In the first week, the committee candidates explain why they chose to run for council and what their biggest priority is.
The Mullica Hill Sun is running a four-week Meet the Candidates series ahead of this November’s Harrison Township Committee election.
Name: Julie DeLaurentis
Age: 56
Occupation: Founder/Owner of JGD Solutions, LLC
Political Affiliation: Independent (Unaffiliated); Switched to Independent from Republican in April 2017. Previous party affiliation-life long Republican
Clubs/Organizations: Current member of Harrison Township Recreation Commission and Mullica Hill Women’s Triathlon Club.
Why are you running for Township Committee?
Harrison Township has been my home for 27 years. I’ve contributed to multiple local organizations as a leader and volunteer. I have built working relationships with our police and township government, as well as working with Gloucester County officials. I want to keep our township’s positive momentum on course.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
The township has multiple projects being developed that need to be successfully finalized. These include: business redevelopment, new business construction and infrastructure improvement. All of these current endeavors will bring commercial tax ratables and further enhance our township.
Name: Louis Manzo
Age: 58
Occupation: Certified Financial Planner (CFP), practice focuses on working with Pre-Retirees & Retirees
Political Affiliation: Independent (Unaffiliated); Switched to Independent from Republican in April 2017, based on Gloucester County Republican Party actions.
Clubs/Organizations: NJ Conference of Mayors Board of Directors (Current), Gloucester County Mayors Association (Current), Past President (2015), Past Vice President (2014) Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce
Why are you running for Township Committee?
I have dedicated the last 10 years to our mission of making Harrison Township the “best place to live and raise a family in South Jersey.” I seek re-election to continue that work in same fiscally responsible manner of managing local budgets that is the cornerstone of our reputation.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
The committee’s top priority going forward, regardless of who’s elected, should be to bring all the projects we have slated to fruition. The unique redevelopment plans in place will continue to increase the desirable commercial tax-ratables that already has Harrison as the second lowest tax rate in the county.
Name: Lisa A Rotte
Age: 52 years old
Occupation: Wife, mother, grandmother, volunteer
Political Affiliation: Republican
List of Clubs/Organizations you belong to: Incarnation Catholic Church — Religious Education Teacher, Health Ministry, Pre-Cana Instructor; Harrison Township Recreation Commission; and Township Liaison for the Senior +55 Activities; Mullica Hill Rotary Club; Mullica Hill Republican Club; Willow Oaks HOA Secretary; and The Samaritan Thrift Shop in Pitman.
Why are you running for township committee?
After moving for the Army for 26 years, my family found this town with tremendous people and potential. I’m quite concerned about its financial future and believe the people of the township need more influence in charting the course. I am offering my diverse experiences to be of service.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
My top priority will be to secure a bright future for the township. I will begin that mission by focusing on the financial burdens that threaten that future, reduce unnecessary spending to pay down the town’s increasingly oppressive debt and create an ethics committee to provide confidence to the citizens.
Name: Jacqueline Vigilante
Age: 53
Occupation: Certified Civil Trial Attorney, firm owner
Political Affiliation: Republican
List of Clubs/Organizations you belong to: New Jersey State Bar Association, Gloucester County Bar Association, New Jersey Association for Justice, American Association for Justice, Mullica Hill Rotary, Sidney Reitman American Inn of Courts, American Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, National Employment Lawyers Association, NJ National Employment Lawyers Association
Why are you running for township committee?
I am running for Township Committee because I believe our current leadership majority has been wasteful with our tax dollars, and I believe that will continue without a change in leadership. Right now, Harrison’s debt is five times its budget, which is not sustainable. I want to change that.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
My top priority will be to curb spending by examining shared services and eliminating waste in the budget. It is also my plan to make local government more transparent and accountable by creating a statutory ethics committee and by televising our township committee meetings.
