Meet Cinnaminson Committee Candidate Stephanie Kravil

CINNAMINSON, NJ — For the first time in a long time, there will be a contested election in Cinnaminson in the fall. Incumbent Republican Stephanie Kravil faces a challenge from Democrat Lisa Killion-Smith for an open seat on Cinnaminson Township Committee in the Nov. 5 general elections.

Patch asked each candidate to complete a questionnaire outlining biographical information, their platform and their stands on a handful of issues. Patch will run both profiles this week.

Profiles are presented here in the same format as the questionnaires given to the candidates. There were no further instructions, and none of the responses has been edited (beyond basic proofreading and formatting). Readers can make their own judgments on how the candidates did or didn't answer the questions.

Today's profile: Stephanie Kravil

Why are you running for Cinnaminson Committee?

As a lifelong resident of Cinnaminson, I love this community and respect and admire its residents. It has been exciting to see all the dynamic improvements our current Committee has made in such a short period of time. As a key force driving many new initiatives centered around community engagement, economic growth, and fiscal policy, it is important that I see them to completion, as well as continuing to spearhead new ones. I am proud of the work that I have done in such a short time, such as the proper, long overdue 9/11 memorial, which holds a special place in my heart. I have always been actively involved in our community and am anxious to continue my work on a much greater scale to give back to the community that I care so deeply about. I want to continue to bring a brand of independent thinking to this Committee that hasn’t been there until most recently.

Have you ever held a public elected office? If yes, please name the governing body (school board, township council, fire commissioner) and years of service.

I have sat on Cinnaminson Township Committee since July 2018.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve as a member of the Cinnaminson Committee?

As a current member of Committee, I’m deeply entrenched in bringing some new and exciting projects to Cinnaminson. In addition, I am spearheading solutions to longstanding issues that have been impacting our residents for far too long, as well as initiatives committed to increased transparency in local government, in addition to providing a strong collaboration between residents and their elected officials. As a lifelong resident who is actively involved in Cinnaminson-based organizations, I can continue to bring an independent voice to Committee that’s not guided solely based on political party.

What is the biggest issue facing Cinnaminson? How do you feel the issue should be addressed by Committee?

The biggest issue Cinnaminson faces is not unlike the issues that face our residents on a personal level. How do we control our spending, provide the highest level of services, all while preparing for a “rainy day?” In addition to taxes and spending, it’s identifying and fixing long ignored problems that impact our residents. We have begun the process of reaching out to areas and partnering with our fellow neighbors to find reasonable and actionable solutions to problems such as drainage issues in East Riverton, for example.

What do you feel is Cinnaminson's biggest asset at this time? How would you exploit that asset to the township's benefit?

The sense of community in this Township is amazing. It starts with our highly rated school district, our community events, our senior programs at the Community Center, and our sports programs headed by fantastic volunteers. In essence, it is the people and the values that they represent which prove to be our biggest asset. This town is home to many smart, community-oriented people who care about our town and the people who live here. It is what makes Cinnaminson such a great place to live. The best way to utilize our community’s great minds is to keep the community in the conversation. By being as transparent as possible, our local government can provide information to our residents and keep them engaged in local issues. For big issues, this Committee has continued to utilize subcommittees to get direct community feedback. The Township has also begun to present monthly newsletters to keep the public informed on local happenings. Government works best when we work together, and I love working with our residents to get things done.

How do you plan to balance spending and revenue in tough economic times?

This current Township Committee has had a proven history of balancing spending and revenue, which has been shown by a stable municipal tax rate. This tax rate accounts for 18% of your tax bill and is the only tax that your Township Committee has control over. Our township also recently had our bond rating improved yet again, which is an excellent barometer of Cinnaminson’s fiscal health. This Committee has made has the best interest of the taxpayers a priority and has prepared the town for any possible financial downturn through its prudent fiscal practices.

Do you feel the current Committee is effective? Why or why not? Where do you think the governing body could improve?

Yes, I believe that the current Committee is effective, and the results speak for themselves. As a new Committee, we are able to continue to bring fresh ideas about how to bring Cinnaminson to greater heights. We have made resident interaction and satisfaction a cornerstone of our philosophy. In a short time, we have been able to make our government friendlier, more approachable and transparent, all while accomplishing goals committed to improving Cinnaminson in the present and the future, including responsible spending, economic growth, and safety. Our budget is stable, Cinnaminson has become a thriving economic development destination, and our neighborhoods and streets are safer than ever thanks to our police department and the guidance of our new chief.