Democrat Sworn In To Serve On Republican Majority Bernards Township Committee

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — For the first time in years, a Democrat was sworn in to serve on the Bernards Township Committee.

Democrat Ana Duarte McCarthy and Republican Gary Baumann were both sworn in at the Township Reorganization meeting on Tuesday night. Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis swore in Baumann and Somerset County Commissioner Sara Sooy swore in McCarthy.

McCarthy and Baumann won over Democrat Puiwan Lily Wong and Republican Tyler Seville in the November election.

The Bernards Township Committee has long been Republican-controlled. McCarthy said she is the fourth Democrat elected to the Bernards Township Committee in 90 years.

McCarthy quoted from Eleanor Roosevelt, "Do something that scares you every day."

"And I did that last year when I decided to run for office. Maybe I wasn’t scared enough but then again 10 months later I am honored and humbled to be sitting here tonight as the newest member of the township committee," said McCarthy. " I am really excited about supporting the great work that has already happened and to be part of a team that continues to work on all of the concerns of our residents."

"We are in a community that has different characteristics and there are Republicans, Democrats, a number of growing unaffiliated voters but none the less we are all one community. At the end of the day, regardless if you are Republican, Democrat, or unaffiliated I am here to serve you, I am here to hear you, your voice matters and I look forward to being a part of the leadership team here," said McCarthy.

Baumann was previously selected to fill Kathleen Grochela's vacancy in May. He was elected to a full term in November.

He thanked everyone for his election and noted that during his campaign he was able to speak with neighbors and residents to hear their thoughts and suggestions and understand their concerns.

"All of which I believe will center and focus my time and my service here as a Committeeperson in Bernards Township," said Baumann. "I look forward to representing everyone. We all chose Bernards as a place to live that bonds us together regardless of our political affiliation and I believe it's important for us to work together for the common good the common goal and that is my pledge to you all."

Additionally at the meeting, Jennifer Asay was sworn in as the new Mayor for 2024 and Janice Fields was sworn in as the new Deputy Mayor for 2024.

The next township committee meeting will be held on Jan. 9 at 1 Collyer Lane, Basking Ridge – Warren Craft Meeting Room.

Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday after the first Monday unless otherwise noted. Meetings start at 8 p.m. and they are preceded by an executive session at 7:30 p.m.

2024 Meeting Dates:

• Jan. 9
• Jan. 23
• Feb. 13
• Feb. 27
• March 12
• March 26
• April 9
• April 23
• May 14
• May 28
• June 11
• June 25
• July 9
• July 23
• Aug. 13
• Aug. 27
• Sept. 10
• Sept. 24
• Oct. 15
• Oct. 29
• Nov. 12
• Nov. 26
• Dec. 10
• Dec. 23
• Jan. 2, 2025 Reorganization

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