Two candidates – one an incumbent – will compete for an open Mantua Township Committee position come Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
The incumbent is Democrat John Legge and the new candidate is Republican Courtney Bracken. Voters will also be asked whether or not they support the proposed Glassboro-Camden Line (GCL).
Democrat
Name: John Legge
Age: 56
How many years have you lived in Mantua?
42
Married? Children? Grandchildren?
Married to Patty for 33 years with three children, 26, 24 and 20.
School and degree?
Rutgers University, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Rowan University, Master of Business Administration
Profession?
Vice President, Project Delivery
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for the committee? If not, how many
years/terms have you served on the committee?
I have been proudly elected to serve on the Township Committee for four terms.
What is your involvement in the community?
I have been involved in the community for many years: coaching youth sports, volunteering for various events at Sewell School and J. Mason Tomlin, past Master of Masonic Lodge #87, serving on numerous Township Boards and Commissions, President of the Board of Education and now in my role as Township Committeeman.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
As someone who grew up in the Township, and who, along with my wife Patty, bought a home here 25 years ago and chose to raise our children on our small tree farm, I am fully vested in this Township. I truly care about everyone in our community and maintaining the quality of life and services that they have come to expect. We have great facilities at our parks and our Police and Public Works Departments are the best around. Those who know me know that I am honest, responsive, and passionate about doing what’s best for all of Mantua Township.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
I have been steadfast in this since I was first elected to office – keeping taxes stable. As a taxpayer, I am as concerned about taxes as everyone else. Using my private sector experience with budgets much larger than the Township’s, I have been able to suggest ideas and initiatives that have led to budget reductions. Since 2010, the amount of State Aid the Township has received has remained essentially flat. During that time, costs have
continued to rise, yet we have been able to avoid large tax increases by attracting good
businesses and finding other creative ways to generate revenue.
Republican
Name: Courtney Bracken
Age: 45 years old
How long have you lived in Mantua?
Lived in Mantua for three years.
Children? Grandchildren?
Three children- Brandon (27), Cameron (23) and Aiden (11). Two grandchildren- Leo (5) and Benjamin (2 weeks)
School and Degree:
Rowan College of South Jersey- Associates in Behavior Science and Law and Social Justice
Profession:
Constituent Service Representative/Legislative Aide for Legislative District Three- Office of Senator Durr
Is this your first time running?
Yes, this is my first time running for a seat on Mantua Township Committee
What is your community involvement?
I am currently a Committeewoman for the Mantua Republican Executive Committee, a member of the DC Project- women for gun rights and the Elks Lodge #2132. I also help organize and volunteer for the Holiday Meal Program. We deliver holiday meals to seniors, Veterans, and the disabled over the South Jersey area.
Why are you running for a committee seat?
I want it to be known that ordinary citizens can be part of extraordinary movements. I hope my win in November encourages others to get involved and be better informed with their local government. My motivation surfaced in 2020, Covid lockdowns and mandates resulted in three unfortunate outcomes. First, children lost precious education time, second, forced vaccine and mask mandates prevailed and third, small businesses suffered while big business thrived. Why? Inadequate leadership at the local, state, and federal levels.
What is one area you will focus on if elected?
While I implement my experience from working as a Constituent Service Representative for the Senator, I am in a unique position to understand these challenges and possess the tools necessary to resolve them. Sadly, I see the need for housing, food /utility assistance, and overall help needed to cut through the red tape of bureaucracies. It is also imperative that we start involving more Township residents in networking on everyday issues to improve our community, instead of having the power be in the hands of a few. Open communication is key and having the trust from the community is a must.
