Republican Candidates Officially Kick Off Campaign in Downtown Basking Ridge

The 2011 Republican campaign was officially launched Saturday morning at the Allen Street gazebo in downtown Basking Ridge. Along with Township Committee members Mary Pavlini and John Carpenter, who are seeking re-election to the all-GOP committee, the event was attended by other Republican state and county officials.

Appearing with Carpenter and Pavlini were state Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R-Branchburg), who represents the 16th district, Somerset County Freeholder Director Bob Zaborowski and Freeholder Peter Palmer, said Township Mayor John Malay. Somerset County's new GOP chairman, Al Gaburo, also spoke briefly. Assemblywoman Denise Coyle (R-Bernards, 16th district), scheduled to appear, was called away to attend to a personal matter.

A crowd estimated at between 40 to 50 enjoyed a cool but sunny morning, with refreshments of coffee and pastry, Malay reported.

Deputy Mayor Mary Pavlini recapped what she said have been the Republican Committee's long list of accomplishments.

"Over the last six years Bernards has compiled a record of good municipal government unmatched anywhere in New Jersey," Pavlini said, according to a news release. "During that time my colleagues on the committee and I have lowered the tax levy or kept it stable. As a result, while the rest of the state’s communities have seen their taxes go up and up, we still have a tax levy at the 2005 level, saving our residents almost $2.5 million. No other municipality can make that claim.

"During my tenure, Bernards has become a town known for its pragmatic environmentalism. As chairperson to the Green Team I have led the effort that achieved first round certification with Sustainable Jersey and we are working on round 2," she said. The township's parks and playgrounds are pesticide-free and the municipality has switched to organic ofertilizers, at no additional cost to the taxpayer," she said.  "Our energy audit and resulting conservation actions have saved the township tens of thousands of dollars," she said, according to the news release.

Committeeman John Carpenter recalled the township's key role in history, according to the release.

"Not far from here on Hardscrabble Road the NJ Brigade endured the terrible winter of 1779 -1780. When you stand there in the still woods your can feel their presence. It's not hard to imaging that those Continentals dreamed of a day when Americans would be free to assemble, free to speak, free to debate and free to choose their leaders without fear of reprisals or punishment. Look around you… can there be any doubt that today is that day and that you are those Americans?

The primary election for both parties is scheduled for June 7. Carpenter and Pavlini are the endorsed candidates chosen by the Republican Municipal Committe.