Meet the Candidates: Keith Hartman

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: Keith Hartman

Political Party: Independent

Why are you running?

I am running because I feel we have accomplished quite a bit of our goals and have more to accomplish.  We have made Galloway a better place to live and guided this town through the worst financial crisis it has seen in its history.  The township is in a much better position than it was when I got here.

What do you feel are the most pressing issues?

The most pressing issues are still taxes and traffic.  Our residents deal with congestion on the main arteries in our town.  We have had success in getting some progress at key intersections including the Parkway, 6th Avenue and Jimmie Leeds Road, and Rt. 30 and Pomona Road.  We will continue to work with State and County officials to prioritize these projects to improve the commute times for our residents. 

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

I would have handled many of the human resource issues differently.

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

The positive things we are doing include traffic improvements, we improved the noticing requirements on public projects so that residents are kept aware of any public projects that may impact their property. We have reduced spending significantly and reduced the size of the local government while maintaining a great police department. Protected the taxpayers from losing Seaview Resort as the largest ratable in town. I got the parole board to agree to a permanent change in use so parolees would not be reporting to the site on Rt. 30. Their planning board approvals would have allowed them to have parolees in the building. By amending the decisions and resolutions, as opposed to their internal policy change we have protected the residents of Galloway. I think my most significant contribution to Council has been my successful drive to eliminate health benefit perks given to Council members. All of this was done without asking for a paycheck from the taxpayers of Galloway. I have served because I truly felt I could make a difference and should give back to the community. 

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

The experience as Mayor, as well as the relationships that I have forged with people at the State House have served the Township well. My experience in business and how to work with people to achieve a positive outcome that works for everyone. Most importantly is my obvious refusal to pander to a political party and continue to make the decisions that are best for ALL of Galloway Township as opposed to the self interest of any party or individual. 

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

My political background is that I am just completing my first term in office. I spent the first year as a council member, my second year as deputy mayor and the last two years as mayor.

Personal Background

I have lived in Galloway since 1994. My business, Jersey Shore Pharmacies, corporate office and nursing home division is in Galloway. I am a private pilot and use my training to volunteer and help a dog rescue transport dogs to new homes as well as flying sick under privileged children and their families to medical care.