WHY I AM RUNNING
Protecting open space – I am committed to accelerating open space acquisition. Preserving land not only keeps Tewksbury’s rural charm intact but also gives us more control over our future. Together, we can ensure that we keep Tewksbury, Tewksbury and preserve our quaintness.
Strengthen community collaboration by expanding shared services and staffing across the County, school district, and neighboring municipalities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Develop a contingency strategy for potential state-mandated upgrades to the Oldwick sewer plant, ensuring fiscal preparedness and infrastructure readiness.
Assess and plan for the financial impact of new residential developments—including Hovnanian’s 228-unit project on Halls Mill Road and the 61-unit Stavola/1 Oldwick Road site—on both municipal and K–8 school taxes.
WHO IS ROBERT BECKER
Short Bio:
Originally from upstate NY in southern Saratoga county, my wife Deidre and I were drawn to Tewksbury’s rural charm, peaceful pace, dark skies and open spaces. We found our home on Beavers Road and have lived here since 2004, now shared with our rescued Tibetan Terrier, Bentley.
With an education in finance and information systems from the University at Albany, I work at Bloomberg LP. My career has focused on delivering complex database and trading solutions. Beyond my profession, my community service has included past roles on the Tewksbury Township Committee (2018–2020), Parks Committee, and Land Use Board along with a journey of volunteering with the Tewksbury Rescue Squad, Historical Society, and dog rescues. From 2011-2017 I served two terms on the North Hunterdon-Voorhees School Board.
As a member of Deutscher Club, I support German cultural education and more recently am learning (trying!!!) country line dancing. Passions include reading, beekeeping, and creating pollinator gardens.
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Public Service & Achievements:
Township Committee 2018-2020 (Deputy Mayor, 2020)
Township Finance & Communications Committees
• Expanded township communications by drafting and instituting a social media policy for our Police and Town-sponsored committees via FACEBOOK and NIXLE.
• Athletic fields safety. Increased safety and accessibility for youth sports to play at Fairmount North fields during the late Autumn evenings by leading Township approval for field fencing and temporary evening lights, all at no cost to the Township;
• Identified cost savings and reserved $227,000 towards a Capital Fund with a 6-year plan to fund $1M in obsolete fire apparatus for Oldwick fire company (since purchased!);
• Vocal advocate for increasing EMS/fire communications coverage by advocating that JCPL & PSE&G fund additional emergency radio transmitters on their high-voltage powerlines to increase town safety;
• Matching Grants for open space preservation and access. Aligned our Public Works budgeting of projects to help the Tewksbury Land Trust qualify for in-kind support for the 10-mile trail;
• lead the efforts to resolve a 10-year default by local developer so the taxpayers of Barlow Drive would have their road become a township owned and maintained road.
North Hunterdon School Board 2011-2017
• 2017 Chairman, Building & Grounds: implemented and monitored $9M capital projects approved under 2016 referendum.
• 2016 Chairman, Personnel: lead committee to conduct successful search for NHVRHS School Superintendent.
• 2014-15 Chairman, Curriculum & Technology: implemented 1-1 ChromeBook deployment to all students and realigned instruction around STEM priorities.
• Zero % increase in tax levy for 5 of 6 years while also deploying the 1:1 ChromeBooks for District-wide expandsion of at-home, remote learning.