FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Andrea Hyatt and the Hillside Forward Team Announce Campaign to Reclaim Hillside Pride

HILLSIDE, NJ — For far too long, Hillside has suffered under the weight of dysfunction, chaos, and poor decisions that have cost taxpayers dearly. Families have felt discouraged, seniors have considered leaving their lifelong homes, and pride in our community has dimmed. But today, a new chapter begins. Councilwoman Andrea Hyatt, alongside her Hillside Forward running mates, proudly announces her candidacy for Mayor with a clear mission: Reclaiming Hillside Pride.

For 10 years, Andrea Hyatt has been the trusted voice of reason, the steady light in times of uncertainty, and the consistent advocate who gets the job done without excuses. Though elected as a Ward 1 Councilwoman, she has always served the entire township, standing firm for residents when others failed them. She has kept every promise she has ever made, proving her leadership through action.

Her record speaks for itself: two consecutive municipal tax reductions, financial transparency through open budget hearings, critical infrastructure repairs, and emergency housing and aid during Hurricane Ida and the COVID-19 pandemic. She has sponsored legislation to protect children, raised revenues by holding corporations accountable, and brought joy and unity through Family Fun Day, Senior Valentine’s Dances, and Women’s History Month celebrations.

Beyond her elected role, Hyatt serves as a Board Member at Agape Family Worship Center, a Chaplain for the Central Jersey Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and formerly as its Assistant Financial Secretary for four years. These positions reflect her faith, discipline, and ability to lead with both compassion and accountability; qualities she consistently brings to public service.

Armed with more than 30 years of professional experience in Accounting and Business Operations, her ongoing Executive Global MBA, and her expertise as a Management Consultant, Hyatt has the skills and determination to restore Hillside’s stability and prosperity. Her voting record reflects an unshakable commitment to the people of Hillside—always serving with integrity, compassion, and a vision for better.

“Hillside deserves a government that reflects the best of who we are. For too long, our pride has been stolen by dysfunction and neglect. Together, we can reclaim our pride, restore trust, and move Hillside forward into a brighter future,” said Hyatt.

The Hillside Forward Platform:
• Rebuilding fiscal integrity and accountability with stronger internal controls and employee responsibility.
• Restoring cleanliness and safety to every neighborhood.
• Generating new income through improved governmental operations.
• Expanding recreation and community engagement with activities for all ages.
• Implementing a townwide communication system to keep residents accurately and consistently informed.

Hyatt is not doing this alone. She is joined by two proven leaders, each bringing their own record of service, commitment, and excellence to the Hillside Forward team.

George L. Cook, III – Candidate for Council At-Large

A U.S. Army and NJ National Guard Veteran, George Cook has dedicated his life to service, leadership, and mentorship. He served nine years on the Hillside Board of Education, including four as President, and later as Vice President of the Hillside Municipal Council. He championed transparency by sponsoring ordinances that improved cleanliness and expanded public access to meetings. His leadership extended to resolutions supporting Black Lives Matter, a Civilian Review Board, COVID-19 tax relief, and community recognition efforts. Beyond government, Cook has been a steadfast mentor as a youth coach, Cub Scout leader, and advocate for education. He has sought to engender community pride by participating in the annual township MLK, Jr., program, and he implemented the Juneteenth celebrations. His life’s work has been rooted in serving Hillside with honor and purpose.

Marjorie Hargrave – Candidate for Council At-Large

With deep community roots, Marjorie Hargrave is a powerful voice for education, legislation, and governance in Hillside. A Hillside High School graduate and 30-year homeowner, she combines hometown pride with financial expertise, holding an MBA in Banking and Finance and a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Her leadership includes service on the Hillside Board of Education, Zoning Board, and Union County Democratic Committee, as well as active roles with the Loving Arms Foundation and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. From food and coat drives to youth mentorship, individual emergency response efforts, and community celebrations like Women’s History Month, Hillside’s 100th Anniversary, and the Hillside Outdoor Music and Entertainment Festival, Hargrave has always turned compassion into action. Hargrave notably attended council meetings for more than 10 years. She knows the challenges Hillside residents endure because of decisions made by elected officials. As a candidate for Council At-Large, she is dedicated to uplifting families, correcting the wrongs, and ensuring that Hillside thrives for generations to come.

Together, Andrea Hyatt, George Cook, and Marjorie Hargrave are Hillside Forward. Their mission is simple but transformative: Reclaiming Hillside Pride.

They are not running for themselves—they are running for the people. They represent stability after years of chaos and dysfunction, accountability after years of waste, and hope after years of great disappointment and frustration. It is time to make the right change!

For the first time in a long time, Hillside has a team that can truly deliver. A team that Hillside seniors, families, and future generations can count on that has already proven what they can do and how much they care – a team that all of Hillside can finally be proud of.

“This campaign is more than an election—it’s a movement to reclaim pride, rebuild trust, and create the Hillside our taxpaying citizens deserve,” Hyatt affirmed.

The Hillside Forward team invites you to stand with them. Get involved - volunteer, donate, spread the word, and most importantly, vote to move Hillside Forward and to Reclaim Hillside Pride!
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Andrea Hyatt for Mayor | George L. Cook, III & Marjorie Hargrave for Council At-Large
Hillside Forward – Reclaiming Hillside Pride
Volunteer / Donate / Support: https://forms.gle/2LriwSUHtMSmcQtn6