With the Democratic Primary coming up in June, Hopewell Borough voters will soon get to decide our next Mayor. I have worked with Councilman Ryan Kennedy since I joined Council, and there is no doubt in my mind that he is the person for the job. With our long-time administrator and our current mayor retiring, Ryan’s leadership and knowledge will be invaluable as we move our special town forward.
In addition to his duties on Council, Ryan volunteers as a hospital and open space trustee, is the Hopewell Valley YMCA board president, and is the engaged father of his daughters in our Hopewell schools. He carpools to band practice, sits on the CHS Principal’s advisory committee, and travels to every winter guard competition. With all of this, he still manages to always answer the phone. He answers my (many) questions with thoughtfulness and empathy every time. He takes the time to listen and he expresses genuine care and consideration when any of us reach out to him for guidance or expertise. This thoughtfulness extends well past his colleagues.
When the decision was made for Council meetings to resume in person, Ryan ensured that meetings were set up to allow Borough residents to continue to join via Zoom, creating a more inclusive experience that I hope will continue indefinitely.
This Sunday, he is hosting our next County Executive Dan Benson and our current County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lucy Walter for an open house at the Train Station from 3:30 to 4:30pm. More information can be found on his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/224476650253961/ Safety on our downtown County roads is a priority, and the support and involvement of our County government is crucial. I know Ryan is looking forward to welcoming our County officials on Sunday with Borough residents.
I hope you join me on Sunday to hear what he has to say about our town’s future. I know he’d love to hear your priorities for Hopewell Borough too, as I’ve watched him listen and advocate for our priorities for years.
Samara McAuliffe, Hopewell Borough
(The author is an elected member of the Hopewell Borough Council and the Democratic Committee Chairwoman, but writes this letter in her individual capacity)
