Manchester Council Election 2021: Joseph T. Hankins

MANCHESTER, NJ — The 2021 election campaign culminates when voters go to the polls Nov. 2. In Manchester Township, voters will be choosing someone to fill a three-year unexpired term on the Township Council.

There are two candidates seeking the seat, which was vacated when Robert Hudak was appointed mayor in July. Manchester Township has a nonpartisan government.

Patch asked each candidate to answer questions to give voters information about who they are and their stances on various issues. We are printing their responses in full, unedited except for spelling or punctuation.

Here are the answers from Joseph T. Hankins.

Age: 60

Town of residence: Manchester

Position sought: Council

Family: Married with one son and 5 grandchildren

Education: Master's Public Administration, Fairleigh Dickinson University

Occupation: Vice President, N.J. State Firemen's Association

Previous elective office, if any:

none

Do you or anyone in your family work for the state, county or local governments?

no

Why are you seeking office?

I believe I can make a difference in people's quality of life

What do you feel is the most pressing issue facing the community, and what do you want to do about it?

Providing services people want while keeping the taxes reasonable.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve?

I believe my 25 years of service as a police officer and my 40 years of service as a Volunteer firefighter in Manchester have given me the ability to work with and interact with the residents and employees of the township.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Please go to https://www.arace4mayor.com there are many issues we believe we can address together.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective in office?

I was appointed by Mayor Palmer to serve on the Fire Safety Committee for the township. While serving on that committee we were able to work with the Pinelands Commission, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, as well as several other agencies to provide a reasonably large fire break for the residents of the Roosevelt City, Fox Hollow, Wynwood Estates and Timbergreen communities. This fire break provides some added protection for homeowners in these communities and firefighting crews that may be involved in suppression operations. I have served as the chief of the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department. I have served as a detective and a patrol supervisor of the Manchester Police Department.

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

I am dedicated and committed to the people of Manchester Township I have had the opportunity to serve and will continue to work with the residents and deal with the everyday issues that arise and provide an opportunity to make their lives better.