Borough of Harrington Park
Social Media Coordinator, Writer & Editor
Every town has a story.
I told Harrington Park's–in a voice people trusted.
They didn't bring me in to sound like me.
They brought me in to sound like the mayor–Paul Hoelscher, the dedicated and deeply respected leader who guided the Borough of Harrington Park for over thirty years. I ghostwrote every From the Mayor's Desk column, wrote and maintained the town's Facebook page, crafted official proclamations, and edited the quarterly newsletter from start to finish.
Over time, I became the voice people associated with their town–whether they were reading about storm safety, community events, or the local accomplishments that deserved to be recognized. When the mayor passed while serving in office, his family asked me to write his eulogy. That tribute became a special edition newsletter, picked up by media across New Jersey, and remembered as the piece that captured the heart of the gentleman behind the title.
When the mayor had something to say, I made sure the town didn't just hear it–they felt it.
Ghostwriting
From the Mayor's Desk
I didn't just write for the mayor.
I wrote as the mayor.
Every From the Mayor's Desk letter was ghostwritten by me to sound like Mayor Hoelscher–thoughtful, steady, and personal. I mirrored his cadence, word choice, and rhythm so precisely that residents believed he wrote every line himself.
It didn't carry my name–but it carried a great deal of trust.
This is one of many From the Mayor's Desk columns that I wrote during my time with the Borough. Additional samples available upon request.
Click the image to enlarge and read the full newsletter column.
These are just two of many posts I wrote during my time with the Borough. Additional samples available upon request.
Click each image to enlarge.
This Christmas message was one of the mayor's favorites. I wrote it in his voice–gracious, reflective, and full of gratitude for the community he served.
I also created Hanukkah and Kwanzaa messages to ensure every resident of our Borough felt seen and celebrated.
I wrote this in the mayor's voice to celebrate the football team at Northern Valley Old Tappan–a regional high school that brings together Harrington Park and three neighboring towns. The message honored a state championship that meant something to many residents who had watched these athletes grow up.
Social Media Strategy
Bringing the Borough to the Feed
How do you keep a town informed–and make them want to listen?
I gave Harrington Park a voice on Facebook, crafting posts that ranged from safety alerts to the moments that made us proud.
Some sounded like the mayor–steady and sincere. Others felt more like the town–warm and proud. But every message followed the same rule: be clear, be credible, be consistent.
Because the best social posts don't just inform.
They build connection.
Proclamations & Official Documents
Giving Voice to the "Whereas"
Proclamations are known for their formal structure and "Whereas" repetition.
But I saw opportunities to do more than follow a template.
By weaving in storytelling and elevating the rhythm, I turned these civic honors into something residents actually wanted to read–and recipients felt proud to receive.
They followed tradition–but their tone was unmistakably human.
This is one of many proclamations and official government documents I wrote during my time with the Borough. Additional samples available upon request.
Click the image to enlarge and read the full proclamation.
Click the image to view the full newsletter. Additional edited issues available upon request.
Newsletter Editing
Town News, Tuned Just Right
Not every resident reads town ordinances.
But they'll read the newsletter–if you make it worth their time.
I edited multiple issues of Harrington Park's quarterly newsletter, shaping everything from stormwater notices to community spotlights. That included rewriting submissions from departments and local associations, aligning the tone across sections, and ghostwriting the Mayor's message to reflect the steady, trustworthy voice residents had come to expect.
It was a mix of civic updates and human connection.
My job was to bring both into focus–clearly and consistently.
A Final Tribute
Remembering the Mayor
When Mayor Hoelscher passed away while in office, his wife of fifty-eight years asked me to write the eulogy.
It became a full-length tribute–part personal reflection, part town history–read aloud at the memorial by a close friend of the mayor. Because I had so often written in the Mayor's voice, it felt natural to now write about him: the teacher, the mentor, the grandfather on the blacktop, the dedicated leader who touched lives in ways most people never knew.
The tribute was later published as a special edition newsletter–and picked up by several New Jersey publications.
This time, the voice was mine.
Click the image to view the full tribute newsletter. This special edition was delivered to every Harrington Park home and featured in New Jersey publications.
Great stories don't write themselves. Let's talk.
Tara McCann