ANA
McCarthy & Wong
fOR BERNARDS TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
LILY
Thank you.
November 27, 2023
We are pleased to share that as of today’s election certification, Ana Duarte McCarthy was elected to the Bernards Township Committee, with the most votes of all candidates, commencing January 2024. Lily Wong had an exceptional run, coming just eight votes from winning the second open seat.
Both Ana and Lily were first time candidates on the Democratic line, and their combined relentless efforts have resulted in flipping a seat in a community that last elected a Democrat to the Township Committee in 2018. This achievement underscores how effectively Ana and Lily’s candidacy resonated with voters who embraced their campaign slogan, “Your Voice Matters.”
As we look back over the past six months since our May launch, we are filled with gratitude to all of you who said yes to supporting Ana and Lily as candidates. Whether it was, among other ways, researching priority issues, hosting fundraisers, phone canvassing and knocking on doors, putting signs on your lawns, or donating funds, your enthusiastic volunteerism is deeply appreciated.
While there are many to thank, we wish to acknowledge Fred Douglis, campaign treasurer, who raised his hand to take on the important responsibility of timely and accurate campaign financial reporting, as well as campaign manager Sara Nichols, whose commitment, leadership, innovative strategies, and relentless pursuit of victory kept everyone enthusiastic and energized.
"I am so grateful to all who supported our campaign, and look forward to paving a new path forward for our community. Lily was an amazing running mate. She inspired me every day through her commitment and ideas. She is an exceptional person, and I look forward to supporting her in whatever leadership role and endeavor she chooses to pursue.”
“What a journey these last six months have been! Ana and I have had fruitful conversations with hundreds of our residents. Not only is there immense pride in the great community we belong to, but also a deep desire for more connectivity, safety, and responsiveness by our local leaders. I walk away from this election with an appreciation for the amount of time and personal conviction needed to run and support a campaign and offer my gratitude to those volunteers, donors, family and friends who helped. My admiration goes to Ana and Sara for their dedication to excellence and camaraderie. Looking forward, I wish Ana and the other members of the Bernards Township Committee success in serving our community.”
“It has been an honor supporting Ana and Lily. Stepping up to run is a courageous and bold act. From the start, Lily and Ana demonstrated what it means to lead with integrity. Their commitment to serving our community was evident in the time they invested in listening to residents, learning what is important to them, and developing solutions borne out of their collective years of experience both as professionals and volunteers. The bittersweet results of this election remind us that every vote matters. Ana and Lily “left it all on the field,” giving it 100%. I am grateful to those who went above and beyond as volunteers including Suzanne Glassman, Kristin Blomquist, Jen Kluger, MJ Walsh, Michael McCarthy, Jeff Lee, Jane Conklin, Jen Aaron and Nancy D’Andrea. Many thanks to all of our financial supporters as well. We could not have done this without you.”
Thank you again for your support. We applaud the passion Ana and Lily brought to this campaign, and look forward to continuing our success, running outstanding candidates in 2024.
Ana duarte McCarthy
lily wong
sara nichols
We are committed residents of Bernards Township, and after years of professional and community service, would be honored to bring our experience, talent, and motivation to serve on the Township Committee.
Ensuring your tax dollars are spent responsibly, maximizing benefits to our residents.
What do We Offer You?
Serving our residents across all life stages.
Fiscal Responsibility
Community Engagement
Delivering solutions and results in a timely manner, based on community input.
Transparency and Results
These are leadership characteristics we value, and they will have a positive and long-term impact on our community.
The Township Committee currently comprises five members of one political ideology. This creates a leadership echo chamber of similar viewpoints and unanimous decisions that may not always be what’s best for our community. We will bring a fresh perspective, and, with input from our residents, will create a better-informed pathway forward.
We believe there should be transparency in budget planning, ensuring your tax dollars are allocated responsibly. We will work closely with our township administrators to explore opportunities for new revenue, such as community partnerships and additional grants, to address growing costs, including, among others, salaries and benefits required to attract and retain top township talent.
- Ensure that our township budget is aligned to priorities, programs and services, to foster a vibrant community.
- Review the current state of our emergency medical services (EMS) and secure appropriate resources to provide rapid response to our community.
- Preserve our open space as stewards of our environment, and protect our community from overdevelopment through proactive planning and innovative solutions.
- Support the revitalization of our local business economy. Partner with our local vendors, and introduce events and programs, such as a farmers market, a restaurant week, or a shop local promotion, to increase awareness and encourage consumer spending within our township.
- Provide community-wide events in the spirit of Charter Day, such as cultural festivals, bringing residents together more frequently.
- Advocate to reinstate the second public comment (eliminated in 2022) for residents at Township Committee Meetings.
- Encourage input of residents through weekly office hours and virtual “Ask Me Anything” forums.
Our Promise
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There are more than 27,000 residents in Bernards Township, encompassing a rich tapestry of backgrounds, interests, and experiences. We aspire to be a community where everyone thrives and has a strong sense of belonging. Research has found that individuals feel they belong when they are comfortable, are treated fairly and respectfully, feel connected to others, and feel they can contribute to meaningful outcomes.
Our town leadership can initiate and communicate more opportunities to energize our community for a greater sense of connectedness. We want a better Bernards where residents are excited about what is happening here, and see our community as a great place to live.
We are listening, and your voice matters. We believe residents should have an opportunity to respectfully express their opinions, thoughts, and beliefs without fear of reprisal. As members of the Township Committee, we pledge to act openly, improve communication and make ourselves available in person and virtually on a regular basis to listen to the concerns of our residents. We bring a can-do attitude and a results-oriented approach from our combined decades of business experience.
We will, among other measures, advocate for reinstatement of the second public comment at Township Committee meetings for any issues that arise after the initial comment period. We strongly believe that allowing residents to provide input on matters of the township is vital toward building trust and confidence in your elected leadership.
Fiscal Responsibility
Community Engagement
Transparency and Results
Campaign News
Ana McCarthy just made history finishing first place for a seat on the Township Committee.
Bernards Township taxpayers deserve no less. I write to urge my fellow Basking Ridge residents to vote for two outstanding candidates for Township Committee, Lily Wong and Ana Duarte McCarthy. Lily Wong is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Business School. She has worked as an auditor with PricewaterhouseCoopers and as an […]
Election Day is quickly approaching, and I encourage you to join me in voting for Ana Duarte McCarthy and Lily Wong for Bernards Township Committee. During the past few months, I have had the honor of getting to know these two women, and I have been so impressed. Their many personal and professional accomplishments are […]
I am currently the Chief Financial Officer of a private company with over 700 employees.
As a local nonprofit leader, I am very interested in supporting civic-minded individuals who have generously given back to our community.
Both women are intelligent compassionate leaders who have the desire to serve and hear their community.
Ana McCarthy & Lily Wong are ready to make history, right here, right now in Bernards Township.
UPDATE: Unfortunately, the debate has been cancelled due our opponents claiming a conflict.
Congratulations Ana & Lily! And many thanks @elect_women_nj for your generous support. Elect Women NJ, an organization focused on raising money to invest in strong, diverse women candidates in local races in New Jersey, released their endorsements for the 2023 election cycle today. They have awarded 33 endorsements to female-identifying candidates running for local office, […]
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The New Jersey Federation of Democratic Women has endorsed Ana Duarte McCarthy & Lily Wong.
Somerset County Federation of Democratic Women (SCFDW) Endorses Bernards Township Committee Candidates Ana Duarte McCarthy and Lily Wong FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 11, 2023 The Somerset County Federation of Democratic Women is honored to endorse candidates Ana Duarte McCarthy and Lily Wong for Bernards Township Committee in the upcoming November 7, 2023, election. “Ana and Lily […]
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Lily Wong believes the safety and well-being of our residents is paramount to the Township Committee’s responsibilities.
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Here. We. Go.
McCarthy and Wong bring their business acumen and passion for community service to help control taxes, promote responsible development, and enhance the Bernards Township experience. The Bernards Township Democratic Committee (BTDC) is pleased to announce its endorsement of Ana McCarthy and Lily Wong for the two open seats on the Bernards Township Committee. McCarthy and […]