plan. The reality is that the Township can leave at any time. Lastly, our Township staff has been exploring competitive and flexible alternatives essentially non-stop for the last four years. While we applaud the efforts of your Township staff in presenting a budget that was unanimously approved, nonetheless, the current state health care benefit plan is unsustainable. We will continue to be aggressive in exploring the best possible options for our benefits plan, while working with partners across the state on reform.
Lastly, Bernards Township received our Consent Order Final Compliance Certification, approving our fourth-round fair share plan. The Compliance Certification shall remain in effect for ten years, beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2035, and as such, the Township will have repose from exclusionary zoning litigation, including, but not limited to Builder’s Remedy lawsuits. As we have met our obligations, the Township Committee will encourage discussions on the municipality we hope to be for future generations, including strategic planning to preserve the character of our community and protect our resources, and anticipate future challenges, such as the potential of a fifth round of affordable housing in 2035. My thanks to our township attorney, John Belardo, Township Planner David Schley, Chief Administrative Officer, Pat Monaco, and my colleagues on the Township Committee, from 2024 through present, for their work to achieve the Final Compliance Certification these past two years. See Attorney John Belardo’s comments (36:44) on the impact of the Certification.
Rev250 comes to life! Charter Day will mark the Township’s 266th Anniversary, and in celebration of our Nation’s 250th we will be introducing a set of characters, brought to life through actors, who were significant local players during the Revolutionary War. Come join the fun and learn more about local history through live narratives. Feeling stressed and hoping to reboot your energy? Join me on Wednesday, May 27, for Yoga in the Park with your Mayor, led by Reena Singhvi. Our yoga practice will begin at 6pm until sunset. I hope to see you at these events!
Thank you as always to those who are attending the Township Committee meetings. Upcoming meetings are posted on the Township Committee web page. Meetings are open to the public, and begin at 7:30pm, Town Hall, 1 Collyer Lane.
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.
A group of Bernards Township Dems spent the morning of April 23 at the Environmental Education Center prepping the trails to commemorate Earth Day and laying the groundwork for a new spring season. It was a beautiful morning for spreading mulch and spending time together outdoors. Many thanks to PJ Lavsi for organizing this event!
