Victory in the Primary Election, Now the Real Work Begins

Yesterday, the residents of Mansfield cast their votes in the Republican primary. While the results are still unofficial, I’m proud to share that I’ve secured 451 votes across election day, early voting, and vote-by-mail, putting me well ahead in the count. Thank you to every voter who showed up, spoke up, and stood behind a vision for a better Mansfield.

But let me be clear, while this is a win worth celebrating, it’s just the beginning.

Since announcing my candidacy, I’ve been listening to residents through surveys, messages, and conversations. Your concerns are being heard loud and clear, and I’m committed to making sure your voice shapes our township’s future.

Where We Go From Here: A Roadmap To 2026

Your trust means everything, and I intend to earn it every step of the way. Here’s a preview of what’s to come:

1. Increase Government Accessibility

Too many residents feel left in the dark. I’ll push for live-streamed and recorded township meetings, making it easier for everyone to participate, whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go. I believe modern communication deserves modern policy. I will also revisit Ordinance 2018-02, which restricts how public meetings can be recorded. In light of public access principles supported by the New Jersey Supreme Court in Tarus v. Borough of Pine Hill (2007), it’s time we re-evaluate whether that ordinance still serves the public interest.

2. Launch a Full Township Budget Audit

Residents deserve to know where their tax dollars are going. I will call for a comprehensive audit of township spending. This will get started in identifying where we’re overspending, where resources are being underutilized, and how we can better align the budget with community priorities. A lot of residents were asking about parks, signage, and other amenities that a community should share. Let's work on getting those without inflating the budget.

3. Modernize Township Operations

We’re operating in 2025 with 1990s procedures. Once we’ve reviewed the current systems, I want to lead an initiative, within the bounds of NJ state law, to streamline operations and modernize how our township serves the public. No change for the sake of change, but for the sake of better service.

Your Input Still Matters

This campaign is built by you, not politicians. I’m here to listen and act, because too often our current committee has dismissed or ignored the voices of residents. Every survey, every comment, every concern helps shape a platform that reflects what Mansfield really needs, not what a few decide behind closed doors.

That survey can be found here -> https://votebollard.com/mansfieldsvoicematters

This isn’t about politics, it’s about leadership that works. As a business owner, I solve problems by listening to people and making decisions that deliver results. That’s exactly how I plan to serve this township: with transparency, accountability, and common-sense solutions that put residents first.

Let’s build on the momentum we’ve started together. See you all in November.
- Michael Bollard