My name is Michael Ruger, and I am one of the two Democratic candidates for the Hopewell Township Committee, along with my running mate, Sophie Purgavie. I am a former mayor and deputy mayor and am currently a Township Committee member.
This year, we reduced the municipal tax rate despite inflation, rising health care premiums and the need to expand services to Hopewell Township residents. I am proud of this proven record of keeping municipal taxes in check.
As we noted in this year’s budget presentation, the township will receive roughly $9 million in PILOT funds in 2026. We’ve already announced a $16.1 million grant for Bear Tavern, and there’s more to come. We’ve also paid down township debt, which frees up tax dollars for other purposes, and contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Fire District. We’ll continue to ensure that every tax dollar is spent responsibly and transparently.
The Township Committee has worked to expand our tax base. When BMS left its campus, we faced a significant loss of tax revenue. We worked to attract new users, including BeOne Medicines. The company could have located its facilities anywhere in the world but chose Hopewell Township. In July, BeOne announced it would invest another $300 million in its township facility and add 120 full-time jobs.
I’ve also worked to ensure our residents have the services and amenities they deserve. This includes an expanded police department and more employees for Public Works. Woolsey Park now has a bandshell and soon will have a pavilion as well. We continue to make progress on the senior and community center, with more announcements to come.
I have also worked to ensure the Township Committee operates with full transparency. I led the effort to ensure our Township Committee meetings are hybrid, so anyone can participate either in person or by Zoom. I believe this is a crucial way to encourage resident participation.
Together with my fellow committee members, we have faced the challenge of growth. Our affordable housing obligations are a state mandate. We have worked hard with multiple partners to ensure we strike the appropriate balance between meeting our obligations and achieving what is possible within geographic and financial limitations.
I am proud to be running with Sophie Purgavie. She is a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Lawrence Hopewell Trail. She is also the parent of a young child. I know Sophie will bring a new voice and a new perspective to the Township Committee.
I thank Kevin Kuchinski for his years of service to Hopewell Township. It is hard to overstate how hard he worked, particularly on budget and economic development issues. Kevin has left an indelible mark, but I know that Sophie is a worthy successor.
I respectfully ask for your vote for reelection to the Hopewell Township Committee.
Michael Ruger
