In Clinton, Mayor Janice Kovach is more than a public official—she is a lifelong resident deeply rooted in the town she now leads. Raised in Clinton and a graduate of Clinton Public School and North Hunterdon High School, Kovach returned in 2002 to raise her family in the same community that shaped her. After beginning her career in corporate project management, she entered public service in 2003, first as a council member and later as director of the New Jersey Division on Women. She has served as mayor since 2012 and is now in her fourth term.
Kovach says Clinton’s greatest strength has remained constant over the years: its people. She points to the everyday interactions that define small-town life—from officers playing basketball with neighborhood kids to residents rallying around local events and causes. The atmosphere, she notes, is both welcoming and personal.
“It really is a Hallmark community,” Kovach says, describing a place where neighbors know one another and families feel comfortable letting their children bike downtown.
That sense of connection extends into the business district, which plays a central role in Clinton’s identity. Several storefronts have operated for decades, including Heartstrings, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this spring. At the same time, newer additions—boutiques, coffee shops and a recently opened bookstore—continue to bring fresh energy to Main Street.
Kovach says local merchants operate less like competitors and more like collaborators. Seasonal promotions, cross-shop events and shared celebrations help create a unified experience for visitors and residents alike.
“All of the stores come together to create a community—not just a shopping experience,” she explains.
Long-term investment in infrastructure remains a priority for borough leadership. After years in limited quarters, the Clinton Police Department is preparing to move into a new, community-focused station designed to better serve both officers and residents. A ribbon cutting is anticipated next year.
The town has also secured support through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to purchase the former Old A&P property, a long-underused site near the center of town. Kovach says the goal is to redevelop the space in a way that complements Main Street rather than competes with it. Concepts under discussion include community-oriented retail or hospitality uses—possibly even a craft brewery, she notes with a laugh.
“I’ve got two more years to make it happen,” she says.
Recreation and accessibility are also shaping current planning efforts. The borough recently completed an inclusive playground designed to serve children of all abilities. Officials are pursuing additional grants to modernize the community center and upgrade outdoor basketball courts and shared recreation spaces.
Community events continue to be a major driver of local pride and economic activity. Annual traditions such as Dickens Days, the Winter Village and the growing St. Patrick’s Day Parade draw thousands of visitors and reinforce Clinton’s reputation as a destination town with year-round appeal.
“These events bring people downtown and keep traditions alive,” Kovach notes. “They’re part of what makes Clinton feel special.”
Despite the visible projects and public milestones, Kovach emphasizes that progress is never the work of one office alone. She credits volunteers, business owners and engaged residents as the real engine behind the borough’s momentum.
“It takes a village,” she says. “While I may get credit for what happens, none of it is possible without our businesses, our volunteers and our residents who continue to show up and support one another.”
Her hope, she adds, is that residents recognize both the shared effort and the shared reward.
“I hope people know that I love Clinton as much as they do,” she says.
Mayor Janice Kovach — Borough of Clinton
Mayor since 2012 | Fourth Term
Clinton Roots:
Raised in Clinton
Graduate — Clinton Public School & North Hunterdon High School
Returned in 2002 to raise her family locally
Signature Community Events:
Dickens Days
Winter Village
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
“It really is a Hallmark community—a place where neighbors know each other and families feel at home.” - Mayor Janice Kovach