Former Gloucester Township Councilwoman to Run for County Surrogate

Camden County Freeholder and former Gloucester Township Councilwoman Michelle Gentek-Mayer was selected to replace County Surrogate Patricia Egan-Jones in November’s election, the Camden County Democratic Committee announced.

Egan-Jones is replacing Assemblyman Angel Fuentes, who resigned from his Fifth District Seat in the New Jersey General Assembly effective July 1, both in office and on the ballot this November.

Gentek-Mayer will run against Republican Joseph Rodi Jr. in the Nov. 3 election for the surrogate position, a state-mandated constitutional row office that administers wills, estates, trusts, and adoptions.

Gentek-Mayer was to run for re-election as county freeholder. The Camden County Democratic Committee must now choose a replacement.

Gentek-Mayer served as a Gloucester Township Councilwoman from 2010-12. During that time, she helped Gloucester Township develop a comprehensive Energy Master Plan that included installation of solar panels on the municipal building and a $21 million shared services solar project in partnership with the Gloucester Township Public Schools and the Black Horse Pike Regional School District.

She also created the Township’s first Community Garden program and has worked to revitalize downtown Blackwood by merging economic development with the arts and helped the township achieve Bronze Certification through Sustainable Jersey.

“I am excited about the opportunity to continue my service to Camden County as the next Surrogate,” Gentek-Mayer said. “Working with senior citizens has always been a passion of mine, but this office will allow me the unique opportunity to interact with both grieving families and, on a happier note, families expanding through adoption.”