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ABOUT ME

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Thirty years ago, I moved halfway across the world from my small rural town in India. My family and I were immediately welcomed, and every day I think about how to serve the community, my family, and the place I call home.

A bit about me…

  • An active community volunteer with the HVPTO, Girl Scouts, Hopewell Valley Food Pantry, A-Z Mentoring, and many more

  • A resident of Hopewell Township for over 20 years

  • A 6-year member of the Township Zoning Board of Adjustment

  • A research scientist; Drexel University graduate

  • I’m married, with two HVRSD graduates

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Dear Hopewell Township Residents,

 

My name is Uma Purandare. I am a Democratic candidate for the Hopewell Township Committee. 

 

I grew up in a small rural town in India, and after moving halfway across the world, Hopewell Township felt like home. My family and I have lived in Brandon Farms for over 20 years. I am a proud mother of two Hopewell Valley Central High School graduates. As a resident, I have been an engaged member of our community, and I have strived, as Gandhi believed, to “be the change [I] wish to see in the world.” 

 

As an active member of the Hopewell Valley Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and a Girl Scout leader for number of years, I encouraged young girls to be compassionate, courageous, and confident. I also managed A-Z Mentoring sessions to raise literacy levels of children and adults in our surrounding underprivileged communities by providing free 1-on-1 tutoring and a safe learning environment. I started the Marathi language (my mother tongue) school with the help of friends in Brandon Farms and nearby towns. This initiative facilitated kids to learn the Indian language and culture to strengthen their bonds with extended family. My engagement with the Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry enabled me to see first-hand the challenges of families in our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

I have been serving on the Zoning Board of Adjustments (ZOBA) for more than five years. During this tenure, I have learned a lot about our neighborhood, residential communities, and the needs of the local businesses. I also learned the importance of preserving green space and the conservation of mountain and valley regions. Since I am a scientist by training, I have always evaluated issues based on the available data and facts and provided the input accordingly. I have expressed my opinions and embraced new ideas that strike balance between the township’s rural landscape and promoting future development. 

 

Hopewell Township is going through dynamic changes. While embracing the change we must ensure we are a strong, inclusive, and welcoming community. We must follow our township’s master plan and be fiscally responsible, focus on safety and sustainability to maintain our historical and rural character without increasing the taxes.   

 

If elected, I am committed to stay engaged with township residents and make this community an even better place for all residents. I will keep encouraging open dialogs and welcome creative ideas to build a stronger recreational program for youth as well as for senior citizens.  

 

If you are not currently registered to vote, I encourage you to register. You can use this link for online registration https://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/voter-registration.shtml or pick up a form at a post office or library. The Voter Registration Deadline for the General Election is October 12th, and I hope to earn your vote on November 2nd.

Thank you for your support to achieve the goals for our neighborhood and community.

 

Respectfully, 

Uma

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