In the first week, the council candidates explain why they chose to run for council and what their biggest priority is.
The Cherry Hill Sun is running a four-week Meet the Candidates series ahead of this November’s Cherry Hill Township Council election.
Below are profiles of the candidates running in the election. In the coming weeks, the candidates will answer questions regarding issues pertaining to the town.
Name: Andrew H. Behrend (Andy)
Age: 53
Occupation: Northern Region Sales Manager — Viwinco, Inc.
Political Affiliation: Republican
Clubs or organizations that I belong to: Rising Sun Lodge №15 F&AM, Square Circle Sportsmen, Congregation Beth El-Voorhees, Brookfield Residents Association.
Why are you running for Town Council?
I want to give voice to all Cherry Hill residents, not just those tied to special interests. Single-party rule leads to an environment where there’s no transparency. Public input on how tax money is spent, as well as increasing public discourse on major issues of great import are key.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
Putting non-political professional representation on planning and zoning boards. Ensuring that the current master plan is enforced, and any revision be based on the needs and desires of the township’s residents. Provide transparency, ensuring our community is informed of all plans in the works that could negatively impact them.
Name: Scott J. Cohen
Age: 50
Occupation: Account Manager, FW Webb Company
Political Affiliation: Republican
List of Clubs/Organizations you belong to: Jewish Community Relation Council Board, 2005–2009, registered Girl Scout dad, member Congregation Beth El, former Cherry Hill Rec girls softball coach
Why are you running for town council?
Voting down ballot is such an important issue, and has the large immediate impact on our community. Seeing people vote the same way for three decades, and expect different results is enough. I want to bring a different voice from the community to the council. Not one at the podium at council meetings, but one to represent Cherry Hill in a council seat.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
Changing appointments of the zoning board. Partisan appointments have run the zoning board for far too long. Ensuring the master plan is not only enforced, but revised to the needs of the Cherry Hill community. To insist on true transparency at council meetings and all communication to the community at large.
Name: Sangeeta Doshi
Age: 51
Occupation: Engineer
Political Affiliation: Democrat
List of Clubs/Organizations you belong to: Domestic Violence Response Team, Indian Cultural Center, Indian Temple Association, Asian-American Pacific Islanders, Habitat for Humanity, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Why are you running for town council?
I am running for Town Council to ensure that we remain a kind and inclusive community. With everything going on in the world today, we must stand together and stay true to our traditional American values that make Cherry Hill such a wonderful place to live and raise a family.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
My top priority would be to increase citizen engagement and involvement in our local government. It is important that we continue to build a community of inclusion and safety for people from all walks of life.
Name: David Fleisher
Age: 48
Occupation: Financial Planning Executive
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Clubs/Organizations: Graduate of Cherry Hill East, married (Jen), three children, president of Town Council, member of Cherry Hill Human Relations Council, Trustee of Ithaca College, Previously involved with Cherry Hill Atlantic Little League, Stockton, Beck, Rosa PTA, Jewish Family and Children Services
Why are you running for town council?
Now, more than ever, we can’t afford to watch from the sidelines. I want to continue to work hard for our residents, ensure everyone has a voice, and that Cherry Hill continues to move in the right direction.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
There isn’t a single problem we can’t solve by working together as a community. My top priority is to inspire our residents to be part of the process, strengthen our neighborhoods, and ensure local government is run in the most fiscally responsible manner.
Name: Carolyn M. Jacobs
Occupation: Retired. Former insurance company executive and management consultant (IBM)
Political Affiliation: Democrat
List of Clubs/Organizations you belong to:
Cherry Hill Township Council, Cherry Hill Planning Board, current member and former chairwoman Temple Beth Sholom, Executive Committee and Board of Directors BookMates, Steering Committee, Arts, Books and Culture Festival Committee, Jewish Film Festival Committee, Court Appointed Special Advocate, Ramblewood 9-Holers Golf League, President
Why are you running for town council?
Simply put, it’s because I love Cherry Hill. After more than 40 years as a resident and as a recipient of all of the benefits that this town has to offer, I believe that it is my turn to give back to a community that has offered me so much.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
I want Cherry Hill to continue to thrive as a top tier community that emphasizes smart growth and redevelopment balanced with the educational, recreational, public safety and social needs of all of our residents, from our very youngest to our very oldest citizens.
Name: John Papeika
Age: 35
Occupation: Manager of Retail Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Political Affiliation: Republican
Clubs/ Organizations: National Environmental Health Association, the credentialing authority for the certified professional of food safety
Why are you running for town council?
I moved to Cherry Hill because I love the town. I hoped I could raise my future children here (he’s 6 months old now!). Recently I’ve become concerned with where the town is going and I feel that I can offer a new and valuable insight to council proceedings.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
If elected, my priority would be to get started right away on our campaign platform items. Specifically, we need to get to work on getting the community more information and input into zoning. All council members need to be accessible and take into account all of Cherry Hill when making decisions.
Name: Joseph Rodi
Age: 50
Occupation: State government
Political Affiliation: Republican
Clubs/Organizations: I have been an active member of our community through coaching in youth sports and serving on the board of CHYAA since 2006.
Why are you running for town council?
I’m seeking office because I enjoy helping people, and I was raised to believe that community service is a noble exercise of our freedom. It is my personal commitment to better our community and act in accordance with the voice of the people.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
I would make schools a top priority because superior schools make this the perfect town for growing children. So one might ask: What about those residents who do not have children? Cherry Hill property values are measurably higher due to our top-ranked schools.
Name: Carole Roskoph
Occupation: Teacher of English at Cherry Hill High School West and Student Activities Coordinator at West
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Clubs/Organizations: I am a long-standing member of the Cherry Hill West PTA and Cherry Hill Education Association. I am also a member of the Cherry Valley Civic Association, the Cherry Hill Township Human Relations Committee, the Environmental Board, and CHHICA.
Why are you running for town council?
I have lived in Cherry Hill for most of my life and am honored to be a teacher at Cherry Hill West. I want to make sure Cherry Hill stays a place that our children are proud to call home and want to return to raise their families.
If elected, what would be your top priority?
I look forward to working with Mayor Cahn and Council to continue protecting our neighborhoods by preserving open space, improving our parks and recreational facilities, and ensuring an open line of communication between residents and Council, so that we can be aware of what’s happening in every neighborhood throughout town.
