Meet The Candidate: June Neuman

CINNAMINSON, NJ — There’s more on the line in New Jersey in November than just the Governor’s seat. All seats in the State Senate and State Assembly are up for grabs, as well. In Cinnaminson, there are two open seats available on the Township Committee.

However, before the general elections on Nov. 7, Primary Day arrives on June 6. With no Democrats filing to run in the election, it appears the winners of the Republican Primaries will be seated in January.

Each day this week, Cinnaminson Patch will run candidate profiles for the Republicans running in this year’s primaries. Patch sent each candidate the same questions, and their responses are posted here, with minor edits for grammar and spelling. Check out each one, then head to the voting booth to make an informed decision on June 6.

Up next: June Neuman

Why are you running for Cinnaminson Committee?
My family and I love Cinnaminson! Born and raised here, my husband and I now raise our 3 sons here. I’ve also been an enthusiastic volunteer for numerous community, church and charitable groups. I’m passionate about making this great community even better! My parents still enjoy Cinnaminson as residents of Sweetwater. I understand the financial challenges facing seniors and working families and want Cinnaminson to remain an affordable place. So my #1 priority is keeping taxes and spending down. The other items on my agenda are completing the revitalization of Cinnaminson’s commercial and industrial zones to boost our ratables, expanding community policing initiatives, earning new grants to enhance parks and recreation facilities, expanding services for seniors and veterans, and fighting to preserve Cinnaminson’s single family character.

Have you ever held a public elected office? If yes, please name the governing body (school board, governing body, fire commissioner) and years of service.
Up until now my civic service has been appointed positions on Cinnaminson’s Planning and Zoning Boards. This is my first run for elected public office. I’ll be bringing new energy and a fresh perspective to the governing body! I’m a community volunteer, wife, mother, and business professional. I’m not a politician.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve as a member of the Cinnaminson Committee?
My business administration expertise will help me in fighting to keep taxes down for working families and senior citizens, including my own parents. To keep Cinnaminson moving forward, we need strong fiscally responsible leadership. As a principled conservative and lifelong Republican, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves to work for the taxpayer – and not the special interests who always want to get their hands into our wallets. It’s very concerning that two candidates in this Republican Primary Election didn’t become Republicans until the day they announced they were running. Plus they’re being backed by leading figures from the other party. Cinnaminson Republicans should nominate candidates they can trust, not party-switching opportunists.

What is the biggest issue facing Cinnaminson? How do you feel the issue should be addressed by Council?
Taxes, taxes, taxes. We must keep Cinnaminson as a community where you can afford to stay. There are several ways to do this. First, government must tighten its belt and resist the temptation to give in to special interests. I’ll spend your taxpayer dollars as carefully and judiciously as I spend my own. Second, we must be innovative with technology utilization, consolidation of positions, and sharing of services in order to cut costs. Third, we must expand Cinnaminson’s ratable base by rejuvenating our industrial and commercial districts. The consequent revenue growth will mean less that has to come from homeowners. Fourth, we must continue to maintain low debt levels.

What do you feel is Cinnaminson's biggest asset at this time? How would you exploit that asset to the township's benefit?
Cinnaminson's biggest asset is its residents. We are a family friendly community of caring, civic minded, and patriotic citizens. We have vibrant schools, sports associations, churches, and community groups. Our governing body needs to be responsive to the needs of all our community groups so that they can thrive. As an enthusiastic volunteer for many groups myself, I’ll take the lead in this regard.

How do you plan to balance spending and revenue in tough economic times?
When it comes to spending, my goal is to keep it down – and reduce it wherever possible. When economic times are tough we can’t ask struggling residents to fork out more money in taxes. As for revenue, my goal is to boost it through new ratables. That means I’m 100% committed to commercial and industrial redevelopment. Mayor Minniti has announced several exciting projects that I’ll fight to see completed. My favorite is his recently unveiled plan to eliminate the eyesore Garden State Motel and replace it with a leading edge food retailer! Make no mistake, if I’m elected along with the Mayor, that eyesore motel is history. If other people are in charge, this incredible opportunity to improve our community could go away.

Do you feel the current Committee is effective? Why or why not? Where do you think the governing body could improve?
While walking Cinnaminson’s neighborhoods door-to-door, I’ve been impressed with the tremendous enthusiasm that our residents have for their community. They enjoy living here and hope to be able to afford Cinnaminson during their retirement years. All the good things that we love about Cinnaminson didn’t happen by accident. We have benefited from strong leadership from our elected township committee members. However, I want to take Cinnaminson to the next level. I’m never satisfied with the status quo. We should always strive to do better. Worth noting, there’s no female member of our township committee at this time. Since 53% of Cinnaminson residents are women, shouldn't they be represented?

The attached image of June Neuman and her running mate Anthony Minniti was provided