Cherry Hill Mayor Won't Run For Re-Election

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cherry Hill will have a new mayor next year, as Susan Shin Angulo announced Thursday that she won't seek re-election.

Angulo's decision comes on the heels of Township Council President Dave Fleisher declaring his candidacy for mayor. Fleisher, a fellow Democrat, received support from all other members on the seven-chair Township Council, including three running for re-election on his ticket: Jennifer Apell, Brian Bauerle and Michele Golkow.

Elected mayor in 2019, Angulo's term runs through Dec. 31.

"The past 3+ years have been incredibly challenging, leading our community through an unprecedented pandemic," Angulo said in a statement. "The pace has been grueling and unrelenting, and I believe it is time to catch my breath after my term ends. However, I want to assure you that this is not the end of my journey. I will complete my term as Mayor, and I will continue to serve with passion and enthusiasm."

Fleisher's and the three council members on his ticket announced their candidacy Feb. 28 with several key endorsements. The campaign said it received support from all council members, four former Cherry Hill mayors — Chuck Cahn, Susan Bass Levin, Bernie Platt and Art Simons — and Camden County Commissioner Melinda Kane.

• Read more: Cherry Hill Mayor Election Upended As Council President Enters Race

Cherry Hill represents a stronghold for the Democratic Party, so winners of the Democratic primaries have a good chance of taking office. It's uncertain whether Fleisher or the council members running with him will face a contested primary.

But the candidate field will become clear in a few weeks. Candidates in New Jersey have until March 27 to file a nominating petition to get on their respective primary ballot.

Angulo touted several accomplishments from her term, including avoidance of tax increases and the Moody's Rating agency assigning a AAA rating — its highest grade — to the township.

"We have made great strides in beautifying our parks, preserving open space, and encouraging smart growth," Angulo wrote. "This has been especially important given the influx of new families to Cherry Hill over the past few years, making us the largest township in Camden County. Our community is thriving, and I will actively continue to promote our dynamic and diverse global landscape."

Angulo didn't endorse anyone in Cherry Hill's local races. But she called on the public to support the Democratic ticket for New Jersey's 6th District in this year's State Legislature elections. State Sen. Jim Beach, Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald and Assembly Deputy Speaky Pam Lampitt are running for re-election.

"Without their strong, unified leadership, South Jersey will struggle to receive its equitable share from the State," Angulo said. "That would be a terrible outcome for Cherry Hill and the region."

Read Angulo's full statement below:

"I want to take this opportunity to address the rumors circulating about my candidacy for the upcoming mayoral election. After much deliberation and consultation with my family and community leaders, I have decided not to seek the Democratic nomination for Mayor of Cherry Hill.

The past 3+ years have been incredibly challenging, leading our community through an unprecedented pandemic. The pace has been grueling and unrelenting, and I believe it is time to catch my breath after my term ends. However, I want to assure you that this is not the end of my journey. I will complete my term as Mayor, and I will continue to serve with passion and enthusiasm.

I am grateful to the residents of Cherry Hill for their dedication and commitment to our community. Together, we have faced the pandemic head-on, and we are emerging stronger than ever. I am proud that we have held the line on expenses and avoided any tax increases, as reflected in Moody's Rating agency assigning its highest AAA rating to the Township. I am also excited about the potential revenue opportunities, including from cannabis businesses, that can fund key initiatives including safety, health, sustainability, and education.

Cherry Hill is exceptional for its inclusiveness, tolerance, and sense of community. I will continue to stand arm in arm with those advocating social justice and demanding change. I am proud of the students and young adults, and those underrepresented and underestimated, who are leading these calls to action.

We have made great strides in beautifying our parks, preserving open space, and encouraging smart growth. This has been especially important given the influx of new families to Cherry Hill over the past few years, making us the largest township in Camden County. Our community is thriving, and I will actively continue to promote our dynamic and diverse global landscape.

Finally, I want to emphasize the importance of supporting the entire Democratic ticket in November, including our state legislative leaders - Senator Jim Beach, Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald, and Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt - in the upcoming elections. Without their strong, unified leadership, South Jersey will struggle to receive its equitable share from the State. That would be a terrible outcome for Cherry Hill and the region.

Thank you for your support and understanding. I am proud to serve as your Mayor and look forward to the months ahead working to move Cherry Hill forward."