HILLSIDE, NJ — In local politics, it is often easy to get lost in the noise of campaign season. But for the candidates of the “Children First Team”—headlined by Anthony Salters and running on Column 1 and Column F—the focus has never wavered from the substantive issues that impact the daily lives of Hillside residents.
Rather than relying on empty rhetoric, this slate of dedicated public servants is offering the community a grounded, pragmatic vision for the future.
Their campaign is built on three foundational pillars: educational excellence, transparent and responsive local government, and a fierce commitment to the taxpayers who call Hillside home.
At the center of this movement is Anthony Salters, a lifelong educator, community advocate, and Democratic leader whose roots in Hillside run deep. Salters’s dedication to the township is perhaps best exemplified by his work as the founder of the Hillside Innovation Academy.
Under his leadership, the school has achieved remarkable success, recently ranking #97 out of 807 middle schools in New Jersey.
For Salters, this top-12% ranking is not just a statistic; it is the result of six years of tireless collaboration between parents, staff, board members, Kean University, and local business partners. It is a testament to his belief that a community school is a shared triumph, and his ability to bring diverse stakeholders together to stretch young minds and achieve excellence.
But Salters’s vision extends far beyond the classroom. As a longtime community advocate, he has spent years listening to the concerns of residents, particularly when it comes to the township’s aging infrastructure. Salters and his allies are not shying away from the harsh realities of flooded streets, downed trees, and municipal debris. Instead, they are making these quality-of-life issues a central focus of their platform.
They understand that true leadership requires acknowledging the challenges residents face—whether it is a flooded backyard or a damaged driveway—and offering practical, actionable solutions. Their pledge is to bring a new level of responsiveness and accountability to township services, ensuring that Hillside’s infrastructure is maintained and resilient for future generations.
The strength of the “Children First Team” is further bolstered by their deep connections to the community and their broad base of support. The slate has earned the proud endorsement of both the Hillside Democratic Committee and the Union County Democratic Organization.
This endorsement is not just a political formality; it reflects years of trust, coalition-building, and a proven track record of service.
It signals to voters that these candidates have been thoroughly vetted and are ready to govern effectively from day one.
Furthermore, the team is committed to long-term, sustainable progress. They are focused on the “long game”—implementing policies and budgets that protect Hillside’s children and taxpayers well into the future.
Their campaign is a masterclass in forward-thinking planning, ensuring that the township is not just managing the crises of today, but preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow.
As voters prepare to head to the polls on November 3rd, the choice is clear. The “Children First Team” is not just a political slate; they are the embodiment of “People. Community. Progress.”
In the Board of Education race, the Children First Team — running on Column F — is fielding Dane Cole, Helen Egwaikhide, and Latasha Wilson.
This slate represents continuity and stability for a district that is preparing for a major leadership transition, including the selection of a new superintendent.
The Children First Team is backed by the same coalition that swept the 2025 school board election, when incumbents Laquana Best, Dr. Donald Howard Jr., and Pinchas Shapiro secured decisive victories.
With proven educators and advocates like Anthony Salters leading the charge—and with the backing of the local leaders who know them best—Hillside has a genuine opportunity to embrace a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow.
It is time to cast a ballot for fearless, dedicated, and transparent leadership. It is time for the Children First Team.
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