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Fried talks budget, utilities and cannabis By BiLL SANserViNO
Megana Madhurakavi with the check she won for Top Emerging Innovator of the Year at the 2025 Limitless World Summit.
Robbinsville Township Council recently adopted the 2025 municipal budget, a $32.3 million spending plan that marks the final budget under Mayor Dave Fried’s administration. The budget continues a trend that has defined much of Fried’s tenure, delivering the township’s 11th flat or reduced municipal tax rate in the last 14 years. At 57.7 cents per $100 of assessed value, Robbinsville’s rate remains unchanged from 2023 and 2024, despite rising costs in areas such as health insurance, pensions, utilities and snow removal.
“Robbinsville continues to do all it can to keep the municipal side of taxes stable in the face of rising rates elsewhere,” Fried said in a statement following the vote. “Doing all of this without a municipal tax increase was no small feat, but it is something we are extremely proud of.” Fried, who announced in March he will not seek reelection in November, has served as mayor for more than 20 years. Under his leadership, the township emphasized long-term planning, fiscal restraint, and strategic investment in infrastructure and public services. The 2025 budget includes fundSee FRIED, Page 9
Brian Hughes, ex-county RHS junior’s eco brand executive, passes away
earns global acclaim EDiTeD By BiLL SANserViNO
Megana Madhurakavi, a junior at Robbinsville High School and founder of a sustainable fashion brand, has been named Top Emerging Innovator of the Year at the Limitless World Summit. The award, given annually to a high school student whose work has made a measurable impact in their school and community, recognizes innovation that drives social progress on a global scale. The
By BiLL SANserViNO
summit is an international event held in Delaware. Madhurakavi, 17, is the founder of LIILA, a sustainable clothing brand she launched at age 15 that incorporates eco-conscious materials in both its manufacturing and shipping practices. The company began with original dress designs and has expanded into hoodies, with plans to include sweatpants and T-shirts in the near future. See AWARD, Page 4
Brian Hughes, who served as Mercer County executive for 20 years and was a prominent advocate for open space preservation and regional economic development, died this morning. He was 68. A Democrat from Princeton, Hughes was the son of former New Jersey Gov. and state Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard J. Hughes. Hughes was first elected county executive in 2003 and served until 2023,
when he was succeeded by current County Executive Dan Benson. “Brian was a devoted public servant and a truly decent man,” said Benson in a news release. “His 20 years as county executive showed his passion for our county, from our parks, to our airport, to our services for our most vulnerable populations.” Benson said that during his years as as a Mercer County Commissioner, and later as a State Assemblyman, he had the opportunity to work See HUGHES, Page 11
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