District 9 Representatives Leave Impression on Galloway Residents

Senator Chris Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblywoman Dianne Gove made their first public appearance in Galloway Township at the council meeting on Tuesday night, July 26. Connors, Rumpf and Gove are the township's new representatives in Legislative District 9, of which Galloway Township is now a member following the redistricting earlier this year.

They all spoke of how eager they are to represent the township, should they be reelected in the November elections, and some members of the public are eager to have them as representatives.

"They are all sponsors of the Jessica Lungford Act," said Anna Jezycki, who helped push that act through in New Jersey last year. "They are amicable people."

The Jessica Lunsford Act is a law named after a young girl from Florida who was raped and killed by a previously convicted sex offender.

The act wasn't mentioned by any of the representatives Tuesday night, but the need for the legislators to pay particular attention to Galloway Township was acknowledged.

"We want to make sure this is a smooth transition," Connors said. "We've been working with the representatives from District 2 to help make sure it goes smoothly.

"If we get reelected and become your representatives in January, we want to be able to hit the ground running."

"I thought what they said made sense," resident Richard Price said. "I hope they'll be down here more."

There was previously talk of holding a town hall style meeting between the representatives and township residents. There was also talk of setting up a satellite office in Galloway Township, but neither of these were mentioned at Tuesday night's meeting.

"I hope they do come down before the election," Jezycki said.

The last time the representatives were in Galloway, they appeared at a Republican fundraiser at the Smithville Inn. This is where Jezycki and Tom Mithcell met them for the first time.

"They're all good people and they're all very receptive," Mitchell said. "I'm sure they'll gain the support of Galloway and become active representatives."

Galloway Township is currently represented in District 2 by Senator Jim Whelan and Assemblymen Vince Polistina and John Amodeo. Beginning with this year's election, though, Galloway Township will belong to District 9.

"Amodeo, Polistina and Whelan are always here," said Jezycki, who said a satellite office will be needed to ensure the residents of Galloway can always be in touch with their new representatives.

Connors assured Galloway citizens that won't be a problem.

"I'm a graduate of Stockton, so Galloway is a home to me," Connors said. "The people we serve are part of my family."

Connors emphasized that there has always been an Atlantic County presence in District 9, so the legislators there understand the issues facing Galloway. In the past, Folsom and Hammonton have been part of the district.

Gove has relatives who live in Northfield and Port Republic, and Rumpf lives in neighboring Little Egg Harbor Township.

"Galloway is a perfect fit, and we're pleased to have you as part of our district," Connors told the council Tuesday night. "We'll come back as often as you like. We've all served as mayors. It's important to understand local government."