Meet Ryan Horner, Cinnaminson Twp. Committee General Election Candidate

CINNAMINSON, NJ — The ballot season is in full swing in the Garden State, and Patch has asked local candidates aiming to win a seat on the Cinnaminson Township Committee to share their thoughts before the General Election on Nov. 3.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all contested candidates via the email addresses listed for their campaign. The responses received will be published between now and the general election. Contact edward.callahan@patch.com with any questions regarding coverage.

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Name: N/A

Age: N/A

Town of residence: N/A

Position sought: N/A

Party affiliation: N/A

Family: N/A

Education: N/A

Occupation: N/A

Previous or current elected or appointed office: N/A

Why are you seeking office?

I'm seeking another term because I believe in Cinnaminson, the people who make this community special, and the responsibility we have to protect what makes our town such a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

My family and I have called Cinnaminson home for 20 years. When we experienced a devastating house explosion, this community stepped up for us in ways we will never forget.

That experience reinforced my commitment to giving back to the town and the people who gave so much to my family.

Since joining the Township Committee in 2018, I've worked to keep our community safe, protect taxpayers, improve our parks and infrastructure, and encourage responsible economic development.

I'm running because there is more work to do, and I want to continue building on our progress while protecting Cinnaminson's character for the next generation.

What additional measures would you suggest to build on one or two things that are done right now within the township?

I would focus on two priorities: improving our neighborhoods and strengthening responsible economic development.

First, I want to continue investing in our roads, drainage, sidewalks, and parks while taking a proactive approach to identifying infrastructure concerns before they become more expensive problems. We have made progress, but we need to continue listening to residents, prioritizing projects based on need, and pursuing available grants so we can make improvements without unnecessarily burdening taxpayers.

Second, I want to build on our efforts to attract and retain businesses that contribute to our local economy without compromising the character of our neighborhoods.

Development should make financial sense for the township, respect our community, and account for the demands it places on roads, public safety, and other municipal resources.

The goal is straightforward: keep Cinnaminson a desirable place to live while planning responsibly for its future.

If you were to start your own board or commission, what would it be for and why? What issues would you want to address, or areas would you want to highlight?

I would establish a Neighborhood Quality and Infrastructure Advisory Board that brings residents together with township representatives to identify local concerns and recommend practical solutions.

I would want residents from different sections of town to help us identify recurring drainage and flooding concerns, road and sidewalk deficiencies, park improvements, pedestrian safety issues, and areas where maintenance or infrastructure upgrades deserve additional attention.

The board would provide a structured way for residents to raise concerns, help establish priorities, and receive updates on recommendations and progress.

We already have dedicated municipal employees and professionals doing important work.

This board would complement those efforts by giving residents a more direct voice in identifying needs and helping us focus resources where they can make the greatest difference.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The biggest difference is experience, accountability, and a demonstrated understanding of how local government works.

I have served on the Township Committee since 2018, served as mayor, worked on planning and development matters, and taken responsibility for municipal priorities that directly affect our residents.

I understand the challenges involved in balancing taxpayer concerns, public safety, infrastructure needs, responsible development, and the delivery of municipal services.

My opponents bring professional experience from the legal world, and I respect the value of a professional background.

But working for a politically connected law firm is not the same as being elected to public office, making municipal decisions, managing competing priorities, and being accountable to residents for the results.

This election is about who is best prepared to lead Cinnaminson—not who has the best political connections or is beholden to outside political operatives.

I bring a record of public service, firsthand experience, established relationships with our community, and a clear understanding of the work still ahead. Residents deserve leadership that is focused on Cinnaminson and accountable to the people who live here.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence that you can handle this job?

I would point to my years of service on the Township Committee, my experience as mayor, and my work involving parks and recreation, economic development, planning, and the issues that shape our community's future.

I have worked alongside my colleagues and township professionals to advance infrastructure improvements, maintain essential municipal services, support our parks and recreational opportunities, and encourage economic development that benefits residents while respecting our community's character.

I also believe my 16 years of coaching youth sports in Cinnaminson say something important about the kind of leader I am. Coaching baseball, basketball, football, and softball taught me the importance of preparation, accountability, teamwork, and bringing people together around a common goal.

And on a personal level, my family's experience following our house explosion reminded me that public service is ultimately about people. It is about showing up when people need help and working to make our community stronger.

I know the job, I understand the responsibilities, and I believe my record demonstrates that I am prepared to continue serving.

What's a motto you live your life by?

"Do the right thing, treat people with respect, and leave things better than you found them."

Whether it is raising a family, coaching a team, working with colleagues, or serving as mayor, I believe character is demonstrated through your actions.

You will not always make everyone happy, and not every decision will be easy, but you should always be able to explain why you made it and stand behind it.

That is the standard I try to bring to public service.

What does it mean to you to represent Cinnaminson?

Representing Cinnaminson means recognizing that this community is bigger than any one person, political party, or election.

It means earning the trust of residents, listening even when we disagree, and making decisions with the long-term interests of our town in mind.

Moving forward, my commitment is to protect the quality of life that makes Cinnaminson special, maintain a strong focus on public safety and fiscal responsibility, improve our infrastructure and parks, and ensure that development benefits our residents rather than changing the character of our community.

It also means preparing for the challenges ahead, being honest about the decisions we face, and working collaboratively to get things done.

My family and I have experienced firsthand what makes Cinnaminson such a special place. I want future generations to have that same sense of community, security, and pride.

I am asking for the opportunity to continue serving because I believe experience matters, results matter, and Cinnaminson deserves leadership that puts our residents first.

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