In the first week, the committee candidates explain why they chose to run for committee and what their biggest priority is.
The Voorhees Sun is running a four-week Meet the Candidates series ahead of this November’s Voorhees Township Committee election.
Below are profiles of the candidates running in the election. In the coming weeks, the candidates will answer questions regarding issues pertaining to the town.
Name: Lisa DeAugustine
Age: 51
Occupation: Teacher
Political Affiliation: Republican
List of Clubs/Organizations:
- Treasurer Eastern Project Graduation
- Member St. Andrew The Apostle Church
- Volunteer St. Andrew Carnival
- VMSPFA
- PFA Room Parent
- Kindergarten CCD Teacher
- Assistant Girl Scout Leader
Why are you running for town committee?
Having lived in Voorhees for 30 years, I care deeply about our community. Families are leaving Voorhees because of the oppressive tax burden created by twenty years of one party rule. I am committed to Revitalizing Voorhees to the flourishing town it once was where families can live and prosper.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
Fix the oppressive tax burden on our families. Bring responsible fiscal management back to the committee and cut wasteful spending. Partner with our School Board to continue to improve education. Make it easier for businesses to open and succeed in Voorhees and engage corporate sponsorship. Listen to Voorhees residents!
Name: Michael Mignogna
Age: 58
Occupation: Attorney
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Clubs/Organizations you belong to:
- Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation
- United Way of Southern New Jersey
- Relay for Life of Voorhees
- Voorhees School District Key Communicators
- Voorhees Business Association
- Camden County Mayors’ Association
- New Jersey Conference of Mayors
- Kirkwood Lake Clean-Up Committee
- St. Andrew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church
- Founding member of the Board of Trustees of the Voorhees Theatre Company
- New Jersey Mayors’ Hall of Fame
- Voorhees Township Planning Board
- Former Liaison to the Voorhees Township Economic Development Committee
- Former member and coach for GVAA Baseball, the Voorhees Soccer Association and the Voorhees
- Basketball Association.
Why are you running for Township Committee?
In my 15 years on the Committee and in the 13 years I have been privileged to serve as Mayor, I have worked hard to make Voorhees a wonderful place in which to live, raise a family, work and play. I look forward to continuing my service for the benefit of future generations.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
The enhancement of the quality of life of our community will be my top priority. This will involve continuing efforts to protect our environment, protect the safety of our residents, generate tax revenue through business development and shared services programs, improve Township parks and facilities and an emphasis on our popular community events.
Name: Harry A. Platt
Age: 52
Occupation: Manager — Platt Memorial Chapels, Inc.
Political Affiliation: Democrat
List of Clubs/Organizations you belong to:
- Liaison — Voorhees Township Building & Development Committee
- Member — Key Communicators, Voorhees School District
- Vice President — Jewish Federation of Southern NJ
- Advisory Council — Jewish Family and Childrenʼs Services Advisory Board
- Jewish Community Relations Council
Member — Congregation Beth El in Voorhees
Member — Rising Sun Lodge #15, F.& A.M.
Member — NJ Democratic State Committee
Former Planning Board Member — Voorhees Township
Former Trustee for the Voorhees Cultural & Diversity Foundation
Why are you running for town council?
I am running for Township Committee because I have enjoyed working to keep Voorhees a great place to live. I have been fortunate to be involved in addressing the needs of the community as they have changed over the years and hope to continue in the future.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
To provide the best possible services at the lowest possible cost for a better quality of life in Voorhees. To make this possible we will continue to partner with others for shared services, reduce the number of employees through attrition and properly negotiate contracts for public safety and stability.
Name : Carmine Valentino
Age : 28
Occupation : Software Engineer of Naval-Radar Weapons Systems Political Affiliation : Republican
List of Clubs/Organizationsyou belong to:
● Member of St. Andrews the Apostle Church
● Member of the St. Andrews Carnival Leadership Team
● Member of the Voorhees Republican Club
● Committeeman on the Camden County Republican Committee
● Member of IEEE: Drexel Chapter for Engineers
Why are you running for town committee?:
As an Engineer, I measure success through results. I want to bring a results-based mentality to our local government. Twenty years of one-party-rule has hurt Voorhees. We have more empty storefronts, now than ever before. The time has come to turn over a new leaf, and Revitalize Voorhees.
If elected, what would be your top priority?:
I will immediately evaluate the soundness of all mechanisms used to award contracts, and propose a plan to fortify this process. Our families are overburdened by oppressive property taxes. Our municipal tax-rate continues to increase. True competition, and a process which encourages competition, puts the Voorhees Taxpayers interests first.
