Bernards Township Committee General Election 2025: David E Tancredi

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township's general election on Nov. 4 has four candidates running for two seats on the Committee.

Republican David E. Tancredi is running for one of two, three-year open seats on the Township Committee, along with incumbent Bill McMahon.

Stephen Brett Hodges and John P. Tompkins are running on the Democratic ticket.

Are you running for office in Basking Ridge? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Bridgewater Patch.

David E Tancredi

Age: 57

Town of residence: Bernards Township

Position sought: Bernards Township Committee

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: David and his wife Kelly moved to Basking Ridge in 2004 from the Borough of Rutherford, New Jersey. They have two children who were educated through the Bernards Township School System. Son Thomas is a 2019 graduate of Ridge High School and earned a degree in Economics and Political Science from Vanderbilt University. Thomas resides in Manhattan, where he works as an Investment Banker. Daughter Chelsea is a 2022 Ridge High School graduate who played Basketball an was Co-Captain of the Girls Varsity Volleyball Team. Chelsea is a Senior at Fairfield University studying Marketing at the Dolan School of Business. Kelly has been employed for the past 20 years as the Director of Student and Family Ministries at Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church.

Education: Bergen Community College studied Business Management

Occupation: Plumbing & Heating Contractor

Previous or current elected appointed office: David has been serving on the Bernards Township Committee since his appointment in January 2025 and is a Member of the Bernards Township Planning Board and Sewage Authority. His Liaison assignments include the Pool Commission, Recreation, Parks & Pathways Advisory Committee, Somerset County Wastewater Management Committee, Somerset County Community Development Committee, and Somerset County Solid Waste Advisory Committee. David has over 20 years' experience serving on Land Use Boards and Committees. His service includes appointments to the following: The Borough of Rutherford Zoning Board of Adjustment (2003-2004), Bernards Township Environmental Commission (2016-2018) Chairman (2018), Bernards Township Zoning Board of Adjustment (2018-2025) Vice Chairman (2021-2025), County Committee Member/Somerset County Republican Organization/ Bernards Township Republican Municipal Committee (2015- Present) Vice Chaiman (2016-2018).

Campaign website: TancrediMcMahon.com, Facebook.com/TancrediMcMahon , instagram.com/TancrediMcMahon

Why are you seeking election for the Bernards Township Committee?

It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Bernards Township. I am seeking election to continue promoting principles of limited Government, fiscal responsibility, strong support of law enforcement, transparent and inclusive Government, and to celebrate the rich diversity that makes Bernards a great place tolive and raise a family. Our campaign Theme & "Putting Bernards First" means preserving our parks and open space for the next generation, Keeping Bernards safe so every Resident feels secure on our streets, in our parks and most importantly in their homes, and keeping Bernards debt-free. Bill McMahon and I will abide by "the pay as you go philosophy" of fiscal prudence that has balanced our budgets and maintained a low tax rate.

The Committee recently approved its fourth-round affordable housing plan that includes housing for families, seniors, and the developmentally disabled. What do you think of this plan?

Affordable housing must be a part of any responsible Township Master Plan to provide housing not only for low-income Individuals and families but for Senior Citizens, Adults with disabilities and young families seeking their first home, however this Plan should be developed by local planning experts not Trenton bureaucrats and State Judges. Affordable housing plans must consider with reason the amount of developable land available, be respectful of environmental sensitive resources, consider the impact on Schools, Roads, Bridges, and other infrastructure. It is my opinion that to the best of our ability we have fulfilled our legal obligation as local government officials to meet the fourth-round affordable housing requirements by selecting projects that will result in the least amount of overall development and were consistent with our Master Plan while providing much needed housing for seniors and developmentally disabled adults. In the coming years between now and the Fifth Round of Affordable Housing a proactive assessment of our developable land, Farms, Commercial properties and economic development is paramount to reduce future obligations.

Crime and resources for police have been a topic of discussion in the Township. How do you feel about the Township's support of the police department?

Bernards Township is the 2nd safest Town in New Jersey and the 21st Safest in The United States of America. This is attributed to an outstanding Police Department with the complete support of our Township Committee. As a member of the Township Committee, I am proud to fully fund and fully staff our Police Department. In recent years we have provided new resources such as license plate readers that has reduced auto theft and this year, we added drone Technology to assist in apprehensions, provide security for large outdoor events, and will be useful in locating missing persons. Bill and I will stand resolute alongside our Police, Fire, and First Aid departments to ensure they have all the resources needed to keep Bernards Safe.

The Committee approved a budget with a 3.76 percent increase over last year. How do you feel about the Township's handling of the budget and financing?

This year my colleges and I approved a balanced budget with a 3.44% tax increase over last year. The increase was attributed to a 16% increase in insurance cost, the sun-setting of covid relief money and inflation. Our Finance Team and Staff have done a fantastic job of budgeting and keeping cost low without sacrificing services to our community. We are one of the few debt free Towns in the Country, that means we can spend more money on staff, maintenance, and services rather than pay interest on loans and bonds while maintaining a stable tax rate. Bill and I will continue this policy of fiscal responsibility.

What other issues do you feel need to be tackled in the Township?

The biggest issue facing our Township is Overdevelopment. As a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment I have a record of opposing Overdevelopment. Along with my Zoning Board colleges I voted to deny the Allen Road Warehouse project that would have overburdened our infrastructure and threated the safety of School Children. When Developers proposed large homes on small properties that were out of character for Bernards I voted NO. As a member of the Planning Board and Township Committee, I will always put the best interest of Bernards First.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

Experience and Proven Leadership sets David apart from the field. As a small business owner, he understands firsthand the time and dedication needed to run a successful business. What it takes to meet payroll each week, how to train and retain employees while maintaining and expanding a customer base. David is the owner of Tancredi Plumbing & Heating Contractors Inc. located in Basking Ridge. He is a second-generation tradesman and Master Plumber. His Family business was founded in 1970, and he became Vice President in 1995 and President in 2013. Davids’s long record of public service is a huge asset to Bernards. He has served Bernards Township for over a decade and is intimately familiar with all the issues affecting our Township. He has always put Bernards first while applying common sense fiscally conservative solutions to all matters of local government.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?

"21 Years ago, Kelly and I were searching for a place to live and raise our son and the daughter we were expecting in April. Having deep connections to Northern New Jersey it was our intention to settle there, however on a cold Sunday afternoon in February 2004, we found Bernards Township. I was familiar with Basking Ridge as I had clients in Harding Township and Peapack. Obviously, we were immediately attracted to Bernards. As we drove down the tree lined streets, through the charming villages of Basking Ridge and Liberty Corner and walked in the parks we knew this was the place. It had everything that appealed to us, a top school system, low taxes, little crime, open space, history, golf and a community pool. Bernards has been a blessing to our family not only for the world class education my children received, but the friendships and connections we have made throughout the years. I am especially thankful for the Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church, where we became members in 2006. Our Children attended The Children’s Corner Day Care, Kelly has served the children and families of this community for two decades, and I have had the opportunity to serve in various capacities. For ten years I was member of the Stewardship Team, serving as Chairman for seven. Currently I serve as an usher, assistant Sunday School Teacher, and Vice President of the Board of Trustees. My experiences at Liberty Corner with non-profit fund raising, philanthropy through mission work, financial budgeting, maintenance of a 12 acre 15-million-dollar campus and networking has made me a strong candidate for Township Committee. Bill McMahon and I humbly and respectfully ask for your vote on November 4 th , Thank you."

Early voting is available from October 25th – November 2nd. The last date to register to vote is October 14th. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked or dropped in a secure drop box on or before 8 pm on November 4th. To vote on election day, visit your polling location between 6 am and 8 pm to cast your vote. www.TancrediMcMahon.com