We work for the people of Basking Ridge by listening and responding to their concerns for the betterment of our community.

We are the
Bernards Township Democratic Committee

Dedicated to bringing our community together  

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From the BTDC

Videos

John Tompkins: “I Was A Republican”

John Tompkins is a financial conservative, philanthropist, former Republican, former Independent, and now, Democrat, running for office. After retiring from Wall Street, his next chapter began with a simple idea which evolved into a philanthropic enterprise by donating all the profits to local and national charitable organizations.  Having a vision and bringing that vision forward […]

Videos

Hey, Basking Ridge

Videos

Brett Hodges “Why I’m Running”

Brett Hodges has walked the talk when it comes to being of service in our community, and it is what motivates him to run for a seat on the Township Committee. As his two adult daughters made their way through the township’s public schools, Brett co-managed everything from Destination Imagination teams to Ridge Forensic competitions. […]

True Blue: David Lai-Len

True Blue

A man of many interests, talents and achievements, David Lai-Len has focused on volunteering to help people his entire life. As a Democrat, he says he wavered only once and would have voted for a Republican — Eisenhower — but he was too young to vote! David is a member of VFW Post 7858 in […]

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Municipal Matters: August 2025

July has been a fairly quiet month on the municipal government front.  Noteworthy is that the Township Committee approved a new soil erosion ordinance that returns enforcement of soil erosion control regulations to the Somerset-Union soil Conservation District for projects over 5,000 square feet of land disturbance.  Previously, Township staff enforced regulations for these projects. […]

Since publishing the last BTDC Beat, the BTDC has been busy! What a whirlwind of awesome activity the past several weeks ushered in. Memorial Day Weekend kicked off the excitement with a great presence at the Liberty Corner Memorial Day parade, where the BTDC marched with a great group (and largest to date) of Democratic […]

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Making A Difference: We’re BUSY!

True Blue

True Blue: Sima Guven

The BTDC is proud to introduce its new treasurer, Sima Guven, who is no stranger to politics or spreadsheets. Sima is assuming the role after Fred Douglis successfully managed the books for many years running. A hearty thanks to Fred for his work! Like many members of our community, Sima became interested in making a […]

Municipal Matters: July 2025

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It’s finally summer! School has ended and many of you have enjoyed graduations, and have participated in a variety of activities. I’ve had the pleasure to be part of the Basking Ridge Indian Community HOLI celebration and the 35th Municipal Alliance Twilight Challenge. Mayor Janice Fields and I also joined other Township departments at Oak […]

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The Autumn Fundraiser

Join us for an evening of light bites and beverages in support of Brett Hodges and John Tompkins for Bernards Township Committee! 

bernards township Committeewoman
Ana duarte mcCarthy

On January 2, 2024, Ana Duarte McCarthy was sworn into office for a three year term. Bernards Township gained an incredible, compassionate leader committed to serving our community.

Ana continues to serve on our Democratic Committee, representing District 5, and was formerly treasurer when the Democratic Committee was newly formed in back in 2017.

For more information on current issues before the Township Committee, take a look at Ana's monthly updates.



municipal matters

About Us

The Bernards Township Democratic Committee (BTDC) is dedicated to making our town a better place to live and work, and to solving local issues with transparency, balance and compassion. The committee is made up of a diverse group of conscientious and engaged residents: Men and women in our community, representing a broad range, among other attributes, of cultural backgrounds, races and ethnicities, religions, ages, education and professional experience.

We offer Bernards Township another option at the polls for a new perspective on local government. We are dedicated to bringing a balanced democracy and transparency to the Township Committee. 

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