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For the publisher:
My name is Uma Purandare and I am proud to be the Democratic candidate for the Township of Hopewell committee.
My family and I have lived on Brandon Farms for over 20 years and I am the proud mom to two graduates from Hopewell Valley Central High School. Throughout my time at Hopewell, I always strived to be, as Gandhi suggested, the change I wanted to see in the world. For me, that has always meant getting involved in improving my community.
One of the things I appreciate most about the Township of Hopewell is its tradition of community service. As a Girl Scout leader and an active member of the Hopewell Valley Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), I have worked with many parents to encourage girls to be compassionate, courageous and confident.
I have also managed AZ mentoring sessions to raise the literacy levels of disadvantaged children and adults by offering free one-on-one tutoring in a safe learning environment. With the help of friends from Brandon Farms and neighboring towns, I established the Marathi Language School to help children learn my native language and strengthen their bonds with extended family. My volunteering with the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry has allowed me to see first-hand the challenges of families during the COVID-19 pandemic and the many community members determined to help them.
As a Drexel University graduate scientist, I am trained to assess problems based on the data and facts available. I brought these values ​​to the nearly six years I served on the Township Zoning Adjustment Council. Council taught me a lot about our neighborhood, residential communities and the needs of local businesses. It also showed me the importance our community places on preserving our beautiful green spaces and our rural character.
Having lived in the township for over 20 years, I recognize that it is going through many changes. The best way forward is to stay true to our values. We must follow the master plan of our municipality. We need to be fiscally responsible by ensuring that every taxpayer dollar is well spent to keep the cost of living within the reach of every resident. We need to focus on the health, safety and sustainability of the community. We must maintain our history of being a strong, inclusive and welcoming community. In the coming weeks, I look forward to meeting you in person / on virtual forums to explain and underline my commitment to this community.
Thirty years ago, I moved halfway across the world from my small rural town in India. My family and I were immediately welcomed, and each day I reflect on how to serve the community that my family and I call home. I hope to win your vote in the November 2021 election. Please note that in-person voting begins on October 23, 2021.
Uma Purandare,
Township of Hopewell
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