.png)
Continuing to
BUILD A BETTER HILLSIDE FOR ALL
VOTE FOR A BETTER HILLSIDE NOV 4, 2025
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Dedicated to Continuing to Build a Better Hillside
Mayoral Candidate
Dahlia Vertreese
Dahlia Vertreese serves as the Mayor of Hillside, New Jersey, bringing a robust background in public service and labor relations to her role.
Raised by a Newark police officer and a nurse/hospital administrator, she developed an understanding of community challenges and the importance of service at an early age. Mayor Vertreese began as a paralegal and took on the role of Labor Relations Specialist for the Newark Public Schools...READ MORE
.jpg)
Councilman at Large Candidate
Robert Rios
Robert Rios is a dedicated public servant, marketing professional, and small business owner who proudly serves as a Councilman At-Large in Hillside, NJ.
As a Hillside resident, Robert is deeply committed to creating a more connected, transparent, and forward-thinking local government that serves the needs of all residents. At home, he enjoys life with his wife, Sonia, and their two dogs, Luna and Cali....READ MORE
.jpg)
Councilwoman at Large Candidate
Josie Payoute
Josianne Payoute is a proud Hillside resident, educator, and HR professional with over 20 years of experience in public administration and community service.
Her life’s work has been rooted in building stronger communities through leadership, compassion, and action. Josie has dedicated herself to Hillside through various leadership roles, serving on the Hillside Library Board, the Flag Raising Committee, and the Gems to Jewels Board...READ MORE
Councilwoman at Large Candidate
Sonya Mcburrows
Sonya McBurrows, wife, mother of 3 young men, and the oldest of four sisters. Sonya spent most of her life in Hillside.
Her early education was in the Hillside School System, however her parents insisted that she continue her education at Mother Seton High School. Afterwards she attended Norfolk State College...READ MORE
.jpg)
Ward 2 Councilman Candidate
Stephen Wilson
Stephen D. Wilson is a longtime resident of Hillside and a passionate believer in local solutions for local challenges.
Over 20 years of experience in Higher Education has given him firsthand insight into the everyday issues that affect our residents, whether it’s navigating red tape, managing budgets, or serving underserved populations...READ MORE
✅ Attract and Support Local Businesses
We will work to streamline the process for opening and expanding businesses in Hillside. By creating a business-friendly environment and offering local incentives, we can attract high-quality restaurants, retail shops, and service providers that make Hillside a destination, not a drive-through.
✅ Revitalize Vacant Properties and Storefronts
Our team is committed to turning underutilized and vacant spaces into thriving hubs of activity. By encouraging mixed-use development and partnering with responsible developers, we’ll increase property values, generate new tax revenue (rateables), and restore pride in our business districts.
✅ Build a Sustainable, Tax-Stable Future
By increasing our commercial tax base and reducing over-reliance on residential taxes, we can ensure a more stable financial future for Hillside. Smart growth means more services, lower tax burdens, and a better quality of life for all residents.
✅ Expand Economic Development Initiatives
We plan to establish stronger partnerships with state and county economic agencies to bring in new investment. From small business grants to redevelopment zones, we’ll leverage every tool available to boost our local economy and create more opportunities for Hillside families.
✅ Invest in Infrastructure That Supports Growth
A thriving business community needs strong infrastructure. We will prioritize upgrades to roads, lighting, parking, and public spaces to support new development and attract foot traffic to our business districts. Clean, safe, and accessible areas will make Hillside more inviting for both residents and visitors.
HILLSIDE, NJ
CONTINUING OUR
MISSION TO
BUILD A BETTER HILLSIDE
REQUEST A LAWN SIGN
Show your support for the Building a Better Hillside Team and help spread the word across Hillside! Together, we can keep Hillside moving forward.
SCHEDULE A MEET N GREET
Want to get to know the BBH Team and talk about the issues that matter to you? Whether it’s your living room, block, or backyard, we’d love to meet with you and your neighbors.
REGISTER TO VOTE
Make your voice count in this year’s election! If you haven’t registered to vote, or you’ve recently moved, it only takes a few minutes to get set up. Ensure you're ready to cast your vote for Hillside’s future.
About Us – Building a Better Hillside
"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."
– George Bernard Shaw
The Building a Better Hillside Team is a coalition of dedicated public servants and community advocates committed to moving Hillside forward. Our mission is simple: to continue the work of restoring trust in local government, revitalizing our neighborhoods, and creating real opportunities for our residents.
We’ve fought for smarter development, improved services, and greater transparency—and we’re not done yet. Together, we’re working to build a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Hillside that we can all be proud to call home.
Let’s keep building—together.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Our campaign needs your support. Your monthly contribution will play a major role in our success.
$25
$50
$100
$200