Meet The Gloucester Township Mayoral Candidate: Sam Sweet

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Sam Sweet is running in this year's Gloucester Township Mayoral election on the Restore GT ticket. He is challenging incumbent Mayor David Mayer, a Democrat. Joseph Damico is running on the Republican ticket.

Patch asked each candidate to complete a questionnaire outlining biographical information, their platform and their stands on a handful of issues. Patch will run profiles using these responses in the months leading up to Election Day.

This is the profile submitted by Sam Sweet.

Age (as of Election Day)

52

Party Affiliation

Democrat running on an Independent slate known as Restore GT

Family

Wife- Tricia, Children -Kayla & Declan. Been a resident since 2004

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

A graduate of the University of Delaware

Occupation

Accountant/Business Owner

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Never held office

Campaign website

www.restoregt.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

If I am being honest, I think we can do it better. Taxes have been raised to the point where people are desperate. I am tired of hearing long time residents come to a Council meeting pleading to not raise our taxes again, only to fall on deaf ears.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

That is simple, it's taxes. Over the past 10 years, township taxes have gone up 67 percent and our local government spending is out of control. Long time residents are saying they can't afford to live here anymore. The tax increases and government spending need to be reigned in. We have proven that this can be done, as we are the authors of the Citizens' Budget the last two years.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The biggest difference is that I am not a career politician, nor do I have the ambition to be one. I have no desire to climb the political ladder to a higher position. Gloucester Township Mayor is it for me.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

There is a disconnect between the Mayor's Office, Council and the residents. Past mayors took care of the residents and the community. They were seen out and about and were considered part of the community. That isn't the case anymore. That needs to be changed.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Our platform is simple: We will lower taxes without cutting services, but actually increase the services. We will represent the constituents and be transparent for the residents. We will also make Gloucester Township small business friendly.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have successfully built a small accounting business over the past 12 years. I am the trusted financial advisor for several midsize companies throughout southern New Jersey. I am, and have been, a community activist for the better part of a decade. I am the co-author of the Citizens Budget, which was more accurate than the administration's budget in 2020.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My father, part of the greatest generation, always told me, "If you have something to complain about, do something about it. If not, go about your day." That is exactly what we are doing.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

The Restore GT movement is larger than just myself and our team. We are not backed by any political party; therefore we are not beholden to anyone but the residents of Gloucester Township. We are also self-funded with small donations from the residents.