Bernards Township Committee General Election 2025: Stephen Brett Hodges

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

Democrat Stephen Brett Hodges is running for one of two, three-year open seats on the Township Committee, along with John P. Tompkins.

David Tancredi and Bill McMahon are running on the Republican ticket.

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Stephen Brett Hodges

Age: 60

Town of residence: Bernards Township

Position sought: Township Committee

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Married with two children

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Economics from University of Arizona; Masters In Business Administration from University of New Mexico

Occupation: Retired

Previous or current elected appointed office: N/A

Campaign website: HodgesTompkins.com

Why are you seeking election for the Bernards Township Committee?

I love my family, my community and my country. This is ultimately the main reason I am running for office. I believe in a community that respects the rights of all persons. Sending a message that there is a better way is important in today's political environment. That message starts at the local level!

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?

I have full faith that the current Township Committee chose the best option available to them. However, I believe that if the process was started earlier, there would have been/could have been better options to assess for the Bernards Township community. I think the plan they ultimately wound up with was reactive, rather than proactive or forward-thinking.

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?

I believe that our police department is fully supported and funded by the committee and respected and appreciated by Bernards Township residents. This support is evidenced by Bernards Township being named one of the safest townships in the state of New Jersey. I am curious about one of the Republican campaign signs I just saw recently. It states their candidates “support the police and first responders.” We ALL support the police and first responders.

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?

Bernards Township is fortunate to have seasoned, dedicated professional staff members who do an outstanding job managing the budget.. However, this doesn’t mean there aren't options for how we improve quality of life concerns, working within the budget we have. Leadership to do this should come from Bernards Township Committee members. Our job is to ensure, we always focus on local
residents’ best interests.

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

Ensuring that all Bernards Township residents, and affiliated groups, receive fair and equitable attention and support is a top priority for me. This includes making sure we inform senior residents about resources and provide opportunities for young people to be active. Mobility is also important, whether we are working towards providing walking/bicycle paths that are interconnected or making sure our streets and sidewalks are safe for pedestrians. And, I think it’s important that everyone who makes the time to speak to the Township Committee should feel welcome and should be treated with respect.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

First, I am a Democrat who will bring a fresh perspective to the Bernards Township Committee. My opponent supports the Republican candidate for Governor. I do not. The Republican candidate for Governor is a strong supporter of Trump and his platform, and has talked about raising the sales tax! I feel that our nation and the community of Bernards Township have had enough of the divisiveness and the tearing down of our rights. Freedom is not just for those who agree with those in power. Freedom is something that should transcend political party lines. And higher sales taxes? That’s not what we need right now.

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

I was raised in the knowledge that community is key to experiencing a better quality of life. My community includes all my neighbors in Bernards Township, including those who may have views that differ from mine. We can all work together and identify win-win solutions. How we get there does matter. It is not simply about the end result. Getting the result with integrity and openness matters to me.