Town Address: Hillsborough 2010

Frances Dancy, a Hillsborough Town Board member, introduced “the man affectionately known as Mayor Tom,” at the State of the Town address at the Central Orange Senior Center Tuesday evening.

Tom Stevens is serving his third term as Mayor of Hillsborough. His speech Tuesday night reflected what accomplishments the town has made over the last year and the challenges that lie ahead.

Attendees at the event showed their support for Stevens and the vision that he has laid out for the town during his time in office. Stevens said his goals for the town directly reflect citizen feedback.

“I would like to see the town stay small and continue to go green and keep its unique historical character,” said Mary McCarthy, a retired Hillsborough resident.

Stevens said his top level objectives for this year are to improve the town’s services, increase citizen involvement, preserve natural resources, reduce crime, expand recreation and enhance community sustainability.

These goals are influenced by the results of an annual citizen survey that was implemented three years ago.

This year’s results show that the majority of those surveyed feel safe in Hillsborough and believe that the town government is spending their tax dollars wisely.

Clarence Birkhead, Hillsborough chief of police, said, “I read every single one of those comments.”

Birkhead, who recently announced his candidacy for Sheriff, is proud of the double-digit decreases in crime that the town has seen over the last two years.

The survey also echoes some of the challenges facing the town, like the traffic problems on Churton St. and the lack of parking.

Possibly the biggest issue facing the town this year, however, is the 13 percent decrease in revenue for the General Fund and the 22 percent decrease in the Water Fund.

Stevens said that it will be a struggle to try to provide the same quality of services while making budget cuts.

“We’re nervous about the budget,” said Stevens. “I would like to give our hard-working employees the raises they deserve, but I also definitely do not want to raise taxes.”

This challenge adds on to the 18 percent decrease that the General Funds faced last year.

Stevens said he is confident that this year’s projects, such as the completion of Gold Park, are “do-able” with the help of grants.

While Hillsborough may have strong community watch groups and many active volunteers, Stevens’ goal of increased citizen involvement faces many hurdles.

Dancy said, “It is definitely a challenge to get young people involved in local government.”

“There is a big difference in the way we communicate,” said Stevens. “I am just learning how to Tweet after all!”

The audience for the address consisted mostly of town employees and volunteers.

“I wish more people would come to events like this so that they could learn about more ways to get involved,” said McCarthy.

Dancy said: “I feel like the biggest reason more people aren’t involved is time. It is certainly a time commitment when you are part of a board. I know how hard it is to have to worry about going to a meeting when you have dinner to cook. I haven’t even eaten dinner yet!”

Well past 8 p.m., Dancy said she is one of many committed residents of the town and that she is happy to put in the effort if it makes a difference in her community.

Dancy just has one rule, “No politics after Friday!”

Stevens concluded the speech with the sentiment that got him elected, “I am proud that Hillsborough acts as a showcase of what is right about small town America.”