Leading up to the 2020 election, The Palmyra Sun is running a three-week Meet the Candidates series. In the final week, candidates running in the 2020 election for Palmrya Borough Council have a final opportunity to give their pitch to residents why they should be elected this November.Â
Name: Brandon Allmond
Occupation: Full-time Student at Rutgers-Camden, Economics Major; Councilman, Borough of Palmyra
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Clubs/Organizations: Veterans of Foreign Wars; Student Veterans (Rutgers-Camden); President, Economic Society (Rutgers-Camden); Parent Teacher Association (Palmyra)
I trust the voters to decide if I should or should not represent them on Borough Council. I cannot make guarantees about what will or will not be accomplished in the next three years – although I am optimistic we will see improvements. I can, however, make promises on how I will serve if elected.
I will continue to listen and be objective. I will continue to learn from the residents about their needs, and adapt and push for their collective interests. I will encourage more town engagement and open communication in order to serve those that may not be represented. I believe I have the appropriate mentality to be an effective public servant and leader. I know that I can do this job and I would be honored to be awarded the opportunity to continue to serve my community in this capacity.
Name: Laura Craig Cloud
Occupation: Director of Natural Resources/Senior Ecologist at Princeton Hydro; Councilperson, Borough of Palmyra
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Clubs/Organizations: Palmyra Improvement Association; professional societies; service on the boards of multiple non-profits.
I am an empathetic leader. I believe in social responsibility and have values rooted in compassion. I believe that all people have equal rights and deserve equal respect. I believe in the importance of lifting up all voices and do my best to make sure that everyone has the chance to be heard.
I am a scientist. I have been trained to think objectively and ask important questions. I see the big picture, consider alternatives, and dive into details. As a result, I am a practical problem-solver with the ability to talk about multiple perspectives in a way that is uninfluenced by my personal opinion.
As a result of my career, I have knowledge and skills that readily transfer to service on Borough Council. I currently oversee the natural resources division at an ecological engineering firm and for nearly a decade prior to that, I was the chief scientist at a national environmental non-profit. I have extensive experience in project and budget management, strategic planning, state and federal policy, regulatory compliance, fundraising, public speaking, and community engagement, all of which apply to my role on Council.
I will advocate for what is best for Palmyra and am confident in my ability to represent our community.
Kenneth R Keisler (R) and Michelle Arnold (R) are also running in this years’ election, however no information was received from the candidates to be submitted for this weeks’ part of The Sun’s Meet the Candidates Series.
