Meet the Candidates: Jim McElwee

On Nov. 8, residents in Galloway Township will go to the polls to vote on three seats that carry four-year terms on township council. Six candidates are vying for these three seats, and over the course of the next week, Galloway Patch will take a look at each candidate, one a day, in alphabetical order.

Name: Jim McElwee

Political Party: Democratic

Why are you running?

I have always been a believer in the old adage “ If you are not part of the solution than you are part of the problem.” As a resident and taxpayer in Galloway, I want to have a say in the way our tax dollars are spent and be a positive force in the growth of our community.

What do you feel are the most pressing issues?

A few of the more important issues to me are public safety and open and transparent government. We need to find a way to replace the 30 percent drop in police officers on the force. We need to find a way to more efficiently fund the volunteer fire companies in the township. If that means being more aggressive in seeking State and Federal grants or re-examining our fiscal priorities, then we should.

I also think the public should be given more access to local government in the form of archiving the television coverage of Council meetings and listing the recorded minutes of Council, Planning Board and Zoning Board meetings on the Galloway Township website. There are presently too many closed doors or back room decisions being made on issues that are costing taxpayers dollars.

What changes would you make to what the current council is doing?

One of the reasons my running mates and I are in this campaign is to bring more balance to Council. With six Republicans and one Democrat, you don’t get a fair representation of the community as a whole, especially when members vote along party lines. Government should be a system of checks and balances in order to be fair. When you have one group with a constant majority rule you don’t have a true system of government for the people.

I would also try to change the way Township positions are filled. The hiring process needs to be more scrutinized so as not to repeat the mistakes made in the recent past that again cost the taxpayers hard earned money that is now going to lawsuits instead of community improvements.

What are some of the positive things you believe the current council is doing?

I believe Councilman Gorman’s work on the trash issue along with Councilman Kleiner and Deputy Mayor Purdy was an attempt to resolve an issue long over do. Unfortunately, they voted 6-1 to shelve the issue. I also believe the rating by S&P was a good thing for the township, but there again there is room for improvement.

What would you bring to council that no one else can bring, i.e. strengths, experience, etc.?

I would bring to council a fresh approach. We have some new ideas and plans that we would like to try. As I said before we need to be more aggressive and innovative to deal with the economic problems facing us. I have a strong work ethic and good leadership skills that I think will be an asset to the council.

What is your political background? What offices have you held/run for in the past?

I have been what I would describe as a foot soldier for the Democratic Party for about eight years. I worked tirelessly to help Jon Corzine in his successful bid to the Governor’s Mansion and also did some campaign volunteering for Sen. Jim Whelan and Damon Tyner in their campaign bids. This is my first time running for public office but I think my life experience will help me serve the community in a positive light.

Personal Background

I graduated from Lakewood High School and Ocean County Vo-Tech in 1969. I spent many years traveling the country as a long haul trucker. I wanted to settle down and moved to Pomona in Galloway Township in 1996 and have lived here since then with a short two-year stay in Brigantine in 2005 and 2006. I have three children, two step children and three grandchildren. My hobbies are restoring my classic 1965 Buick Riviera and riding motorcycles when I have the time. I live with Kerry, my high school sweetheart who supports me in everything I do.