Re-Elect Mary Jane Canose for Mayor
A Lifetime of Service.
A Commitment to Bernardsville.
Present, Proven, Prepared.
Bernardsville has been my home for 54 years, and there is no place I would rather live, raise a family, and serve.
I first came to Bernardsville as a newlywed. As our family grew, so did my involvement in the community. I became active in the Home and School Association, Boy Scouts, and the Municipal Alliance. I was one of the founders of Citizens for a Better Bernardsville, a grassroots organization that brought residents together to conduct a community-wide survey and build two volunteer-built playgrounds.
I started the Outstanding Community Volunteer Awards Dinner because I wanted to recognize the many residents who give their time and talents to make our town better. I was also one of the founders of Holly Days, our community-wide holiday celebration.
I was first elected to Borough Council in 1990 and served for two terms. Over the years, I have continued to find ways to give back to the community I love. I have served on the Open Space Committee and as a warden at my church, and I have been fortunate to receive several awards recognizing my service to Bernardsville.
But for me, public service has never been about the title. It has always been about the people and about getting things done.
Experience Matters
My professional career gave me another perspective that I believe is especially valuable in local government. As a School Business Administrator, I was responsible for a $20 million budget and oversaw the completion of a $21 million construction and energy project for the Chester School District.
I worked with Chester Township and Chester Borough to develop shared-service agreements that saved money and expanded services. I learned how to bring people with different perspectives together, find practical solutions, and make the most of limited resources.
Those are the same principles I have brought to Bernardsville as Mayor: listen, collaborate, be fiscally responsible, and follow through.
A Record of Getting Things Done
Over the past terms as Mayor, we have accomplished a great deal together.
We brought residents together to pass a referendum allowing 100% of the open space tax to be used to improve our recreational facilities. We developed a Recreational Master Plan through community meetings and surveys, and Phase I is now underway, including lights on the turf field and a walking path at the Polo Grounds.
We have strengthened our Recreation Department and expanded programming for residents of all ages.
We have also worked to make our downtown a stronger place to live, work, shop, and gather. During the pandemic, when many downtowns were losing businesses, Bernardsville welcomed five new businesses. We updated zoning to allow outside dining and helped local businesses access grants and loans. I was proud to be part of the effort that brought the Mt. Airy mural to our downtown.
We brought back the Outstanding Community Volunteer Awards, re-energized the Mayor's Wellness Campaign, achieved Healthy Town designation, established a nonprofit foundation to support our law enforcement officers, and brought Wreaths Across America to Bernardsville to honor our veterans.
And perhaps just as importantly, we have worked to make Borough Hall more accessible and responsive. Through my monthly mayor's updates and FlashVote surveys, I have made communicating with residents and hearing their ideas a priority.
There Is More Work to Do
I am proud of what we have accomplished, but I don't believe in resting on our record.
Bernardsville is changing, and we need to make sure that change is thoughtful and responsible. We need to continue strengthening our downtown, supporting our local businesses, investing wisely in our recreational facilities and infrastructure, protecting the character of our neighborhoods, and planning carefully for the future.
After 54 years in this community, I know how much Bernardsville means to the people who live here. I also know that keeping what we love about our town doesn't mean standing still. It means working together to make sure Bernardsville remains a wonderful place to live for the next generation.
That is why I am running for another term as Mayor.
I bring experience. I bring a track record. And, most importantly, I bring a deep understanding of and commitment to this community.
I would be honored to continue serving as your Mayor and to keep moving Bernardsville forward—together.
Making a Difference - Building Community
Celebrating America's 250th
Welcoming New Businesses
Honoring our Veterans
Enhancing Recreation Programs
Supporting Our Non-Profits
Bernardsville Food Pantry
Participating in Somerset County Business Partnership panels
Reading the Declaration of Independence
Holiday Celebrations
Contact
Thank you for your interest in Mary Jane Canose for Mayor. If you have a question, concern, or would simply like to get in touch, please see the information below:
908-323-6886
