Name: Brian Bauerle
Age: 40
Occupation: Assistant vice president, Cooper Foundation
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Clubs/Organizations: Cherry Hill Soccer Club, coach and board member, Barclay Farm Swim Club, Carusi and Kilmer PTAs
Why are you running for township council?
Cherry Hill is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Mayor Cahn has done a remarkable job keeping government fiscally responsible and moving the township in the right direction. I want to make sure that we continue on this path, preserve our neighborhoods and support economic growth.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
If re-elected, I will make sure Cherry Hill remains an attractive, affordable place to live. This means keeping taxes down by being business friendly and running the town efficiently, while preserving our neighborhoods, protecting open space, and supporting the athletic teams and community groups that serve our children and families.
Name: Stephen R. Cohen
Occupation: Dentist/prosthodontics
Political Affiliation: Republican
Clubs/Organizations: Volunteer at Virtua’s general practice dental residency, CHESA soccer coach, past president of Southern Dental Society, past president of the New Jersey section of the American College of Prosthodontists, member of Jewish Community Relations Council and my synagogue’s men’s club, member of the regional cleft palate, craniofacial team at Cooper University Hospital.
Name: Melinda Kane
Age: 58
Occupation: Small business owner
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Clubs/Organizations: American Gold Star Mothers, Tragedy Assistance Program for (Military) Survivors, Hadassah, Jewish War Veterans of the USA, Katz Jewish Community Center (board member 2015–18).
Why are you running for township council?
Cherry Hill has been my home for more than 25 years and it is a very important part of my identity. I am proud to be from Cherry Hill, and it is with that pride that I strive to make it the best community for all residents who call it home.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
If re-elected, I would strive for continued open communication between Cherry Hill residents and the township. Providing information and being available to address concerns and questions is a key part of being an effective elected official.
Name: Sara Lipsett
Age: 41
Occupation: Small business owner and substitute teacher
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Clubs/Organizations: Cherry Hill Zone PTA executive board, Beck Middle School PTSA executive board, Cherry Hill High School East Theater Boosters executive board, Cherry Hill High School East PTA, Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority — National and Philadelphia Metro Alumni Chapter
Why are you running for township council?
Serving on Council is an honor that I take very seriously. I want to continue representing the hard-working families and seniors of Cherry Hill, to see that the township delivers the highest level of municipal services possible, without raising taxes. This includes initiatives to keep our neighborhoods safe and attractive.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
At the top of my list is the delivery of strong property maintenance regulations and solutions for our neighborhoods. My ultimate goal is to keep Cherry Hill safe, clean, attractive and affordable. There is no greater compliment to a municipality than generation after generation of families choosing to live and grow in Cherry Hill!
Name: Nancy Feller O’Dowd
Occupation: Advanced practice nurse — geriatric psychiatry
Political Affiliation: Republican
Clubs/Organizations: Camden County Republican Committee, Republican Jewish Coalition, professional organizations
Why are you running for township council?
Residents need better representation in local government after 30 years of one-party rule in our community. We don’t really know who is making decisions for us because there is no open public discussion by council members, and no dissent from the party line … even amid public objection to their decisions.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
There should be an independent audit of the township’s finances. Visit www.cherryhillfirst.com to see the top 10 reasons why we need one. I have not heard even one of the incumbent council members running for re-election question anything.
Name: Rick Short
Age: 48
Occupation: Owner, USA Tractor Cabs
Political Affiliation: Republican
Clubs/Organizations: Volunteer for StopRoboCops.com, an organization fighting against the automated ticket industry, part-time weekend Mr. Mom for four kids doing track, basketball, baseball and travel soccer.
Why are you running for township council?
I want to see us go in a better direction. I am not just all talk. I am a person of action. I didn’t agree with the township’s red light camera program so I fought successfully at the state level to have them turned off. I can take Cherry Hill in different directions focused on family fun with clean and safe neighborhoods.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
- Take down Cherry Hill’s red light cameras forever and oppose similar efforts for speed cameras. All the cameras did was cause more car accidents the two years while they were operating.
- Bring back fireworks to Cherry Hill. It’s a terrible thing that you and I need to go to Voorhees, Medford or Philadelphia to watch 4th of July fireworks.
- Not enough words allowed, but I have several ideas to make Cherry Hill First again.
