There will be a new Cherry Hill mayor come 2020 as Mayor Chuck Cahn announced he will not seek a third term in office on Tuesday evening.
The Cherry Hill Democratic Committee announced its nominations for mayor and three council seats for the 2019 election on Tuesday night. Former councilwoman and current Camden County Freeholder Susan Shin Angulo will run for mayor as part of the Cherry Hill Democrats’ ticket. Running for council will be incumbent Brian Bauerle and first-time candidates Michele Golkow, and Jennifer Apell.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, Cahn announced he will be retiring after completing his second term as mayor at the end of the year.
“It’s been a great honor and privilege to serve as mayor of Cherry Hill,” Cahn said in a statement. “I’m extremely proud of all that we have accomplished in making Cherry Hill a warm, welcoming community and a great place to live for people of all ages. I’m proud to endorse Susan Shin Angulo to succeed me as mayor, and I know she will be an advocate and champion for each and every resident of Cherry Hill.”
“I am grateful for Chuck Cahn’s exceptional leadership — guiding Cherry Hill through a period of financial stability that has set an example for municipalities across the State of New Jersey,” Shin Angulo said. “As mayor, I will continue Chuck’s financial stewardship as we continue to be fiscally responsible and expand open space while building on our shared progressive values to make Cherry Hill a place where everyone’s opinions matter, and where government is transparent and responsive to residents.”
Shin Angulo is currently serving on the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Prior to being elected as a freeholder, she served on Cherry Hill Township Council. Other boards she’s served on include the Cherry Hill Zoning Board, the Cherry Hill Human Relations Council and the Food Bank of South Jersey.
There are also a pair of new faces running on the Cherry Hill Democrats ticket this year. Joining Bauerle on the slate are Golkow and Apell. Golkow is the immediate past president of Temple Beth Sholom and also a past president of Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern New Jersey. Golkow currently serves on the JFCS Advisory Council.
“I am running for office for the first time because I want to work with Cherry Hill residents to promote a neighborhood friendly, fiscally responsible, compassionate agenda for our community,” Golkow said. “Cherry Hill has always been a special place, and I’m committed to an open government that encourages civic engagement.”
Apell is a lifelong resident of Cherry Hill who has volunteered for a number of organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Planned Parenthood, South Jersey Legal Services, and Jewish Children and Family Services. Apell has also served on the township’s zoning board.
“As a lifelong resident of Cherry Hill — having grown up on the west side, and now living on the east side — I know firsthand the many challenges we face, and I’m ready to take them head-on,” said Jennifer Apell. “I’ve spent years volunteering in our community and I know that Cherry Hill’s shared progressive values are what makes us strong.”
Bauerle is running for his second full term on council. He was first appointed to council in 2014 and was elected to his first four-year term in 2015.
“I am proud to serve the residents of Cherry Hill, in a Township committed to inclusivity and tolerance,” said Councilman Brian Bauerle. “Working with Susan Shin Angulo and my colleagues, we will give our all so that Cherry Hill always remains a town that provides opportunity for all.”
Check back at www.cherryhillsun.com for more news on candidates who are declaring to run in the 2019 Cherry Hill mayoral and council elections.