Meet The Candidate: Ryan Horner

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 first: Ryan Horner.

Why are you running for Cinnaminson Committee?
To be able to serve my community in a larger capacity. I have dedicated the last 6 years to being a coach and mentor to the youth of our great Township. I'd like to take my professional talents and apply those to public service for all residents.

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.
No

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve as a member of the Cinnaminson Committee?
I have the intellectual capital, compassion, and strong desire to serve. Being a father of four children, I am also deeply ingrained in the fabric of Cinnaminson. These qualities/experiences provide me with the skill set to make educated, responsible, and forward thinking decisions for the betterment of Cinnaminson residents.

What is the biggest issue facing Cinnaminson? How do you feel the issue should be addressed by Committee?
Keeping control of our taxes and our spending is our number one priority and is the biggest issue that we face. We need to look at smart, diversified growth and redevelopment in the Rt. 130 corridor and our industrial area to relieve the burden currently placed on the homeowners. We will work with our professional staff for redevelopment to achieve these goals.

What do you feel is Cinnaminson's biggest asset at this time? How would you exploit that asset to the Township's benefit?
The biggest asset Cinnaminson has at this time are its residents. It's the people of this great town that can be leveraged to provide constructive feedback and ideas to help make decisions that will positively impact our township. I have had the pleasure to meet the most highly intelligent and creative minds during my time spent here and I would like to see those people have an opportunity to have their voices be heard. Additionally, the highly ranked School District also proves to be a big asset and draw for families.

How do you plan to balance spending and revenue in tough economic times?
Working closely with our experienced CFO and Administrator in analyzing current budgetary issues while looking for wasteful spending. By taking a forward thinking approach to economic development that will allow for additional, predictable revenue streams to alleviate tax burdens and help prepare for lean years such as what we experienced in 2008 and years after. It's quite easy to manage when times are good, but what must be done is be in a position to weather the storm during times that are tough. That's where the value is added.

Do you feel the current Committee is effective? Why or why not? Where do you think the governing body could improve?
No they stopped being effective two plus years ago when they tried to place one of their own Committee members into the Superintendent of Public Works position. Since that point, they have stopped communicating and working together. Those supporting Mr. Young have gone out of their way to attack and embarrass members of Township Committee who didn't support the hiring. You can't work or communicate effectively if you are a divided elected body. With a change of those currently serving to Ernie (McGill) and myself, you will have replaced three of the five governing body members in a two year period. We would go into office with a goal to work with the remaining members of the Committee to do the will of the residents of Cinnaminson and not the will of the chosen few.

The attached image was posted on the McGill-Horner For Cinnaminson Township Committee Facebook page