There are a number of seats open on the Palmyra Borough Council in the Nov. 4 election.
Four candidates – Republicans Thomas Locke and Alexandra Jenkins, and Democratic incumbents Natashia Latimore and John Liebe – will vie for two, three-year term seats.
Two candidates – Republican and former mayor Michelle Arnold and Democratic incumbent Richard Dreby – will vie for a two-year unexpired term seat, and two candidates – Republican Robert Zoll and Democratic incumbent Sean O’Connell – will vie for a one-year unexpired term seat.
Candidates were asked to complete a questionnaire. At press time, Locke, Latimore and Liebe had not responded. Answers have been lightly edited for space.
Name: Michelle Arnold
Age: 68
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? Approximately 42
Family: Husband and daughter, two grandsons
Education: Associate’s degree in applied sciences, business management technology, Real Estate broker’s license
Profession: Real estate agent
Have you held office before? Yes. Previously served two years as council member and four years as mayor.
Community involvement: Secretary for the Palmyra Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Exhale Women’s Fellowship
Why are you running again?
The taxpayers of Palmyra deserve representatives who actually represent their best interests. Making decisions in a vacuum without regard to the consequences or impact on the public is contrary to the council’s sworn duty. When the public is told that the vacations and schedules of the council members are more important than their responsibility to attend meetings and conduct borough business, then it is time for a change. Then they will have all the time they need for their personal business, and the taxpayers of Palmyra will have dedicated and responsible representation.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
I will concentrate on restoring the services and community events that the current council has eliminated. Taxes and fees have increased every year, but services have diminished. The impact of these increases is a financial burden that needs to be addressed. Community events have also disappeared, not for lack of funds, but for lack of leadership. I will review and change the rules for the use of borough parks, fields, and the community center. Who ever heard of a community center the community can’t use? The rules and restrictions make no sense for our children, families, local sports teams or individuals.
Name: Richard K. Dreby
Age: 72
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? 72
Family: Widow, two daughters
Education: Palmyra School District K-12 and some college
Profession: Retired from Palmyra police department after 32 ½ years.
Have you run for office before? No. I am seeking my first elected term. I was appointed to fill an unexpired term in May.
Community involvement: Volunteer firefighter for 54 years. Past member and president of the board. Past member of the Palmyra Land Use Board.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I have been in the community my entire life both working and volunteering. I am interested in working with the Broad Street businesses to have them become more open and assist in them in their endeavors to remain in Palmyra. I would like to work with the different employees and departments to keep our town clean and welcoming. I believe the borough is improving by developing the Route 73 business district with the building of the two warehouses, moderate- to low-income housing and other types of businesses.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
Because of my availability, I am able to see issues within the borough that I can bring to the attention of the appropriate departments. I also want to see the Broad Street business district full and busy.
Name: Natashia Latimore (no photo available)
Age: 41
How long have you lived in Palmyra? 11 yeas
Family: Mother of four, three have graduated from Palmyra High School
Have you run for office before? I have been on town council for four years now, one-year interim term and then an elected three-year term.
Community involvement: I have always been a part of youth programs in town, having four children in cheer, football and basketball. Since being on council, I, alongside my co-Councilwoman Jessica O’Connor, have created the Purple and Teal Suicide Prevention walk, something near and dear to my heart. The second annual walk was on Sept. 6, we plan to be back again next year.
Why are you running for an elected seat?Â
My reason for running again is to show just that, the greatness in this town. I want this place to continue to be a safe place to grow and to raise children in. The extended family I have made here is nothing short of amazing.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?Â
My main focus in my next term should I be elected is to continue to bring the community together for great causes. As well as have more of our youth involved in the borough as well. I want to inspire future leaders to want to continue to see good change and growth. I also want to be a voice for those residents that may feel they don’t have one. Let’s work together to keep this town great.
Name: Alexandra “Allie” Stephenson
Age: 28
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? Two and a half
Family: Married to Noah Stephenson
Education: I have two degrees from Rutgers-Camden in Psychology and Childhood Studies
Profession: I am currently a server at Tommy’s Tavern and Tap in Mount Laurel, and am figuring out what road I want to take with my life.
Community involvement: I am currently not as involved as I would like to be, but would love to help in any way I can.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am running because I want to help make a difference somewhere that can impact people’s lives in a positive way. Whether it be changing a policy for local buisness owners or having a fun activity in town. I want people to have fun and enjoy life.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
Not really sure at the moment. Maybe activites throughout the township. I grew up down the road in Delanco and although I’ve only been here a short time, I feel as if there’s only a few little things here and there for the people to enjoy. I just want what’s best for the town and its people.
Name: Sean M. O’Connell
Age: 50
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? 24
Family: Wife Jennifer, four daughters, 24, 20, 20 and 19.
Education: Graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School and did two years at Temple University before entering the Steamfitters Local Union 420 apprenticeship
Profession: Member of Steamfitters Local 420 since 1995
Community involvement: I was involved with the Palmyra-Riverton Soccer club for over 10 years as a coach, club representative, vice president and president.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
When the opportunity to be a part of the borough council came up, I decided it was better to have a seat at the table than to stand on the outside watching. I learned during my apprenticeship about the importance of not just second-guessing decisions, but learning what was going on to make my voice heard and help make informed decisions. Becoming involved at any level is a very hard decision and I respect anyone who puts their name out there for any volunteer or elected position.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
I don’t feel like I have any single area of focus right now. The overall health and future of the town is the most important thing going forward, and I would like to help be a part of the town’s growth.
Name: Robert Zoll
Age: 65
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? 22
Family: I have a wife and son, two grandsons and a step-daughter.
Education: Riverside High graduate; Burlington County College, associate’s degree in Business Administration; Averett College, BS in Accounting
Profession: Law enforcement
Council seat: Seeking first term
Community involvement: I volunteer my time at several local organizations.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
There are many things that are out of control: taxes, sewer rates, school taxes. Something has to be done, people will not be able to afford to live here. The elected officials that we have now do not even show up to meetings to deal with the issues of the people. I offer a no-nonsense, common-sense approach to resolving problems. I will show up and I will get the job done.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
Taxes. We need tax relief. There has to be a better way to budget the borough expenses. I want to know where all the tax money is going and why. I will ask the hard questions and get answers. I have an accounting degree and I will review the budget and expenses and look for ways to trim the spending and reduce the tax burden.
