BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — The ballot season is in full swing in the Garden State, and Patch has asked local candidates aiming to win a seat on the Burlington County Board of Commissioners to share their thoughts before the General Election on Nov. 3.
Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all contested candidates via the email addresses listed for their campaign. The responses received will be published between now and the general election. Contact edward.callahan@patch.com with any questions regarding coverage.
Name: Randy Brolo
Age: 48
Town of residence: Lumberton
Position sought: Burlington County Commissioner
Party affiliation: Democratic
Family: N/A
Education: Cornell University ILR School
Occupation: N/A
Previous or current elected or appointed office: Burlington County Commissioner
Why are you seeking office?
I am seeking re-election as County Commissioner to build on the great work that we're doing here on the Board of Commissioners.
Whether it's expanding our park system, investing in healthcare and overdose prevention services, or supporting first-time home buyers with our financial assistance program, I am proud of the work that we've done to make Burlington County a better place and hope to continue it for another three years alongside my fantastic team.
What additional measures would you suggest to build on one or two things that are done right now within the county?
Burlington County provides a wide array of fantastic services to its residents, ensuring that those who live, work, and play here have a top-level experience. We have worked to bring in new forms of funding, including state and federal grants, that have allowed us to work on protecting open space and farmland as well as investing in our county parks system.
We've expanded into mental healthcare outreach and supporting our vulnerable populations in a time when more people need these services than ever. And, importantly, we've done that while maintaining the lowest county tax rate in the state.
In my next term, I hope to continue to work on these kinds of initiatives and expand on the good work we've been doing here so that our county can be better for generations to come.
If you were to start your own board or commission, what would it be for and why? What issues would you want to address, or areas would you want to highlight?
One of the things I am personally invested in is creating opportunities for young people to engage at a county level. I want to work with my running mate, Jon Chebra, to create an internship program for high school and college students so that they can learn about the opportunities available to them after graduation.
Serving the residents of Burlington County is the best part of my job, and we hope to be able to share that with the next generation of residents.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
With two years under my belt as a County Commissioner now, I've seen firsthand the amount of time, dedication, and expertise required to keep our county moving.
Together with my colleagues, we've managed to expand the services that residents have access to while still keeping Burlington County the place with the lowest county taxes in the state. That requires a level of understanding and engagement with a wide array of partners both locally and at higher levels to keep things moving in the right direction.
Not only do I have those relationships, I've worked hard to bring in new partners with my experience as a union organizer and build on the work of our team.
I believe that these skills are invaluable and hope to bring them to bear for another three years.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence that you can handle this job?
I have been a lifelong advocate for working families.
A proud member of Laborers Local 172, I started as an apprentice in 2006 and have spent my career in the labor movement — organizing, training, and fighting for good-paying jobs, fair wages, and opportunity for working people across South Jersey.
I chair the Lumberton Township Planning Board and serve as a trustee of the Burlington County Central Labor Council (AFL-CIO), as Vice Chairman of both the Burlington County Workforce Development Board and the Mount Holly Municipal Authority, on the county's Community Development Advisory Committee, and on the Rancocas Valley Regional High School Board of Education.
What's a motto you live your life by?
I live my life by two words: integrity and consistency. Being committed to your values and ensuring that you follow through on your promises are my guiding principles and keep me grounded every day.
What does it mean to you to represent Burlington County?
Representing the county moving forward means building on the progress that we've already made here in Burlington and looking towards the next chapter. We've already helped to bring our county into a new phase, incorporating new technology and best practices into everything from our infrastructure to our services.
My hope is that with another three years we can do even more of this great work and set ourselves up for even greater success moving forward.
MORE FROM PATCH: Election Day In South Jersey: When, Where To Vote
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