Hopewell Township’s five-member committee is now all-democrat with the swearing in of Kristin McLaughlin and Courtney Peters-Manning.
McLaughlin returned to her seat and position as mayor after being sworn in and newcomer Peters-Manning took over the seat that was previously held by lone Republican John Hart.
Both Democrats were sworn into office on Jan. 2 by Gov. Phil Murphy with John Currie in attendance, chairman of the New Jersey Democratic Party.
“I was honored to be sworn into the Hopewell Township Committee, and I am looking forward to getting to work for the people of the Township. I promise to represent everyone, whether they voted for me or not,” Peters-Manning said. “We may not always agree, but I will have the best interests of our township at heart, I will listen to all opinions and concerns, and I will take all viewpoints into consideration before making a decision.”
McLaughlin thanked the state elected officials in attendance, Hopewell Township first responders and veterans, along with volunteers, township employees and professionals.
“Finally, but certainly not least in any way, I want to thank my family. My husband Mike, daughters Megan, Amelia, and Carolyn. My sister Julia, and brother-in-law Jeff, nephew Peter, and niece Margot,” McLaughlin said. “Thank you for your support and encouragement. I absolutely would not be sitting here without you. And Mom, who couldn’t be here today as she had to head home and back to work reforming Kansas tax law, thank you.”
Hopewell Township’s five-member committee consists of Mayor Kristin McLaughlin, Deputy Mayor Michael Ruger, Committeeman Kevin Kuchinski, Committeewoman Julie Blake and Committeewoman Courtney Peters-Manning.
Peters-Manning said she is concerned with the growth of division in politics.
“I am deeply concerned about the growing divisiveness of our politics and our discourse, both nationally and right here at home. We all love Hopewell Valley, our shared place on the planet,” Peters-Manning said. “I think if we start from there, we will do better at finding common ground to move the township forward while protecting what we all love.”
McLaughlin said both inclusion and communication are critical to municipal governance.
“I have learned much this year about possibilities and limitations. The hard work of municipal governance isn’t always simply finding a good way to solve a problem, but it is making sure that everyone who has a stake in the problem has a voice in finding the solution. Inclusion and communication are critical,” McLaughlin said. “We are going to be looking at all of our communication practices and options to make sure we are reaching everyone we need to reach. Life is busy – for all of us – and I take seriously the challenge of keeping our residents informed. This is our home and I welcome hearing from anyone who wants to help with the work required to build a strong community.”
Peters-Manning said she sees taxes, the environment and open space as areas of focus for her.
“As I’ve learned over the last year, the most important issues to Hopewell Township voters are keeping taxes as low as possible and protecting our environment and open space. These will be my top priorities. Budget meetings for 2020 have already started,” Peters-Manning said. “We analyze the budget line by line to make sure we are able to provide township residents the services they need at the most reasonable cost. We’ve gone through capital requests from the police and public works, and we are beginning on road repair and maintenance and recreation. There is a lot to do, and I am ready to get to work for the people of our township.”
McLaughlin highlighted the township’s working relationship with Bristol-Meyers Squibb as they look to repopulate their BMS campus, possible shared services with Pennington and Hopewell Borough, and environmental challenges that face the township such as a solution to better manage the deer population.
“I would like to offer a challenge as I wind up these remarks. Let’s all work as one to make sure that each and every resident feels valued and heard as we continue on the path toward our 321st year. Thank you all for your help and support,” McLaughlin said.
