Meet the Candidates: Patricia Kline

On Nov. 3, residents will have the opportunity to go to the polls to vote for four members of Gloucester Township Council.

Gloucester Township Patch will share information and some of the thoughts of the eight candidates seeking four Council seats in a series of profiles.

Each candidate was asked the same questions via email in order to get the most accurate responses in their own words.

The candidates are profiled in alphabetical order, one each day.

Name: Patricia Kline

Political Party: Republican

Years of residency in Gloucester Twp.: 17 years

Job: Adjunct Professor and Marketing Consultant

Education: MBA Drexel University, Marketing Management

Family: Married, David Kline of 11 years and 3 stepchildren

Why are you running for Gloucester Township Council? I love my town and can see only a few are benefiting. I truly believe I can make a difference to help the majority

Have you ever held public office? No

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve as a member of the Gloucester Township Council? I am passionate about what I do and care about people. I am a good listener, am trustworthy, and have integrity. My professional experience as a marketer would help our town bring in businesses without offering a tax abatement and having to go through a lot of red tape.

In your opinion, what is the biggest issue currently facing Gloucester Township, and how should council deal with the issue? Debt. The council needs to stop spending. Taxes. We must bring in more businesses to pay taxes no abatements. Pay to play, allow others to do business in GT without having to pay into the machine’s campaign. Once we regain control of the spending, pay down the debt we will see an impact on our taxes.

What do you feel is Gloucester Township’s biggest asset at this time? How would you exploit that asset to the township’s benefit? Once known for our great schools and desirable properties, it is important to move back in that direction. Unfortunately the reckless policy of borrowing and spending with no regard to the debt incurred is having a negative effect on our residents. Look at the number of abandoned or foreclosed homes coupled with the shuttered businesses and remember that taxes drove both away.

What are some of the things council currently does that you feel could be done differently, and how would you make improvements? They do not listen to the people. When people are not saying what they want to hear, they shut them down. Government is supposed to be responsive to the voice of the people, yet far too often the dye is cast long before the vote is ever taken. It is important to be independent of thought and resilient of action. I will be a force for change to the status quo that has saddled our children with such untenable debt.

In what ways do you believe council is doing a good job for the residents of Gloucester Township? Everything looks good on the surface but their motives are perfunctory and self-serving. Holding public office is more than ribbon cuttings and award ceremonies. People are hurting because government has failed to live within specified limits. Increased taxes, bloated debt and continuous spending prove my point.