Meet The Candidate: Sam Sweet

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 Mayoral Candidate Sam Sweet

Why are you running for election?

I am running for election because as an active member of the community, who has been to most council meetings, I have seen the decision making by this administration and the repercussions that those decisions have had on the community as a whole. This current administration ignores its residents and the concerns of their residents. I felt that something needed to be done.

What do you feel are the most pressing issues facing Gloucester Township?

I feel that the most pressing issues facing GT are the rising property taxes (42% in the last 8 years), falling housing values (20% in the last 8 years) and declining school ratings. All of these are interwoven and need to be corrected.

What are some of the positive things that have happened in the township under the current Administration?

The most positive thing that has happened under this administration is the building of the parks. However I have a fundamental difference with David Mayer when it comes to this. I do not feel that you build a stronger community through fields and parks (as Dave Mayer seems to believe). You build a stronger community through the education of the children. Educated children are the backbone of any community and by ignoring our declining school ratings, we are ignoring our future.

Are there any issues you feel the administration needs to put more focus on it may currently be overlooking or not putting enough attention on?

I think that the biggest thing this administration is overlooking is the rising property taxes (42% over the past 8 years under this administration). In the past 8 years, this administration has ignored its residents and continues to raise property taxes. They bring in big businesses and give them 5 year tax abatements which do nothing to alleviate the residents' burden. Every decision that my administration will make will start with the question “ How does this affect property taxes?” It is that question that I don’t think this administration asks.

I will also refer to my answer above as well. This current administration puts too much emphasis on parks and playing outside. While this is important and it does build strong community, it doesn’t focus on the education of the children. Our school ratings have gone down under this administration. This administration seems to have no answer for the rising property taxes and the declining school ratings. The combination of those two factors are the reason for our falling house prices and the combination of all those three factors are the reason for the large number of abandoned and foreclosed homes in Gloucester Township.

What is your background?

I have not held public office. However I do not feel that is an issue. I have been a tax accountant for the past 20 years and a business owner for the past 8. My primary responsibility is to plan and budget in order to minimize a client’s tax liability. I also have been trained to think “outside the box.” Part of that training includes forensic accounting, which is finding where the money went and how it was spent. With this background, I will be able to examine the budget, question the budget and be able to make informed decisions which will help with the management and accountability of the residents money.

The attached image of Sam Sweet was posted on the Team Sweet campaign website.