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From the BTDC
June is a celebratory month, and our Township has had an abundance of reasons to celebrate. Flag Day at Ross Farm and the Battle of Basking Ridge were both held Saturday, June 13, commemorating our 250th Anniversary and the World Cup being held in the U.S. for the first time since 1994. Flag Day offered […]
The BTDC has just wrapped up its annual Civic Scholarship competition and is delighted to introduce this year’s recipient, Ridge High School junior Rosa Quin, to our local community. The scholarship committee, led by Nicole Pavlin, was charged with evaluating another round of excellent candidates and selected Quin to receive a $1,000 scholarship as well […]
Hello! It’s been a great month for our community, including a sparkling Charter Day when we convened to celebrate the 266th of our Township’s founding and our Nation’s 250th anniversary. The World Cup FIFA 2026 bus amplified the coming tournament happening in our backyard, and the cast of our historical characters brought our country’s semiquincentennial […]
One word describes Nola Hansen more aptly than any other – and that word is community. From years of involvement in her kids’ schools and activities, to a love for her tight-knit neighborhood, and a key operational role at Ross Farm, she brings a warmth and enthusiasm to every cause and person lucky enough to be […]
Hello! I am pleased to share that I will be seeking reelection for a seat on the Bernards Township Committee, running with my friend and former Committeewoman Joan Bannan. It’s an honor to serve our community, and I look forward toward entering a second term with three years of experience in municipal government, along with […]
On March 12, the BTDC endorsed a powerful ticket to run for two open seats in the 2026 Bernards Township Committee race. Mayor Ana McCarthy and former Committeewoman Joan Bannan are leaders our community knows, with experience residents can trust. If you’re interested in working on this exciting campaign, please click here. Mayor Duarte McCarthy has lived […]
Hello! This month I am pleased to share the first in the series of the Mayor’s Quarterly Newsletter, a summary of Township Committee municipal activity for the first quarter, along with updates and announcements from the departments. We’re committed to keeping Bernards residents informed and hope you find this update valuable. Health and wellness are critical to […]
The Bernards Township Democratic Committee (BTDC) Civic Scholarship, founded in 2019, is awarded to a Ridge High School junior or senior who aspires to foster civic engagement and democratic values. The chosen applicant will receive $1,000 and a summer internship with a political candidate. Applications may be submitted to the BTDC Scholarship Committee from March […]
On January 6, 2026, the Democrats took the majority on the Bernards Township Committee for the first time since 1938, with the election of John Tompkins and Brett Hodges.
Ana Duarte McCarthy (elected in 2023) became the first Democratic mayor, with John Tompkins sworn in as Deputy Mayor (serving a one year term), and Brett Hodges sworn in as Committeeman for a three year term.
Democrats Serving on the Bernards Township Committee
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.