HIGHLANDS – Highlands is one of many jewels in the Two River area. At not even 1 ½ square miles and only a little over 5,000 residents, the borough is still packed full of charm, waterfront views and dozens of delicious eateries and businesses. We spoke with its current mayor, Carolyn Broullon, who is also a co-owner of Feed & Seed, a pet supply store on Bay Avenue in the borough, to learn a little more about her and why she thinks Highlands is so special.
The Two River Times: How did you become involved in local politics?
Mayor Carolyn Broullon: In 2012, after Sandy, we were displaced from borough hall and council meetings were in the grammar school. When I realized the information from those meetings was not getting to the residents, I brought my laptop to the meetings and began live-streaming the council meetings. After doing this for years, and being able to work from home, I decided to run for council.
TRT: What is an accomplishment during your mayoral term you are proud of?
Broullon: Many residents of the borough work in our local businesses so I am most proud that we did not lose any businesses during the pandemic.
TRT: What are the pandemic-recovery challenges Highlands faces in 2021?
Broullon: Our No. 1 challenge is getting everyone vaccinated. Keeping everyone healthy is a strong No. 2. Managing the business of the borough is challenging without a pandemic but I feel the team in place has done an outstanding job towards that end. Projects will continue to be worked on and small-scale events will need to be handled with great care.
TRT: Describe your (pre/post-COVID-19) Saturday in Highlands.
Broullon: My Saturday night really has not changed. We generally close the shop and I cook dinner, sometimes with friends, sometimes just us. We are boring.
TRT: You’ve been the mayor for over a year. Tell readers something about yourself they don’t know.
Broullon: I’m a big fan of science fiction. My ringtone is the theme from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” TV show.
The article originally appeared in the April 8 – 14, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
