Carolyn Jacobs and Rick Short are running to fill a one-year unexpired term on Cherry Hill Township Council this fall. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.
The Cherry Hill Sun is running a four-week Meet the Candidates series ahead of the special election for a one-year, unexpired term on Cherry Hill Township Council.
Below are profiles of the two candidates running in the election. In the coming weeks, the candidates will answer questions regarding issues pertaining to the town.
Name: Carolyn Jacobs
Occupation: Retired. Former insurance company executive and management consultant
Political Affiliation: Democrat
List of Clubs/Organizations you belong to: Cherry Hill Township Council, currently filling unexpired term; Cherry Hill Planning Board, current member and former chairwoman; Court Appointed Special Advocate, BookMates Steering Committee, Temple Beth Sholom Board of Directors, President of Ramblewood 9-Holers Golf League.
Why are you running for town council?
Simply put, it’s because I love Cherry Hill. After more than 40 years as a resident and as a recipient of all of the benefits that this town has to offer, I believe that it is my turn to give back to a community that has offered me so much.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
I want Cherry Hill to continue to thrive as a top tier community that emphasizes smart growth and redevelopment to maintain a stable tax rate, balanced with the educational, recreational, public safety and social needs of all of our residents, from our very youngest to our very oldest citizens.
Name: Rick Short
Age: 49
Occupation: Self-employed owner, USA Tractor Cabs
Political Affiliation: Republican
List of Clubs/Organizations you belong to: Zone PTA
Why are you running for town council?
I don’t agree with the direction our mayor and council have taken, and in fact, believe that their actions actually hurt our community. I hope to help guide Cherry Hill Township in a new direction and bring transparency back, by valuing our residents’ concerns more than developers.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
I will be the champion for transparency in our town government, and will be outspoken about our dilapidated schools. Our mayor and council work behind the scenes with developers, at the expense of residents, while our schools are falling down. I will promote smart development to minimize traffic snarl.