
Rebecca J. Wells for Mayor
I’ve spent my life in Highlands—serving, leading, and raising my family here. My roots give me the experience to protect what we love, and my vision brings fresh ideas to move us forward. Together, we’ll keep Highlands affordable, vibrant, and ready for the future.
Join me at my Campaign Kick Off - September 24th, 7pm at Proving Ground or Slice and Advice - October 29th, 6pm at Franny’s Pizzeria.
Support our mission by contributing a donation, you can Venmo at FriendsofBecky
My Vision
Highlands is more than just a place on the map. It is where our stories begin, where neighbors become like family, and where traditions run deep. I was born here, raised here, and now I am proud to be raising my own family in the same community that shaped me. My connection to Highlands gives me the experience, understanding, and dedication to help protect everything that makes this town special.
But having deep roots does not mean staying stuck. I believe we can move forward together. We can welcome new opportunities by growing in thoughtful ways, improving recreational spaces, supporting our volunteers, keeping our town affordable, and working side by side with each other to create a brighter future.
My vision for Highlands is one that honors where we have come from while opening doors for the next generation. A town where families want to stay, where businesses can succeed, and where everyone feels like they truly belong.
With your support, we can keep Highlands strong, welcoming, and ready for whatever comes next.
My Platform
A Practical, People-First Plan for Highlands
As a candidate for Mayor, I am committed to keeping Highlands a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can not only live, but truly feel at home. I want our town to be a place where families grow, neighbors connect, and everyone feels welcome. Here is what I hope to accomplish:
1. Keeping Property Taxes Manageable
I want to explore the possibility of opting out of the county’s annual property reassessment program. Right now, this process is putting real pressure on homeowners, especially those living on fixed incomes. If we can slow it down or pause it, we may be able to help people stay in their homes without seeing their taxes rise more than they can afford.
2. Giving Back to Our Volunteers
Highlands runs on the dedication of its volunteers, and I am proud to be one of them. To help grow and support the local organizations that rely on volunteer help, I am proposing a modest tax credit for those who give their time to serve our community. It is a small way to say thank you and to encourage more people to get involved.
3. Making the Most of Our Public Spaces
We have a chance to make Marine Place Bulkhead both useful and more engaging. I would like to explore tasteful and responsible advertising in this area. Done well, it could add character and provide something interesting for boaters and visitors to enjoy without taking away from the beauty of our waterfront.
4. Creating More Indoor Recreation Options
Let’s take a serious look at creating an indoor space for activities like pickleball or tennis. Highlands does not currently have a year round option like this, and adding one would benefit residents of all ages who want to stay active, especially during colder months.
5. Improving Kavookjian Field
The dugouts and spectator areas at Kavookjian Field are in real need of repair. It is time to invest in improvements that make the field safer for players and more enjoyable for families and fans who come out to support them.
6. Expanding Access to the Water
The Open Space Committee has already made great strides, and I want to help continue that progress by finding the right location for a kayak ramp. This would make our waterfront more accessible and give more residents the chance to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us.
7. Looking Into a Spray Park for Families
Let’s explore the idea of building a spray park right here in town. It would be a fun, safe, and welcoming space for children to cool off during the summer, and a gathering place for families to enjoy time together outside.
About Me
Meet Rebecca Wells: A Lifelong Highlands Neighbor Ready to Lead

Rebecca Wells has spent her life in service to Highlands, the town she has always called home. Born and raised here, her connection to the community runs deep. From an early age, Rebecca has lived the values that make Highlands special. She believes in loyalty, hard work, and looking out for one another.
She and her husband, Charles Wells, have built their life together here in Highlands. Charles currently serves as the Chief of the Highlands Fire Department and as the Borough’s Fire Marshal. Together, they are raising their three children, Emily, Parker, and Lucille, right here in the community that shaped them. Their family represents what Highlands is all about. They are dedicated to the people and the place they love.
Rebecca graduated from Henry Hudson Regional High School in 1995. She then attended the Middletown Township Fire Academy, graduating in 1999. In 2008, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from New Jersey City University. Since 2006, she has worked as a Contracts Manager at York Telecom Corporation in Wall, New Jersey, where she has built a successful career in the private sector.

Rebecca’s commitment to public service is unmatched. She has been a member of the Highlands Fire Department for 26 years and currently serves as Senior Captain. In 2009, she made history by becoming the department’s first female Chief. Her dedication to the fire service runs in the family. Her father, Matthew Kane recently passed away this August at the age of 69 was a loyal member of the Highlands Fire Department since 1976. He served as Chief in 1985 and a partial year in 1993. He built a life here in Highlands on being dedicated to his community and heart. His life was a testament to hard work, service and unwavering dedication that has passed though his children and grandchildren. Her brother, William Kane, has served as Chief three times. Her husband, Charles, now leads the department.
In addition to her service in public safety, Rebecca has spent 15 years on the Highlands Borough Council across five terms. She has served as Council President and has contributed to a wide range of committees. Since 2010, she has also served on the Highlands Housing Authority, working to support fair and accessible housing in the borough.
Rebecca is also deeply involved in local education. She has been an active part of the Tri-District Education Foundation and currently serves on the Tri-District Board of Education. Over her ten years on the board, she played a key role in regionalizing our school system. That effort helped improve how the districts operate and made funding more reliable.
In 2013, she was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This recognition celebrated her longtime commitment to the town and its residents.
Now, Rebecca is ready to continue that service by running for Mayor.
“Highlands has always been my home, and I’ve always believed in giving back to the place that raised me. This town deserves thoughtful leadership and practical solutions. I am committed to working hard, listening to residents, and helping to guide Highlands into the future. We can honor our history while creating a place where the next generation wants to stay and grow.”
Rebecca Wells brings a steady hand, deep experience, and a heart full of love for Highlands. She is ready to lead with care and purpose. She understands where this town has been and believes strongly in where it can go next.
Contact Me
I want to hear from you. Whether you've lived in Highlands your whole life or just moved here, your perspective matters. What do you love about this town? What do you think could be better? I'm listening and I believe the best ideas come from real conversations with the people who call this place home.
Join me at my Campaign Kick Off - September 24th, 7pm at Proving Ground or Slice and Advice - October 29th, 6pm at Franny’s Pizzeria.
Support our mission by contributing a donation, you can Venmo at FriendsofBecky