Hillsborough Township Committee General Election 2025: John Ciccarelli

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough's general election on Nov. 4 has two candidates running for seats on the Township Council.

Republican incumbent John Ciccarelli, the current Mayor, is running for re-election against Democratic newcomer Jill Gomez for the only three-year open seat on the Township Committee.

Are you running for office in Hillsborough? 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.

John Ciccarelli

Age: 59

Town of residence: Hillsborough, New Jersey since 1999.

Position sought: Township Committee

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Married to my wife of 28 years, Kim (Demko) Ciccarelli. She was born and raised in Hillsborough and is a bus aid for the Hillsborough School District. Together we raised two daughters who went through the Hillsborough Township School District with Sydney currently studying radiology at Mercer County College and Alexa who graduated from Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and is working as a mental health counselor.

Education: I am a graduate of the University of Delaware with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, and also have an M.B.A. with a Real Estate Concentration from Rutgers University. In addition, I am a licensed Professional Engineer in New Jersey (current) and am a Certified Cost Professional and Planning & Scheduling Professional issued by the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACE).

Occupation: I am currently a Managing Director in the Construction Advisory Services practice at J.S. Held LLC and have more than 30 years of experience performing expert dispute resolution consulting and project advisory services for clients in the engineering and construction industries globally. I have prior experience performing this line of work at several firms, including Marsh & McLennan, Deloitte, and the Port Authority of NY & NJ.

Previous or current elected appointed office: Hillsborough Township Committee, Deputy Mayor (’24), Mayor (’25), Planning Board, Master Plan Sub-Committee, Open Space Advisory Board, Wastewater Management Commission.

Campaign website: facebook.com/HillsboroughRepublican

Why are you seeking re-election for the Hillsborough Township Committee?

It has been my honor to serve Hillsborough’s residents as their mayor. I am seeking re-election to continue building on the progress made during my first term on the Township Committee and further my commitment to the community and give back to Hillsborough. Over the past few years, I have worked with the Township Committee and staff to build a stronger, safer, and more vibrant community. My proven collaborative leadership style and commitment to fiscal responsibility has been guided by the municipal legal and administrative processes and the business-like approach to managing township affairs, My focus as I seek re-election is to maintain ongoing efforts to improve local services, enhance economic development, and ensure that Hillsborough remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Seeking re-election reaffirms my commitment to the community and dedication to continuing the work already accomplished for public safety, open space, and affordability; all to preserve the values of Hillsborough. I am proud of the work we’ve done, and there is more to accomplish. Together, we can keep Hillsborough moving forward and ensure that Hillsborough stays as one of the Best Places to Live in America!

The Committee recently approved its fourth-round affordable housing plan that includes 223 housing units. What do you think of this plan?

The Township’s Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan is a well-supported and detailed plan that was developed over multiple months through collaboration of the Planning Department, our Affordable Housing consultant, our Affordably Housing counsel, the Planning Board, and Township Committee. The plan and the resultant realistic development potential was accomplished using the allowable municipal/state laws and procedures, land use adjustments, land capacity factors, and waste management exclusions among others. I committed to “putting Hillsborough first” and the Township’s plan defends Hillsborough’s bedroom community and Master Plan from the State-mandated regional housing plan which, instead of providing affordable housing for our workforce and residents, provides a means for developers to use urban planning concepts to build high-density housing to change the face of our town. I am proud that we lowered the current round of the State’s housing obligation by more than 50%, from 565 units to a realistic development potential of 223. Many developers are upset and have challenged our plan. We are confident that our housing plan will withstand these challenges and continue to show that Hillsborough is a very desirable place to live.

The Committee approved a $40.1 million budget with a 0.008 municipal tax rate increase over last year. How do you feel about the Township's handling of the budget?

The Township handled the budget aligned with our foundation of transparency and accountability to the public. Consistent with our successful history of balancing past budgets, the Township prepared the 2025 budget over the course of several months through collaboration with each of the Township departments, the Chief Financial Officer, and Budget Committee. The Township introduced the budget for public input for almost a month before conducting the public hearing. The result was we introduced a balanced municipal budget with reduced spending (down from $40.7 million, or 1.4%) from 2024. The budget directs funds where the residents want and need: public safety and infrastructure, parks and recreation, and preserving vital social services for the well-being of residents, including senior and the underserved. We were challenged by significant state-mandates and policies this year that increased the cost of running the town and challenged our ability to prepare a balanced budget, including: mis-guided energy policies that significantly increased electricity; failure to fully refund energy taxes taken from residents, and mandates requiring significant expenses to implement new public works programs and health insurance. The budget showcases my conservative leadership style that delivers services and maintains our strong financial status and AA+ credit rating.

The Route 206 widening project has continued for years. How do you feel about the Committee's actions to the NJDOT to speed up the project?

Certain members of the Committee and I have called on Trenton, including the NJDOT and the Governor’s office, to speed up the project and make the site safe for residents. Mitigating the harm to Hillsborough caused by state-controlled efforts of the Route 206 project has been a priority focus for me. The Township meets directly with the NJDOT team, including with their new Route 206 management team in May 2025, and reinforced the protocols for communications and work with the Hillsborough Police Department Traffic Bureau. I, along with the Administration and Engineering Departments, continue to regularly contact Trenton directly to obtain updates on the Route 206 status and address safety issues. However, NJDOT has, for almost 4 years, continued to put Hillsborough as a low priority as the stalled project continues to frustrate me and residents with inconsistent updates and progress. While we also keep an eye on the NJDOT Project website, direct communication with the NJDOT team is more efficient and builds a better relationship. Just this week I observed the project advanced some civil site work and took delivery of structural steel for the new bridge at Valley Road. I recognize this as a positive sign and product of our ongoing advocacy for Hillsborough. My message is that we want Hillsborough to continue thriving as an attractive destination for families and businesses, and I will continue advocating to speed up the Route 206 widening project on behalf of and for the benefit of the residents.

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in Township?

Other issues that must be tackled in the Township include: continuing the business-like approach to government and maintaining strong fiscal policies (to maintain the tax rate and attract businesses); expanding the social and recreational opportunities for senior citizens; continuing to execute on the comprehensive paving and preservation program for our road network, and continuing to add to the almost 40% of extensive open space in Hillsborough. In addition, continuing the collaborative effort with the residents to complete the Master Plan update is progressing, while ensuring that mega-warehouses and other developments that are not aligned with our existing Master Plan and zoning do not disturb the peace and solitude of neighborhoods. My actions speak volumes: I voted to support ordinances banning tractor trailers on certain roads and warehouses in all Township zones. On the Planning Board, I led motions to deny applications of several large warehouses. Recently, I signed a letter to Congress opposing increased truck weight and size on roads; “Bigger Trucks: Bad for America’s Local Communities.” Of the 7 proposed warehouses that were subject of public interest, NOT ONE was approved -the Township is 7-0! I will defend these actions, combined with the previously mentioned affordable housing plan, to curtail overdevelopment driven by the State’s mandates and I will continue lobbying our NJ Legislature representatives in the State Senate and in the Assembly to address the affordable housing mandate crisis by passing meaningful legislation reforms. I will continue addressing the risk of overdevelopment with the legal and administrative tools available to develop the township smartly, considering the goals and objectives of the Master Plan to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of Hillsborough’s residents. I promised to require developers to meet our zoning ordinances, and I have delivered on that promise. I also am experiencing the “affordability” issue and have firsthand experience to confirm that the drivers of this issue are state-driven mandates and policies over which Hillsborough has no direct control. I will continue advocating to the State Senate, Assembly, and Governor to address the issues for which Trenton is responsible, and which caused increased costs to Hillsborough Township and the residents.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

I am humbled and honored to once again be endorsed by the Hillsborough Republicans as they recognized my proven results and combined understanding of government and private sector experience with my background as a Professional Engineer and leader in Hillsborough sports programs, engineering, construction, and business. Those who have worked with me know that I take a sensible approach to any challenges, ask tough questions, and put in the time and effort to achieve results. As a servant leader and representative of the residents of Hillsborough, I will expect the same of each person that I engage with while working for the township. During my first term on the Township Committee, I seamlessly adopted the policies and procedures of municipal governance and made impactful contributions for the citizens of Hillsborough. As an elected representative of Hillsborough’s residents, I continued developing knowledge and skills leading the Township and developed into an award winning and recognized municipal leader, including the following: 1) “Elected Official Award” from the NJ Municipal Management Association for the Township Committee's public communications and outreach efforts, 2) Certified “Municipal Leader” by the Local Government Leadership Program of the NJ League of Municipalities, and 3) Congressional Recognition Award from Congressman Thomas Kean Jr. for my community outreach actions. The Hillsborough Township School system also recognizes my experience as an advocate for the Robotics team and frequently requests that I speak to students of all grades about civic duty and why I love serving the Township. One of my proudest presentations was to a group of high school STEM students and families about how I combined my education, professional, and community volunteer experience to culminate in my current role as Mayor. With all the infrastructure, finance, and complex business and social issues that the town is dealing with, my skills and professional background as an industry leader, as well as proven track record leading as Hillsborough’s Mayor, are well suited to help address these issues for the well-being and safety of Hillsborough and clearly set me apart from my challenger. I am the right person, at the right time, for this job.

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

I grew up in Roxbury, NJ and drove through Hillsborough numerous times on my way to school at the University of Delaware in the late 80’s. Now, ironically, I live a couple hundred feet from the route (206) taken when the Promenade was a sheep farm. I enjoy watching sports of all kinds and spent years coaching and watching my daughters participate in various activities with the Hillsborough Township Recreation, Hillsborough Soccer Club, Jr. Raiders, and High School programs. Being from Northern NJ, my allegiance has primarily been to New York teams, especially as a diehard Yankee fan. Professionally, I am also a recognized industry leader and have served for more than 18 years on the Board of Directors for multiple not-for-profit organizations including professional, educational, and in Hillsborough. I have used these skills to successfully serve the citizens of Hillsborough and will continue focusing on low municipal taxes and fiscal responsibility, sustainable infrastructure, expanding our extensive open space, maintaining public safety, and enhancing community services for the youth, senior citizens, and all residents of our diverse town. My wife and I raised our family in Hillsborough and made memories to last a lifetime during our 26 years in the Township. I have served the residents of Hillsborough for 20 years through the Soccer Club, Planning Board and Township Committee (as Mayor) and this experience provides direct insight into the real challenges the Township faces, how these issues affect residents, and the challenges to be overcome to minimize impacts. My 35 years of professional experience as a Professional Engineer, business executive, and global construction, cost and planning expert, brings unmatched real-world skills and knowledge to directly address each challenge. I am running to serve my family, friends, neighbors, and all current residents as well as future families of Hillsborough to ensure that they have the same opportunity to make the same great memories that we did and to keep Hillsborough one of the Best Places to Live in America.