The Bernards Township Democratic Committee has endorsed Brett Hodges and John Tompkins for Bernards Township Committee. Both candidates have strong ties and demonstrated service to the local community. 

BTDC Chair, Jane Conklin, said, “I am extremely proud to be able to put forth two candidates who embody our democratic values in dedicating their lives to the service of others.  These two men work tirelessly to give to the community around them and I couldn’t ask for two more honorable and qualified people to take on the task of running and serving on the Township Committee. They are in this for all the right reasons.”

Brett Hodges, 60, a retired executive who spent the bulk of his professional career with Prudential Financial, will seek the three-year term. The 16-year resident and his wife, Claudia, have raised two daughters in town, both of whom attended Bernards Public Schools. In addition to his involvement with Ridge HS programs ranging from the Forensic team to Marching Band, Hodges currently serves the community as the Lay Leader at Bishop Janes United Methodist Church, where he has acted as Treasurer and co-manager of the Evergreen Cemetery. Brett also serves on the Board of Directors for God’s Co-Op Pantry.

Brett believes there is an opportunity to ensure that a variety of views and approaches are heard in Bernards. Living in an environment dominated by one party, both at the national and local levels, he feels he is in a unique position to be a different voice at the table. Brett was raised by parents who were a public school teacher and a minister in New York’s Hudson Valley, in a family that was defined by service and the notion of “giving back.” His upbringing, his faith, his business and life experiences have taught Brett to “walk your talk” — a principle that is motivating his run for Bernards Township Committee.  “I believe that we can work together,” said Hodges.  “All persons should experience security and live with confidence that their voices are heard.”

Hodges will be joined on the ballot by 26-year resident and former Wall Street broker turned entrepreneur and philanthropist, John Tompkins, 61. Raised in Ithaca, New York, Tompkins is seeking the one-year term. He and his wife Sharon have also raised two children in Bernards Township. After a successful run on financial desks, John founded JT’s Confections in 2012, donating all profits to charity with the mission of “Helping those who help others.”  

Today, JT’s Confections supports many local and national organizations including St.Jude Children’s Hospital, Disabled American Vets, Summit Speech School, Homeless Solutions, The Battered Women’s Shelter of NJ, and the Transition Program for young adults with special needs at Randolph High School. In 2014, John became a Member of the Board of the Summit Speech School and spent the next ten years strengthening the school’s position for continued success. He recently stepped down from his post and will be honored at the school’s 35th Spring Benefit in May (alongside Jenna Bush Hager!) as a Trustee and Philanthropist.

Tompkins has witnessed many changes in town over the last 26 years and wants to ensure that Bernards remains a great place to live and raise a family.” I am honored that the BTDC has chosen Brett and myself to run for Township Committee,” said Tompkins. “I look forward to using my Wall Street and small business smarts as well as my philanthropic experience to help Bernards thrive.”

Both he and Hodges will bring a more forward-thinking approach, proactive solutions and transparency to the Township Committee to effectively meet the challenges facing Bernards Townships now and in the future.

We encourage our supporters to follow Brett and John on Instagram and Facebook. 

Website: https://hodgestompkins.com