Two Republican incumbents, Ernest T. McGill and Ryan F. Horner, will face Democratic challengers Brian Turner and Erik Heyman-Meltzer for two, three-year terms on the township committee in the Nov. 7 election.
Horner and Turner had not returned an election questionnaire as of deadline.
Republican
Name: Ernest McGill
Age: 59
How long have you lived in Cinnaminson? 50 plus years
Married? Children? Grandchildren? Married, three grown boys ages 32, 27, and 26
School and degree: Rutgers University, bachelor’s degree in history
Profession: Retired police sergeant.
Elected Office: Have served for six years
Community involvement: Committee member and as mayor in 2019 and 2023.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am running for an elected seat because I have devoted most of my adult life serving first in the United States Naval Reserve and then as a police officer for 20 years (first three years as a Burlington County sheriff’s officer and the last 17 as a Cinnaminson police officer). I want to continue to give back to the town that has given so much to me and my family.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
I would like to concentrate on keeping the municipal portion on our taxes stable (the municipal taxes have not increased in the last six years), continue to keep Cinnaminson residents safe by further supporting our outstanding police, fire and EMS (emergency medical services) to ensure our community remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Democrat
Name: Erik Heyman-Meltzer
Age: 21
How many years have you lived in Cinnaminson? My family and I have lived in Cinnaminson for four years, before that Medford for two years, and before that Mount Laurel for 15 years.
Family: I live with my mother and father with our four cats (Tiger, Trouble, Jazz, and Tiffany Blue)
School and degree: Currently taking a gap year from Rutgers University where I am
studying environmental policy, institutions, and behaviors.
Profession: During school, I am a full time student.
Elected Office: First time running for an elected office.
Community involvement: Since January, I have been the executive secretary for the Burlington County chapter of the New Jersey Young Democrats where we serve as a guidepost for young people wanting to get involved in local politics.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am running for Township Committee because I want to be a voice for young people in Cinnaminson. With young people representing almost 20% of the electorate in America, I feel that it is important that there is representation in every level in government from Congress to Township Committee, and I want to be that voice for young people here in Cinnaminson. Along with running to be a voice for young people here in town, I feel that my age can present fresh and new ideas for initiatives in town as well.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
One of the most fundamental areas that I want to tackle if elected is local infrastructure. Cracked and crumbling sidewalks, pothole filled roads, and dilapidated playgrounds are just some of the areas needing the most attention. Along with having next to no resources for public transportation, it leaves our town in a car-dependent situation that disproportionately affects young people in town as well. Fixing current infrastructure while introducing more access to public transportation and creating more bike lanes so that bikers can feel safer here in town are some of the initiatives that I want to tackle.
