Mayor’s Message: Chuck Cahn
This is an exciting week for me and for my family, as I begin my tenure as mayor of this great township. Serving as your mayor is a responsibility I am eager to take on, one I take very seriously, and one that will be my full-time vocation over the course of the next four years.
As we embark upon this new chapter in Cherry Hill’s history together, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share my vision for town hall and our community in 2012 and beyond.
First and foremost, I am a product of Cherry Hill. I attended Cherry Hill public schools through my graduation from Cherry Hill East. I understand, firsthand, the qualities that make this such a special place to live. As a resident and a taxpayer, I understand the importance of providing quality services while keeping government spending at its lowest possible level. I understand the importance of being a full-time, hands-on mayor who will truly take charge of the township and its day-to-day operations.
I enter public office as a successful businessman, with 30 years of experience under my belt — not as a career politician. Because of that, I bring a unique perspective to the table, one that is focused on the future, rather than the past; one that wants to wipe the slate clean, and look at every facet of operations in town hall to see what we can do more effectively and efficiently. I know that being a leader does not always mean making the easy choice, and I’m not afraid to shake things up in the name of doing what’s right.
The bottom line for me as mayor and for our entire government: We must live within our means and keep spending down, so that everyone, from our young, hard-working families to our senior citizens, can continue to live and thrive in Cherry Hill.
Now that I am mayor, I will work closely with the chief of police to make sure public safety remains under local control and not under the umbrella of a countywide police force.
I’ll work alongside the superintendent of schools and the board of education to combat efforts to open a charter school in our community and make sure funding and resources go toward our own, award-winning public schools.
I’ll continue looking for ways to make our municipal operations “greener” and more sustainable, and to make our township more accessible for alternative modes of transportation.
Along the way, I will continue to support a public works department that tends to our community’s most critical needs, while making sure our parks and open spaces stay clean, vibrant and open for the enjoyment of all our residents. I will work closely with local business owners and the chamber of commerce to help keep existing businesses afloat and help them grow, while attracting new entities into Cherry Hill.
In short, there is much work to be done, but I am honored and eager to lead the charge.
This is a wonderful, vibrant community, and there is much that should make us all proud. With that said, I also firmly believe that a fresh perspective always yields positive change. During my months on the campaign trail, I had the pleasure of meeting many residents. Along the way, I listened to a number of questions and issues that need to be addressed.
Your best interests and my love of this community are the driving forces behind my desire to serve as mayor. That is what will continue to motivate me over the next several months and throughout my time in office. My team and I are ready to move full-speed ahead into 2012, and I look forward to working with our residents to make Cherry Hill the best it has ever been.
Please don’t be a stranger. I want to meet you and discuss your visions for our community. My office is always open, in Room 105 of the municipal building. Stop by, give us a call at 488–7878, or email me directly at [email protected].
And until we meet, please have a safe, happy, and healthy New Year.
