Support for Purandare in township committee race
Healthy communities are happy communities. Building a healthy community requires investment in resources and infrastructure.
Deputy Mayor Uma Purandare has dedicated her first term to keeping Hopewell Township healthy by promoting and safeguarding the safety and well-being of our community. I am confident she will continue that important work next term.
As chair of the Board of Health, Uma has worked with stakeholders across the Valley, leading efforts to enter into shared services agreements that provide health services to the entire valley. This saves money for taxpayers, while improving the services available through the health department.
She tirelessly works to improve emergency services and access to community health programs, such as the township’s vaccine clinics for flu, Covid-19, and shingles. Uma is also an advocate for the physical and mental well-being of our residents. She serves as a liaison to the Lawrence Hopewell Trail, which promotes outdoor activities, and initiated a celebration to recognize International Yoga Day in Hopewell Township.
Uma recognizes that safe physical environments, health education, and access to clean water are critical elements to maintaining a healthy community. Because of her commitment to public safety and keeping Hopewell healthy, I am voting for Uma Purandare for Hopewell Township Committee.
Early voting will occur from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, and Election Day is Nov. 5.
Deborah H. Cook
Deputy Mayor and Democratic candidate for Hopewell Township Committee Uma Purandare has proven in her first term that she understands environmental issues and how to respond to them. She is a true ally for open space preservation of fragile ecosystems, and for the past 3 years has become quite knowledgeable about the issues facing Hopewell’s natural environment.
Ms. Purandare has joined others on the Committee in taking action to help protect our Valley’s rural character while meeting the pressure for affordable housing as required by the state Supreme Court. Her scientist background has served us well in facing these challenges, and I am constantly impressed by her insight and commitment to our residents and professionals as she brings her analytical eye to the table.
I encourage you to join me in voting for Deputy Mayor Uma Purandare, Democrat for Hopewell Township Committee. Early voting begins Oct. 26 and Election Day is Nov. 5. You can vote by mail as well.
Carol Kleis, Titusville
A write-in candidate throws hat into school board ring
I’m running as a write-in candidate for the Hopewell Valley School Board. As a mom of three (a 6th grader and 1st grade twins at Bear Tavern), I’m deeply invested in our community and the future of our schools. My husband and I both grew locally—me in Montgomery and him in Lawrence—and we chose to live here to raise our family because we value the strong, supportive environment that Hopewell offers.
As a licensed clinical social worker with a Ph.D. in Social Work from Rutgers, I’ve spent my career working with individuals facing mental health, substance use, and trauma. These experiences have reinforced my belief that our schools must prioritize the well-being of every child.
In addition to my professional work, I serve as a Girl Scout troop leader. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to provide opportunities that help our children grow into confident individuals ready to make a positive impact.
Our community is growing, and with that growth comes concerns about managing increased enrollment while maintaining the close-knit, small-school feel that has always been a hallmark of Hopewell Valley. If elected, I will:
Preserve Our Small-School Culture: I will advocate for policies and practices that ensure students receive personalized support.
Maintain High Academic Standards: I will ensure that every student is challenged, supported, and thriving.
Strengthen Social-Emotional Learning: I will support curriculum that emphasizes building the resilience and empathy needed in an increasingly complex world.
Enhance Community Engagement: I will ensure that all community members have a strong voice in decisions about how we manage growth and maintain the unique character of our schools.
Our school system is at a pivotal moment, and I believe that with thoughtful, compassionate leadership, we can navigate these changes. It would be an honor to serve and help guide our schools forward on a path that respects our past while embracing the future.
Amanda M. Stylianou
A rebuke for a columnist
In his July Schore to Please column, Enough with the Euphemisms, Robin Schore suggests that the letters NAZI be substituted for the Republican candidate for president’s slogan, MAGA.
I suggest Mr. Schore read some history. Though I believe the Republican candidate is entirely unsuited to be president and has a marked inclination towards authoritarianism, which includes a willingness to ignore the Constitution of the United States, to compare his agenda with that of the Nazis, who murdered nearly 17 million non-combatants between 1933 and 1945, is utterly ridiculous.
Dennis Miller, West Amwell
