The Future of Economic Development in Mendham Borough
By Neil Henry-Candidate for Mendham Borough Mayor
As I’ve made the decision to run for Mayor in this year’s election cycle, I made a commitment to myself and to our taxpayers to be upfront and transparent about my platform and priorities from day one.
Our local businesses are one of the defining characteristics of what makes Mendham special. They contribute not only to our local economy, but to the character, charm, and sense of community that residents value. I want to ensure that everybody knows exactly how I plan to support and strengthen our business community.
One of my first priorities will be to revitalize the Mayor’s Economic Development Committee (EDC). In recent years, the EDC has not been utilized to its full potential. I plan to appoint a full slate of engaged local business owners, along with a dedicated Council liaison, to create a direct line between our business community and Borough leadership. This committee will play an active role in shaping policies that impact our local economy and ensuring that the perspectives of business owners are heard early and often. This will not be a pay-to-play structure — no dues, no barriers — just open collaboration, communication, and transparency focused on helping our businesses succeed.
We also know that state-mandated affordable housing obligations will bring changes to our community, including population growth. It is critical that we plan for this thoughtfully and make policy decisions that help drive customers to our local businesses, so that our business community shares in the benefits of that growth.
Since my time as Mayor, I have continued my public service as a Municipal Business Administrator, where I have played an active role in supporting local businesses and revitalizing downtown areas. Included within those revitalization measures was receiving a grant award from the NJ Department of Transportation totaling $3.5 million dollars to revitalize a Main Street business district. I was also instrumental in securing $150,000 to be awarded each year for five years to help business owners with façade improvements, snow clearing, garbage removal and other aesthetic improvements. Clearly my track record shows that I understand how thoughtful planning, smart policy, and strong collaboration between government and business owners can create a thriving local economy.
If elected, my goal is simple: to ensure that Mendham’s local government is a partner to our business community. I want to hear understand business owners ideas, understand their challenges, and work together to strengthen the environment in which your businesses operate.
It is not a time for being just “good enough.” It’s time for us to say “We must do better!”
