Meet The Candidate: Chris Pandolfo

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — There’s more on the line in New Jersey in November than just the Governor’s seat. All seats in the State Senate and State Assembly are up for grabs, as well. In Gloucester Township, the Mayor’s seat and three council seats are up for grabs.

However, before the general elections on Nov. 7, Primary Day arrives on June 6. While only four Republicans filed to run in this year’s elections, eight Democrats have thrown their hats into the ring.

Each day for the next two weeks, Gloucester Township Patch will run candidate profiles for the Democrats running in this year’s primaries. Patch sent each candidate the same questions, and their responses are posted here, with minor edits for grammar and spelling. Check out each one, then head to the voting booth to make an informed decision on June 6.

Up Next: Gloucester Township Council Candidate Chris Pandolfo

Why are you running for Gloucester Township Council?

As a long time Gloucester Township resident and business leader, I am very concerned about our ever rising taxes. I see what it does to my family, my employees, my customers and their families. No one I meet is having an easy time. I am also concerned about the large number of foreclosed homes in Gloucester Township and the negative effect they have on the community.

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 never held public office.

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve as a member of the Gloucester Township Council?

As a manager of a Gloucester Township business, an active community member, and a father I believe I bring the right tools that can bring about change in Gloucester Township. I will work hard to change Gloucester Township and when I vote, the residents of Gloucester Township have my word that I will make decisions and introduce ordinances that enhance the learning environment for our children. I will also work hard and dedicate myself to working on real solutions that help lower property taxes.

What is the biggest issue facing Gloucester Township? How do you feel the issue should be addressed by Council?

One issue is the declining property values. Combine that with the poor school ratings and you have a town that isn’t very attractive to a young couple or family looking to move to South Jersey. Neighborhoods are plagued with vacant homes, some of which have been empty for several years. This makes even desirable homes less so when they live next to run down vacant homes. All of these problems need to be addressed but the biggest problem facing Gloucester Township is the re-election of Team Mayer who for 8 years ignored these fundamental issues that many Gloucester Township residents hold in high regard. Instead they spend precious time, energy, and money on parks, turf fields, and expensive patios and retaining walls that do nothing to address what matters to the average homeowner in Gloucester Township.

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

Gloucester Township’s biggest asset is our people. I know a lot of wonderful hard working people who want to stay here but the current climate is working against them, not for them. I am running for Council to fight for those people who are scraping every penny together to stay in the town they love. I know that if I am elected and get to represent these fine people they will pay us back 100 times by investing here, raising their children here, and coming together as a strong wealthy and healthy community. Our people will make businesses flock here and Gloucester Township will thrive for years to come.

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

All spending must be scrutinized, that is a basic fundamental job of an elected Council person. We cannot continue to fund projects by borrowing, fiscal responsibility must be restored. The bidding and contract process must be open and fair, and must benefit the resident of Gloucester Township and not the PACs and political donors. I am certain I will find plenty of areas to cut spending. I will also be mindful of the changing retail and economic landscape and make decisions that better the future of Gloucester Township.

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

I would not be running if I felt the current Council was effective. My measure for effectiveness is simple. Have taxes risen? Have property values fallen? Are the school ratings a 2 out of 10? We only have so many hours in a day and only so much money. Do the residents of Gloucester Township want 4 people who will spend time and money on lowering taxes, improving property values, and facilitating better schools for our children, or do they want 4 people who will borrow and spend on parks, fields, patios, monuments, and dump trucks? That is the choice Democrats are faced with. I know Team Sweet will make a real difference if we get your vote.

The attached image of Chris Pandolfo was posted on the Gloucester Township Has A Sweet Choice Facebook page.