An Important Message From Mayor
Joseph Menza

I would first like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Hillside for giving me the opportunity to serve you. As many of you know, I am a lifelong resident and homeowner in Hillside. I am a business owner and run a second generation Real-estate office in town.

Hillside has experienced many changes over the last three decades. Our manufacturing base has eroded, leaving the residential homeowner with a spiraling and ever increasing property tax increase. New Jersey continues to lose business to neighboring states due to increasing property and income taxes.

We cannot continue to run government the way it is currently being run. My goal, as mayor, is to lead this township by creating an affordable Hillside, and this cannot be accomplished without your help and participation. I believe in open and transparent government and every resident should have the opportunity to be heard. In order to facilitate this belief, I instituted an "open door" policy. You, the taxpayer, have concerns and I am here to listen and assist.

In order to further expand upon this ideal, my administration will develop and implement the Mayor's Advisory Board. It will consist of business leaders, community leaders and interested residents with the purpose of addressing your immediate concerns and developing long term solutions to our mounting problems. Together, we will develop and rekindle that sense of community Hillside was known for in the past decades.

Responsible government begins with long-range planning. Our Planning Board has revised our Master Plan, which provides developers and homeowners direction as to Hillside's needs and desires. By cutting the "red tape," we can move forward with responsible development and provide a strong commercial and business base, reducing dependence on the residential homeowner.

As your Mayor and Chief Executive Officer, I must ensure Hillside's fiscal health and stability. We must look at creative revenue streams and not property tax increases. We must avoid the pitfalls of short term quick fix gimmicks and plan for our children's future.

I remain committed to work with anyone who puts the needs of Hillside first. I will continue to instill and create a much needed sense of community and I will work tirelessly to earn your confidence.

Hillside can, and will be, "A great place to live and work."