This year’s candidates for Voorhees Township Committee explain why they are running.
Editor’s Note: The Voorhees Sun requested the following submissions from this year’s candidates for Voorhees Township Committee. The candidates’ responses for each race are listed in alphabetical order.
Voorhees Township Committee Candidates
Name: Michelle Nocito
Age: 41
Occupation: Financial Planner
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Clubs/Organizations: Voorhees Soccer Association Board, Voorhees Township Planning Board and New Jersey Planning Officials Board Member
Why are you running for Voorhees Township Committee?
My motivation for seeking re-election stems from my desire to effect change and to inspire others to do what they can to make a lasting impact on Voorhees. I have always been drawn to public service and I believe that holding a position in local office offers the opportunity to affect policy on the issues facing our community.
Over the last few years I have had the pleasure of meeting with countless residents and using their feedback to make continuous improvements to our community. I am proud of the accomplishments that my running mate Jason Ravitz and I have made which include the consolidation of the of the former Voorhees Fire District into a municipal fire department, the increase in the police coverage in our schools, improvements to our sports facilities, and the recent plans announced to create a Jake’s Place Voorhees Dream Park where children of all abilities can play together.
Jason Ravitz and I are doing our very best each day to shape the future of our community for those who choose to call Voorhees their home and to attract new residents and businesses. Our professional and entrepreneurial experience has helped us make a meaningful difference. We have worked hard to ensure that residents have access to quality municipal services without having an increase in the municipal tax for the past two years.
Running for reelection is my commitment to continue to advocate for the policies that have a lasting impact on Voorhees. I am proud to call Voorhees my home and represent residents by serving as their voice on issues that matter. I see the impact we’ve made whether it’s introducing an all ability-inclusive park for all children, or repaving our roads, or expanding our resources for seniors, we get to interact daily with the people who benefit from the work we have done which keeps me inspired to continue my journey in public service.
Name: Ilyse Pinette
Age: 49
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Political Affiliation: Republican
Clubs/Organizations: M’kor Shalom Synagogue, Signal Hill PFA, Voorhees Middle School PFA, Eastern Wrestling Booster Club, March of Remembrance and Committee member Camden County GOP
Why are you running for Voorhees Township Committee?
When I was asked, “Why are you running for office?” it was an easy response for me.
While in the grocery store one day I ran into a neighbor and we began to discuss the township’s ever increasing taxes. We talked about the fact that we had a decision to make when our children were out of high school; Do we really want to stay in Voorhees without kids in the school system? The next logical question is where would we go?
It was at that moment that I knew I had to get involved. I would be remiss if I did not give every effort to fight for the community that I love and that is why I am on this ballot today. As a mom, a small business owner, and a neighbor, I want to be a new voice for our community — a voice that has not been in politics before, but one that is passionate about standing up and doing the right thing.
My husband and I moved to Voorhees 13 years ago. This was our sixth move and we wanted it to be our last. My son was entering kindergarten and we needed to plant roots. I did a lot of research before choosing Voorhees as home for our family. My child had hearing and speech issues and I knew I needed a school system that could provide the services he required to overcome his obstacles and be successful. After meeting with countless principals and speech therapists, we knew that Voorhees was the best choice.
I am a graduate of Clarion University (BA), and I have spent the last nine years running my family’s life insurance agency. I have been extremely active in volunteer programs at my children’s schools over the years and was an active member and volunteer at M’kor Shalom Synagogue in Cherry Hill, NJ.
Reflecting on my candidacy, I realize the significance of being a woman and running for office. I want to be a strong role model for my children and show them that if they are unhappy with the “status quo,” they have opportunity, and a responsibility, to try to make a difference.
I have asked my friends and neighbors to put party lines aside and vote for Carmine Valentino and myself because they believe that we are the right team to get the job done! I will be a strong advocate for our town, without personal political motivations, committed to putting #VoorheesFirst.
Name: Jason Ravitz
Age: 46
Occupation: Vice President of Retail Operations for the Ravtiz Family Shop Rites
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Clubs/Organizations: Member of the Jewish Community Center Board of Directors, Voorhees Township Planning Board Member, Co-Chair of the Jewish Community Center Annual Sports Awards Fundraiser, Member of the Board of the Ravitz Family Foundation, Member of the Advisory Board for the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation, Member of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Food Council
Why are you running for Voorhees Township Committee?
I am running because I am committed to community service. Over the past three years it has been my honor to serve as the Deputy Mayor of Voorhees. My number one priority is to continue with our efforts to make sure Voorhees families and children are safe. Along with my running mate Michelle Nocito, we have voted to place police officers in every school all day to protect our children and teachers. We also led the successful effort to consolidate the former Voorhees Fire District into a municipal fire department to enhance public safety and administer it more efficiently.
Recently, Township Committee announced its intention to enter into a public-private partnership to create a Jake’s Place Voorhees Dream Park at Connolly Park with universal access to children of all abilities. Our vision is the creation of an all-inclusive baseball field and playground that will allow children of all abilities to play interactively. Even parents and grandparents with a disability can play and interact with their children.
I am also running for Township Committee so that we can continue our youth sports program. Michelle Nocito and I voted in favor of installing turf fields at Maiaroto Park for the Voorhees youth soccer program. We will continue to find ways to enhance all youth sports and recreation programs through partnering with private and charitable organizations.
We have also been successful in maintaining long-term tax stability without reducing the level of services Voorhees residents expect and deserve. In the last two years, there has been NOtax increase in the municipal budget. I will continue to work hard with the other taxing districts to enter into sensible shared services agreements to help relieve the property tax burden on all of our residents.
We also recently voted to appoint Brandywine Financial Services as the conditional redeveloper for the Town Center Phase 2 Redevelopment Plan. This will pave the way to redevelop the commercial core of the former Echelon Mall and to create a live, work and play hub for Voorhees Township. This project will add to the already successful Restaurant Row at the Town Center.
Michelle Nocito and I believe that we have been successful these past three years in keeping Voorhees moving in the right direction. We want to continue to keep changing Voorhees for the better.
Name: Carmine Valentino
Age: 29
Occupation: Senior Software Engineer
Political Affiliation: Republican
Clubs/Organizations: Active Member of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Active Member of Leadership Council at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish, Active Member of the Knights of Columbus #6551, Committeeman on the Camden County Republican Committee, Member of the Voorhees Republican Committee and Member of IEEE: Drexel Chapter for Engineers
Why are you running for Voorhees Township Committee?
When my wife Lindsay and I sat down to consider where we wanted to purchase our first home and raise a family, we knew whatever our decision, we were in it for the long-haul. Voorhees quickly became the only town we wanted to call home.
I am a lifetime resident of Camden County, growing up in Cherry Hill (East-side!) right on the border of Voorhees. I spent summers walking through friends’ backyards across Evesham Rd. to frequent Voorhees’ own Diane’s Water Ice (Mango Gelati and the famous animal cracker, of course). I made friends, and played sports here in Voorhees.
Following my graduation from Drexel University (B.S. M.S.), I have spent the last 7-years working as a Software Engineer of Naval Radar Combat Weapon Systems, supporting the readiness and capability of our Naval fleet. Supporting the men and women serving in our military has been extremely rewarding for me personally in my career.
When we moved to Voorhees, I made it a point to educate myself about the current political and economic climate in our town. Being involved in and serving as an active voice in my community and my parish (St. Andrews) is very important to me. Shortly after, I met a great friend and admirable public servant, Committeeman Mike Friedman. Working with Mike, it became clear that Voorhees could be doing so much more to advocate for its residents, both residential and commercial.
As New Jersey residents, we pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation; Residents of Camden County specifically and especially here in Voorhees. Many of our residents, maybe even some of you reading, this are considering moving once your kids graduate high school — You are not alone. Our seniors on fixed incomes are finding it increasingly harder to afford living in Voorhees too. The solution to the problem starts right here in town.
Ilyse Pinette and I have a simple four-step plan to address the needs of Voorhees residential and commercial residents. We are intently focused on:
1. Cost reduction through the reformation of our contract solicitation process
2. Economic growth through new corporate partnerships and sponsorships
3. Reduction of red tape in business expansion and establishment
4. Continual expansion and readiness of police, especially in our schools.
Please read our plan in more detail on our website http://voorheesfirst.com/ourplan.
Whether you’re a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, Voorhees deserves local leadership who will advocate for #VoorheesFirst
