Three Democrats and three Republicans are vying for three, three-year term seats on Medford Township Council in the Nov. 4 election.
Republican candidates Thomas Juliano, Michelle Voorhees and Angela Zografos are facing Democratic candidates Raymond Coxe, Jatinder Singh and Katherine Santamore. All six candidates are seeking their first terms.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Candidates were asked to complete a questionnaire. Answers have been lightly edited for space.
Name: Raymond “Ray” Coxe
Age: 48
How many years have you lived in Medford Township? Four
Family: Resides in Medford with husband, Patrick, and two sons ages 15 and 13.
Education: Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies from Northeastern University, Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Drexel University and bachelor’s in Political Science from Rutgers University.
Profession: Retired from public service after 27 years. Currently the director of Finance and Operations with a regional nonprofit focused on early-childhood education.
Community involvement: Previously ran for and was elected to the board of education in hometown of Gloucester City, as well as the city’s Charter Study Commission. Elected by his peers to serve as vice-president of the board of education and vice-chair of the Charter Study Commission. In addition to serving in these elected capacities, has served his community on the planning board and housing authority. Currently a committee person for District 2 in Medford.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
Believes the quality of communication between council and residents could be more open, factual and transparent. He sees many opportunities to enhance the quality of life for Medford residents through improvements to parks and recreation, streetscapes, trash pickup and traffic. He believes there are innovative ways and/or other opportunities to meet the township’s affordable-housing requirements without overdeveloping the town.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
Medford is required to meet its affordable-housing obligation, and if elected, addressing this requirement will be priority number one. Will request the state cease review of the currently submitted proposals, so that a full audit may be conducted as to what is included in the proposals and how it impacts the township from infrastructure to safety. Will look at alternative methods to meeting those obligations, such as using current housing stock in the township, rather than focusing on new development. Additionally, would like to see an increase in the minimum area necessary to build new housing, increasing to a minimum area of ¾ to 1-acre. Committed to council transparency to ensure residents know and understand the actions taken by members and the mayor.
Name: Thomas Juliano
Age: 53
How many years have you lived in Medford Township? Life-long resident
Family: Married, three kids
Education: Rider University, bachelor’s
Profession: Developer
Community involvement: I have proudly served on the Medford planning board for over a decade and contributed to the efforts of the Medford Economic Redevelopment Board during its tenure. In addition to my civic involvement, I am a dedicated supporter of the Voorhees Animal Orphanage and sit on the board. Most importantly, I raised my three children in Medford – each a graduate of Shawnee High School – and was deeply engaged in their schools, athletic programs and community activities. I remain committed to giving back to the community that has given my family and me so much.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
As a lifelong resident of Medford and proud father, I am committed to giving back to the community. With 30 years of experience at a development and management firm, along with over a decade of service on the planning board, I have seen how thoughtful, strategic decisions can positively shape our town’s future. I am running for council to bring practical, real-world experience, fiscal responsibility and a collaborative approach, ensuring that Medford continues to grow responsibly and remains a community we are all proud to call home.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
My focus is on promoting smart, balanced growth that preserves Medford’s small-town character while meeting the evolving needs of our growing community. With decades of experience in real estate development, I bring a deep understanding of how to manage growth responsibly, creating jobs, strengthening our local economy and enhancing quality of life without placing additional burdens on taxpayers. Through thoughtful planning, sound fiscal stewardship and a commitment to transparency, I will work to ensure that Medford remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family, now and for generations to come.
Name: Katherine Santamore
How many years have you lived in Medford Township? 40-plus
Family: Four children, six grandchildren
Education: BA St. Joseph’s University, MA Rowan University. Sixty graduate credits beyond master’s degree.
Profession: Educator
Community involvement: I have served on the Medford school board for 30-plus years. I’ve chaired numerous committees and served as president and vice president. I have also earned a Certificate in School Boardsmanship.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am concerned about the rapid population growth in our township. The increase in the number of school- age children will place a tremendous burden on the taxpayer. Current administration on the council has not been up front about how taxes are dispersed. Yes, we can expand our community and welcome newcomers. But we have to plan for development by including everyone in the decisions and planning. The council members need to roll up their sleeves and work with the community.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
This is a great town. Over the years, I have been proud of the warmth and acceptance in our community. But lately, the disconnect between the citizens and the council has widened. Of course, we all want what is best for Medford. We can work together to build a bright future for a great town.
Name: Jatinder Singh
Age: 51
How many years have you lived in Medford Township? Three
Family– Four kids and husband
Education: Bachelor’s, Drexel University, CPA
Profession: CPA Licensed in USA and Canada. Chartered Global Management Accountant.
Community involvement: I am a committee person with Medford Democrats and also chair the Democrats Club in Medford. I was a trustee at Food Bank of South Jersey.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I think that I can help manage the town’s financials better with an accounting background. I am an owner in a CPA firm and have over 20 years of experience in the industry.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
I will be more involved on the financial side. I would like to see more Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional services and also would like more public comment in decision making. I would like more transparency and honesty in the council and I would like to build the public’s confidence in our local government.
Name: Michelle Voorhees
Age: 53
How many years have you lived in Medford Township? 22
Family: Husband, three children, two grandchildren
Education: College educated, licensed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of X-Ray Compliance (NJDEP BXC)
Profession: Medical physics
Community involvement: I am currently vice chair of the Economic Development Commission, while also serving on both the zoning board and the Medford Celebrates volunteer organization. I have also served on the township’s Neighborhood Advisory Council.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
Having lived in Medford for the past 22 years, I’ve witnessed first hand the township’s growth and transformation. I care deeply about ensuring that this progress never comes at the expense of the qualities that make Medford such a unique and wonderful place to live and raise a family. The character of our community is a legacy, one to be preserved, celebrated and passed down to future generations. I am committed to working hard, listening with intention, keeping affordability and fiscal responsibility at the forefront and responding thoughtfully, always mindful that I serve the people of this remarkable town.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
If elected, one of my priorities will be improving communication. Too often, opinions are more readily available than verified facts. Ensuring that accurate, accessible information is available to the public is essential for fostering a deeper understanding of the decisions that shape our community and ensuring an open, collaborative environment where residents can feel heard and valued, and know they are part of the process. Facts matter. They form the foundation for legally sound, evidence-based decision making, and they are essential for transparency, public trust and effective policy.
Name:Â Angela Zografos
Age: 48
How many years have you lived in Medford Township? Eight and a half
Family: Married, three kids, ages 6, 7 and 16
Education: Adelphi University BA and Hofstra University JD
Profession: Attorney. I am the general counsel and corporate secretary for Bancroft, the New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation that provides programs and services for individuals with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities and those in need of neurological rehabilitation.
Community involvement: Since 2021, I have served on the Medford Township Board of Education, where I was president in 2023 and 2024. Currently I serve as president of the Burlington County School Board Association. I was the vice president of legislation for the Burlington County School Boards Association and I currently volunteer as a member of the planning board and the Economic Development Commission.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am running to give back to the community I love and to ensure Medford remains a great place to live and raise a family. Serving in elected office is also a way to demonstrate community leadership for my children. With my legal and nonprofit leadership background, I bring strong skills in problem solving, accountability, and collaboration. I want to listen to residents, advocate for their priorities and bring transparency and fiscal responsibility to township government. Above all, I believe Medford thrives when we put politics aside and work together for the good of our community.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
I will focus on responsible fiscal management and strategic planning for Medford’s future. Rising costs impact families, seniors and businesses, so we must keep spending under control while maintaining essential services, public safety and infrastructure. With New Jersey’s ongoing affordable housing crisis, it is vital that Medford plan carefully to meet state obligations without losing the character that makes our town special. I believe in bringing together residents, business owners and community leaders to find balanced solutions that protect taxpayers and keep Medford the best version of itself for generations to come.
