Hillsborough Township General Election 2026: Meghann Valeo

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

Meghann Valeo is one of two Democratic candidates running in the general election along with current Committeewoman Samantha Hand.

Additionally, there are two Republican candidates: current Mayor Catherine Payne and newcomer Rob Movshin.

All of the candidates are running for the two, three-year seats 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 Hillsborough Patch.

Meghann Valeo

Age: 45

Town of residence: Hillsborough, NJ

Position sought: Hillsborough Township Committee

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Husband: Bob, Children: Julianne (15), Connor (12) and Allison (9)

Education: Master of Science in Civil Engineering- Rutgers University (2010); US Army Military Police Officer Basic Course (2004)- Distinguished Honor Graduate; Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering- Rutgers University (2003); Rutgers University Army ROTC- Distinguished Military Graduate (2003); US Army Airborne School (2002); Professional Engineer (2012)

Occupation: Consultant- Transit Safety and Security- My work includes the planning and execution of drills and exercises (table top, functional and full scale) to increase the preparedness of transit agencies and first responders across the United States. I also work with several large transit agencies across the northeast in the area of Safety and Security Oversight.

Previous or current elected appointed office: None.

Campaign website: borodems.org

Why are you seeking election to the Hillsborough Township Committee?

I am seeking election to the Hillsborough Township Committee because I believe local government should be thoughtful, accountable, and always willing to improve the way it operates.

As a mother of three school-aged children, I am deeply invested in Hillsborough’s future and in ensuring that our community remains a place where families can see their children grow, businesses can thrive, and residents feel connected to the decisions that shape their town.

My experience as a U.S. Army veteran and professional engineer has taught me the value of discipline, preparation, problem-solving, and looking critically at whether the way something has always been done is still the best way forward. My years volunteering in our schools and youth organizations have also given me the opportunity to listen to families and better understand the concerns we all experience every day.

I am running because I believe Hillsborough can take a more open, responsive, and forward-looking approach to local government. I have never shied away from asking the tough
questions, and considering new ideas. The Township Committee needs to communicate clearly with residents, and base decisions on what will serve the community over the long term.

Transparency in government has been discussed at recent Township Committee meetings. Do you feel the Township Committee is transparent, and how would you increase transparency?

My frustration with the lack of transparency is one of the reasons I became more engaged in Township operations. Having attended many hours of Township Committee meetings, it is apparent that the residents are being informed about decisions that have been predetermined before the meeting without an authentic means to engage in the process.

As someone who wants to be involved and informed, I know there has to be a better way to operate. Residents should not have to search through meeting agenda and supporting documentation posted at the last minute to understand what is happening in town. Important information should be clear, accessible, and shared early enough for residents to ask questions and provide meaningful input. Transparency is more than simply holding your required public meeting or posting documents online with the minimum amount of time permissible by law.It means communicating openly about major decisions, explaining the reasoning behind them, and
making sure residents have an opportunity to participate before decisions are finalized, especially when it comes to budgets, development, infrastructure, and other issues that will affect our community for years to come.

With rising healthcare costs and inflation, how do you propose keeping tax increases to a minimum?

Rising healthcare costs, inflation, and other expenses are not challenges unique to Hillsborough. Communities across New Jersey are facing many of the same pressures. The question I have is: how far in advance did we see these increases coming, what planning was done to prepare for them, and what are we projecting the increases are for the next two or three years?

These costs did not appear overnight. When we see other municipalities taking steps to prepare for rising expenses and lessen the impact on taxpayers, we should be asking what we can learn from them. Good financial management means looking ahead, identifying potential challenges early, and putting plans in place before residents are faced with a significant increase. I would start by conducting a thorough review of every area of municipal spending to determine where
we can reduce costs without reducing essential services. I would also propose an independent audit to evaluate the efficiency of our municipal operations and staffing, and to identify opportunities for savings. Additionally, we need to look for opportunities to work with neighboring municipalities, the county, and the state to share services and resources where it makes financial sense.

Our campaign is committed to easing the tax burden on homeowners by strengthening Hillsborough’s local economy and maximizing non-residential rateables. We need to create an environment where businesses can open, grow, and remain in Hillsborough so that more of the tax base is supported by commercial and other non-residential properties rather than relying so heavily on homeowners.

Looking at the necessity to meet the state’s affordable-housing obligation while also avoiding overdevelopment, do you feel the Township Committee has been balancing this well? How would you approach it?

Hillsborough has a legal responsibility to meet the state’s affordable housing requirements, but that does not mean development should happen without careful planning. Regardless of how anyone feels about the state's affordable housing requirements, the reality is that this is an obligation we have to address, and continuing to fight the process without a comprehensive plan is costing taxpayers money and limiting our options. Going forward, I believe we need to become proactive rather than reactive. We need to look closely at where housing is proposed and whether our roads, schools, utilities, and other infrastructure can realistically handle the impact.

Residents also deserve to be brought into the conversation early. They should have clear opportunities to understand what the state requires, learn how those obligations affect
Hillsborough, and provide input before major decisions are made. These are choices that can shape our community for generations.

Rather than viewing affordable housing as a burden, we should treat it as an investment in our community. The people who serve Hillsborough every day, our teachers, first responders, young families, and those who grew up here, deserve a realistic chance to live in the town they call home.

What other issues facing Hillsborough are important to you?

The core issues facing our township come down to three priorities: affordability, responsible growth, and public safety.

First, we need to ease the burden on taxpayers by carefully reviewing spending, planning ahead for rising costs, and strengthening our local economy so we can grow our non-residential tax base.

Second, we need to manage growth responsibly through thoughtful, deliberate planning that considers the impact on our roads, infrastructure, and overall quality of life. Residents should also have the opportunity to understand what is being proposed and be part of the conversation early in the process.

Finally, we must continue supporting our first responders and work with our county and state partners to pursue outside resources that can benefit Hillsborough and reduce pressure on local taxpayers.

Across all of these issues, I believe residents deserve a local government that communicates openly, plans responsibly, listens to the community, and is always looking for better ways to serve Hillsborough.

What is your favorite thing about Hillsborough?

What I love most about Hillsborough is the people. Since moving here ten years ago with our young kids, my husband and I have built wonderful connections through schools, sports, church, Scouts, and the VFW. Serving this town and teaching our children the importance of giving back
has been at the heart of our family’s life here.

What makes Hillsborough special is that it pairs the resources of a growing town with a genuine small town charm. Whether you are exploring our local parks, supporting neighborhood shops, or taking advantage of our wide range of youth and adult/senior programs in sports, the arts, 4-H, and scouting, our community has something for everyone.

Is there anything else you would like residents to know about you or your campaign?

After engaging with so many Hillsborough residents directly at their doors and hearing their concerns, listening to their ideas, and having honest conversations, I know that we can make
Hillsborough an even better place to live, raise a family, and own a business.

Affordability is still my top priority. Working alongside Committeewoman Samantha Hand and Committeewoman Jill Gomez, I am confident we have the commitment and the collective will to deliver real results for our residents.

Hillsborough's best days are ahead, and I am ready to get to work.