Haddonfield resident seeking re-election as Borough Commissioner
Borough Commissioner Neal Rochford is inviting Haddonfield residents to a “Thumbs Up for Neal” fundraiser at the Markeim Arts Center Sunday, March 19. He will use the event to launch his bid for a third term on the Haddonfield Board of Commissioners. The election will be held Tuesday, May 9.
A lifelong resident of Haddonfield, Rochford was first elected in 2005 and served for four years as Director of Revenue and Finance. Rochford rejoined the board in 2013 as Director of Public Affairs and Public Safety, overseeing the police and fire departments, planning, zoning, historic preservation and community development functions, and borough communications.
Rochford has held leadership roles with a number of community organizations, including First Night Haddonfield, the Civic Association and HATCH (the dinosaur sculpture). He was president of the Rotary Club in 2011–12. His many years of volunteer service were recognized in 2003 when he was named Haddonfield Citizen of the Year.
Rochford said he believes his eight years as a commissioner, responsible for two very different portfolios, have given him an uncommon understanding not only of the complex workings of municipal government, but also of its potential.
“I’ve been intimately involved with such diverse issues as preparation of the annual budget, a state-mandated townwide property reassessment, purchase of the Bancroft and Boxwood properties, renovation of the Public Library, selection of a new police chief and fire chief, sale of our water and sewer utility, and negotiation of contracts with the police officers’ union,” Rochford said.
“Plus, I’m independent. I am not a member of any political party. I believe that locally, issues should prevail over ideology.”
Rochford said that he and his family have benefited greatly over the years from living in Haddonfield. “That’s why I am so committed to giving back,” he said.
The logo for Rochford’s campaign evokes the well-known “like” icon from social media. His campaign color is green.
Tickets for the March 19 “Thumbs Up for Neal” event at the Markeim Arts Center, which will begin at 5 p.m., are available on Rochford’s campaign website: www.Rochford2017.com and by mail to 208 Haddon Avenue N (Suite A), Haddonfield NJ 08033.
