Marianne Rampulla

I am a life long resident of New Jersey and long time resident of Hunterdon County. I was educated in New Jersey, first attending Middlesex County College then graduating from Rutger’s University. My professional experience started with nine years in research and development in the pharmaceutical industry. I went on to open a small business as a paint and wallpaper contractor, a non-traditional field for women but a successful venture nonetheless. Currently, I am an Information Technology professional working in the insurance industry. I am married and have two boys.

My community involvement started when I was a stay at home mother for a few short years. I volunteered in the schools that my boys were attending, putting my scientific background to use as a science fair judge and on a science curriculum review committee. I also delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, bringing along my younger son to brighten the clients’ day.

I got my feet wet in Raritan Township government by serving on the Environmental Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Open Space Committee and our Affordable Housing Board. I had the opportunity to briefly serve on the Raritan Township Committee when I was appointed to fill John Ansman’s seat on the committee in 2006. Seeing how government works, I am convinced that small changes add up and a vision can become a reality. But first you have to develop the vision and that’s what has been missing.

My goals are to:

• Develop a long range plan to address our legal and moral obligations for affordable housing rather than just continuing to build McMansions. The recent changes to the NJ COAH rules present a challenge to the community but also an opportunity to move through some creative and reasoned solutions to the shortage of affordable housing.
• Attain fiscal responsibility through zero-based budgeting, shared services and increased use of technology. A modern approach to municipal operations will improve the ability of our township to provide services without bankrupting our taxpayers.
• Our township has signed on to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. I will address components of the agreement in a cost effective way that is not just window dressing on the commitment that we made.
• I’d like to find new and creative uses for the open space that the township has acquired. We need to make it accessible to the community for a variety of activities and tap its potential to be an economic draw for the area.