This year Evesham has two open seats for Evesham Township Council.
Every week, The Sun will ask candidates in the Nov. 8 election for council seats to respond to questions pertinent to local issues. This week’s questions:
Why are you running for town council, and if elected/re-elected what would be your top priority?
John Bravo
Age 72
Occupation: Retired chemical engineer and manager with the Department of Defense
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Clubs/Organizations you belong to: General manager, Leonardo DaVinci Society, vice president, Bravo Entertainment, and member of the Pickwick Club of Philadelphia
Why are you running for town council?
My primary purpose in running is to provide a level of diversity and alternative viewpoints to our Evesham Township Council that has, in my opinion, become out-of-touch and unrepresentative of the residents as a whole.
If elected/re-elected, what would be your top priority?
My first priority will be reviewing and scrutinizing current ideas and proposals, and to review the long-term plan for the growth of the township to provide a balance of interests for commerce and residents while encouraging redevelopment of our downtown.
Ken D’Andrea
Age: 49
Occupation: Vice president, Virtua
Education: B.S. in electrical engineering, Lehigh University; M.S. from University of Pennsylvania
Political Affiliation: Republican
Clubs/Organizations you belong to: Evesham Celebrations Foundation, Evesham Saving Lives Foundation, Marlton Recreation Council, Marlton Soccer, Saint Joan of Arc Parish, Evesham Republican Club, Marlton Sons of Italy, New Jersey League of Municipalities, American Association of Physician Liaisons, World Tae Kwon Do Federation.
Why are you running for town council?
I was fortunate to be raised and schooled in Evesham. Given that I feel the township provided me with much opportunity, I wanted to give back and offer my business and engineering skills and successes to continue to make this township a great place to live and raise a family.
If elected/re-elected, what would be your top priority?
In looking back over the last four years, we have been successful at fulfilling our campaign promises. I would like to continue to control our taxes, further promote shared services, enhance and increase our passive recreation inventory, and create new revenue opportunities through public and private partnerships.
Robert DiEnna
Age: 71
Occupation: Construction, retired
Political Affiliation: Republican
Clubs/Organizations you belong to: Marine Corps League, Evesham Republican Club, Northeast Carpenters Local 255 (Retired), Evesham Representative County Committee, N.J. Relators Association
Why are you running for town council?
In 1965, I felt a call to duty, put my college education and employment on hold and joined the United States Marine Corps. Today, after enjoying the benefits of Marlton residency since 1969, I feel an ongoing obligation to serve as I seek re-election to Evesham Township Council.
If elected/re-elected, what would be your top priority?
When re-elected, I will continue to concentrate on best business practices, fiscal discipline and budgeting in a manner so as to freeze and/or lower municipal taxes. An integral part of this financial goal will be to further our development/re-development, rehabilitation and revitalization initiatives.
Philip Warren
Age: 34
Occupation: Stay-at-home parent, community organizer and activist.
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Clubs/Organizations you belong to: Trustee and vice president of the Marlton Lakes Civic Association; member of the Evesham Township Town Watch Committee; chairman of the Evesham Township Democratic Committee
Why are you running for town council?
I am running to bring balance to Council. One-party rule, regardless of the party, is never an effective means of achieving the best stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Balance can help ensure that every option and opportunity are being explored, and will bring greater integrity to our Council’s decisions.
If elected/re-elected, what would be your top priority?
My top priority will be building a strong foundation for our town’s economic future. We need our development to be based on modern policies, zoning laws and planning ideas, along with early and continuous community input, that could make our town economically competitive and strong for decades to come.
