To the Editor:
A New Government Structure for Hopewell Township.
As America marks 250 years since Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware River, Hopewell Township has a chance to chart a new course of its own. Our history was built on courage and change. Our future demands the same.
We’re coming together across the political spectrum to update and strengthen Hopewell Township’s government for the challenges ahead. Together, we are proposing a new form of local government: one with a directly elected mayor and an expanded council to better reflect and represent our Township’s diverse communities.
Many Voices. One Township.
Six at-large council members plus one elected mayor with staggered terms can better ensure equitable representation for all constituents: from farmers in the Sourlands to families along Scotch Road, from neighbors at Washington Crossing to friends in Brandon Farms, and everyone else throughout our 58-square-mile valley.
Professional Leadership for a Growing Community.
Hopewell Township now manages a substantial, complex and growing budget and increasingly sophisticated land-use matters. Our proposal moves to a Council–Manager system, appointing a professional, nonpartisan township manager to add continuity and expertise to running day-to-day operations—so our elected leaders can focus on vision, accountability, and representation.
The Journey Starts Now.
In the coming weeks, our “Committee of Petitioners” will be out with clipboards. They need signatures to put this proposed change to a vote on the November 2026 ballot. Between now and then, we’ll continue the community discussion and public engagement in person, in print, and online, so that voters will be well-informed of the proposed change before they vote.
Passing The Torch.
Inspired by George Washington’s two term presidency, we support term limits to keep power with the people. To that end, if this proposal passes in November 2026, we will turn our attention to term limits for our municipal elected officials. Reasonable term limits help ensure a steady flow of new perspectives and energy, keeping our governing body responsive, creative, and focused on serving all residents.
Two hundred and fifty years ago George Washington charted a new course right here in our Valley. In 2026, let’s do it again. Visit ChartNewCourse.org to join us.
Sincerely,
Chad Goerner, John Hart, Michael Markulec, Tamera Matteo, and Vanessa Sandom
Hopewell Township residents who represent a bipartisan effort to update and strengthen our local government as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence.
Chad Goerner is the former Mayor of Princeton Township who led the historic consolidation of Princeton Borough and Princeton Township into a single municipality. A Hopewell Township resident for over 13 years, he brings a thorough understanding of New Jersey’s local government structures.
John Hart is a direct descendant of the Hopewell farmer who signed the Declaration of Independence. In 1987, John’s farm was the first in New Jersey to be officially preserved as farmland. John has served on multiple township boards and committees, including as Hopewell Township Mayor, and he currently serves on the NJ State Board of Agriculture.
Michael Markulec is a United States Army veteran, local business owner, and former Hopewell Township Mayor and HVRSD board member. A Township resident for over 25 years, Michael continues to serve the community through his work with veterans organizations and in preserving open space.
Tamera Matteo is a long-standing, prominent community volunteer throughout Mercer County, a former business owner in Princeton, and the current assistant to a renowned economist and former United States cabinet member. As a recent transplant to Hopewell Township and owner of Rose Lane Farm, Tamera brings a fresh perspective to the community.
Vanessa Sandom is a 30-plus-year resident of Hopewell Township, a former Hopewell Township Mayor, and a long-term volunteer on numerous Township boards, committees, and commissions.
