Democrat Diehl Said She Wants To Hear Residents' Ideas

Democrat Bonnie Diehl, who is seeking one of two three-year term on the Township Committee along with her running mate, Michael Komondy, said she would like to hear the ideas of residents — and also would like to see some new people involved in local government.

Diehl and Komondy are running against two Republican incumbents, John Carpenter and Mary Pavlini, who both are seeking their third three-year terms on the Township Committee, which is Bernards Township's local governing body.

During a candidates forum at Ridge High School held in October, Diehl said she would like to see more open access in local government, and a chance for different viewpoints to be heard. She also said she herself was unable to gain an appointment on a local board, and she believes more citizens should have a chance to serve on township boards and committees.

"The people of Bernards Township deserve a good, competitive race," she said during her speech at the forum. "Our community needs people on the township committee who are not afraid to ask tough questions." She said she would give opponents a "serious debate" and, if she wins, would be a "force for change" in Bernards Township.

"My message is your message," Diehl said. "Share your ideas with me and I will get your message out. Talk to me about your parks, taxes, senior wellness, zoning and ordinances. Talk to me about your sidewalks and roads. I have the passion, energy and commitment that our town deserves," Diehl said.

Diehl said she was born and raised in northern Wisconsin, and is a member of a large family dedicated to community service. "My gather was town mayor for decades; my oldest brother followed in his steps and then moved on to county government." She said she has other family members who are involved in state government, city government and teachers' associations in other states.

Diehl said she is married to a native New Jerseyan. "We chose to live in Basking Ridge because of the excellent public schools and our three children are thriving because of these schools,"

Diehl said she is trained as a scientist with a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She said she is currently employed for a cyber-security institution as the chief academic officer. 

"To me, democracy and liberty represent our highest ideals and principles and at their best they reflect scientific endeavors," she said. "We conduct careful research to recommend the best policy, evaluate outcomes — especially, unintended outcomes — and fine-tune the process to assure the best possible success.  I believe in this approach. I understand how to carry it out. In addition, I have been trained in negotiation and know how to reach consensus among diverse groups of people," she said in her campaign speech.

During the candidates' forum, Diehl said negotiating skills and good management could have been put to use in such situations as the legal debate in which the township is involved with the involving the dispute between the restaurant and nearby neighbors about noise levels of music, and also the continuing litigation with the Millington Quarry. "If you are not able to resolve a conflict, maybe you don't have the skills to do that."

She said she believes a nuisance ordinance that has been used for complaints against the Bamboo Grill was "poorly designed and poorly implemented."

Diehl also said that people are concerned about turnover at the municipal building, although current officials said most of the those departures were due to retirements.

The Republicans have especially pointed to their record of the long-term reduction of the tax levy in the municipal budget and working together to erase all municipal debt from the township budget. "I think good management is the key to trying to keep costs down," Diehl said during the forum.