Ten candidates are hoping to secure a seat on the township council, with four, three-year-term seats and a one-year unexpired term on the ballot.
Running for the four seats are Democratic incumbents Ken Barnshaw, Bill Lamb, Wayne Love and Phil Schocklin. They will take on Republican challengers David Aber, Erik Anderson, Steven Marfia and Mary Wood.
Runing for the one-year term position is Democratic incumbent Jim Noce, who is going up against Republican challenger Martin McDonough.
Each of the candidates was asked to complete an election questionnaire. Answers are lightly edited for space.
Name: Ken Barnshaw
Age: 74
How long have you lived in Deptford? Since 1974
School and Degree: Attended Rowan-Gloucester County College, American Institute of Banking, Rutgers-Camden-Fox Business School.
Profession: Retired from regional banking career.
How long have you served on council?
Current member of council; served four other terms prior, including seven years as a former deputy mayor, school board member and current school board member of the Gloucester County Institute of Technology.
What is your current involvement in the community?
Member of Union Fire Company and Deptford Township Fire District, Gloucester County Work Force Development Board, Rowan College Foundation Board, Chews Methodist Church audit chair and member of City of Camden Schools Foundation Board.
Why are you running?
I have enjoyed the pleasure of being a member and helping in several Deptford nonprofit organizations throughout the last 40 years. This has been a rewarding time for me and my family, allowing us to see how my Deptford neighbors think and communicate with each other. I have learned that we encompass a wonderful diverse community dedicated to helping or assisting each other. We share the same values as a safe, prosperous, clean and affordable community.
What is one area you would like to focus on if elected?
I value being one of the seven council members elected and having the opportunity to incorporate the feedback, financial experience and understanding of the complex issues that come to face Deptford. Within the last term, council endured the COVID scare, a tornado and several other large storms. We took pride in going door to door to check on our residents. And we presented a stable financial plan where there was not a municipal tax increase in 2025. These challenges and the desire to continue to help my fellow neighbors are the primary reasons for running for office.
team.
Name: Bill Lamb
Age: 67
How many years have you lived in Deptford? Lifelong resident, born and raised.
Family: Married to Nina Lamb. My wife and I have three children and 12 grandchildren.
School and degree: Gloucester Catholic High School
Profession: Retired as a longshoreman, member of Local 1291.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Council? No
If not, how many years/terms have you served as council member? I have served 16 years; I am currently serving my fourth term.
What is your involvement in the community?
In addition to being on the council board, I am a member of the budget committee and chairman of the Deptford Township Drug Abuse Substance Coalition. I was a Deptford Little League coach for 23 years, and its president for eight years.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
As a lifelong resident of Deptford, I am committed to making it a save and affordable place to live and raise a family. I am keenly aware of the needs of our senior and veteran’s community. I am humbled for another opportunity to serve the great community of Deptford.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if reelected?
I would like to continue working with the mayor and council to ensure that our taxes are kept stable and continue promoting our substance abuse policies. I want to assure all residents of Deptford we are here for them and that the best interest of our great community always comes first.
Name: Wayne Love
Age: 56
How many years have you lived in (township/borough)? Lifelong resident
Family: Married to Saunda
School and degree: Associate’s degree from the Community College of the Air Force.
Profession: Maintenance supervisor and safety director at the Gloucester County Utilities Authority.
Is this the first time you’ve run for a seat on council? No
If not, how many years/terms have you served as council member?
I have served 16 years on council, currently serving my fourth term.
What is your involvement in the community?
In addition to being on the council board, I am a member of the township veterans committee and the Drug Abuse Substance Coalition. I am also a board member on the Abilities Solutions Agency and a member of the Gloucester County Workforce Development Board. I also serve on the Jericho-Deptford Community Development Committee for First Baptist Church of Jericho and vice president of the Odd Fellows Cemetery Committee.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am running for reelection to continue working to keep Deptford a great community to live in. It’s an honor to serve our residents and I have the same passion for public service as I did day one of my first term.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if reelected?
If would like to continue working with the mayor and council to keeping taxes stable, promoting new business growth in our town, and maintaining strong communication with our residents through the frequent community outreach events we have every year. It’s important that our residents know that we are here for them and that the best interest of the community comes first.
Name: Phil Schocklin
Age: 62
How long have you lived in Deptford? Lifelong resident
Family: Wife Sara, children Jason, Tyler, Eric, Phillip Jr., Ashlee, six grandchildren
School and Degree: Associate’s degree in accounting, Gloucester County College, associate’s degree in CIS and IBEW Apprenticeship
Profession: Retired IBEW, Local 98 electrician for 36 years
How long have you served on the council? I have served for 20 years
What is your involvement in the community?
Deptford Township Planning Board for 20 years, Deptford Soccer Association board member and coach, coach for Deptford Little League.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am running to keep Deptford affordable while creating a responsible budget, which this year had a zero municipal tax increase.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if reelected?
My main concentration will continue to be on affordability that is attractive to both residents and businesses. I also want to continue our community outreach that provides Deptford citizens the opportunity to communicate their concerns with town leaders.
Name: David Aber
Age: 43
How long have you lived in Deptford? 26 years
Family: One son, 17.
Profession: Union laborer
Have you run for the council in the past?
I have run before, but have not had the pleasure of serving yet.
What is your involvement in the community?
Former Little League coach for Oak Valley Athletic Association. Currently a Gloucester County Republican Committeeman, where I represent Deptford’s 11th district. I also make myself available for any questions or concerns that Deptford residents may have and will help to resolve concerns in town.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am running because I believe Deptford deserves a government that is truly accountable and works for its citizens. Our community has a right to know how their tax dollars are spent, which is why I’m committed to bringing transparency to the budget process. I want to cut through the red tape that holds back our small businesses and give our local economy the support it needs. Most importantly, I believe in empowering residents, and I will champion a public vote to directly elect the mayor.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
The vote for mayor. In Deptford, the mayor is not chosen by the people but appointed by the council. I believe this process leaves residents without a true voice in selecting their community’s leader. To restore accountability, transparency and public trust, I support changing this policy to allow residents to vote directly. This change ensures the mayor answers to the voters, not just to fellow council members. By returning this important decision to the people, we can strengthen Deptford and give residents another point of accountability.
Name: Erik Anderson
Age: 46
How long have you lived in Deptford? Four years
Family: A son
School and degree: Rutgers University, bachelor’s in economics.
Profession: Manager of the Arsenal Gun Shop in Deptford
Is this your first time running for the council? Yes
What is your involvement in the community?
I am a firearms instructor and help a lot of residents to learn firearms safety and proficiency, along with helping them earn a concealed carry license.Â
Why are you running for an elected seat? I am running because – as a relatively new resident to Deptford – I see where this town has so much more potential compared with our surrounding townships and I want to help this town achieve that potential. I want all of our residents to feel safe and confident that this is the best place to live in New Jersey. I want to make sure our first responders have all the resources and training they require to do their jobs efficiently and safely. I believe this is one of the biggest areas that this current council has been neglecting.Â
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
Deptford taxpayers have the right to know exactly how their money is being used. To deliver true accountability, I will work towards a fully independent audit of Township finances. This process will uncover inefficiencies, highlight areas where methods can be improved and identify opportunities to stretch every dollar further through smart spending and economies of scale. By demanding fiscal responsibility, we will protect residents from waste while ensuring resources are directed where they are most needed. Above all, this commitment will strengthen transparency, restore public trust and prove that the township works for the people.
Name: Steve Marfia
Age: 41
How many years have you lived in Deptford? 10
Family: Married to Kim Marfia for 18 years, with four daughters, Emma, Tori, Sophie and Tori ranging from 11 to 18 years old.
School and degree: Liberty University, Biblical Studies Certification. Currently working on a master’s of Theological Studies at Grimke Seminary.
Profession: Pastoral ministry for 12 years. Previous experience in restaurant management and service in the U.S. Marines
Is this the first time you’ve run for a seat on council? Yes
What is your involvement in the community?
Hosted multiple block parties, bringing neighbors together, served in multiple town/neighborhoods cleanup events and counseled and cared for many in our community through my pastoral ministry work.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am running to help preserve and improve Deptford as an affordable, safe and family-friendly community for generations to come.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
Backing the police department. As violence against law enforcement rises nationwide, our local officers deserve more than words. They need real, measurable action. I believe council has a responsibility to ensure the department is fully staffed, well-trained and properly equipped to meet today’s challenges. By standing firmly with our officers, we strengthen public safety, foster respect and trust and honor the dedication of those who serve Deptford with courage.
Name: Mary T. Wood
Age: 62
How many years have you lived in Deptford? 26
Family: Scott Wood (husband), David F. Middleton Jr. (son), Jessica (daughter-in-law), Lily (granddaughter), Nicole Middleton (daughter) and Jade (granddaughter).
School and degree: High school graduateÂ
Profession: Currently retired, previously retail manager for Caldor and Bradlees department stores. Pursued a career in banking until 2006, when I became a caregiver for my mother.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Council? Yes
What is your involvement in the community?
I hold the county committee representative position for Deptford’s District 1, in my third term. Community volunteer and active in my church for 25-plus years.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am running for council to represent the whole community, not just one side. Too often, decisions serve personal agendas instead of the people who live with the consequences. Deptford has a proud history, from its role in aviation to contributions by past residents, and I want to honor that legacy while building a strong future. I will champion small businesses, protect seniors so they can remain here and ensure safety for all citizens. By working with other leaders, I hope to inspire younger generations to stay, thrive and carry Deptford pride into the future.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
Protecting our senior community is a priority. To address this challenge, I with my running mates will establish a dedicated task force focused on generating ideas and solutions that directly support Deptford seniors. This group will evaluate and recommend tax relief and tax freeze programs designed to ease the financial burdens many seniors face. At the same time we will work to promote policies and community initiatives that make Deptford more affordable; accessible; and senior-friendly, ensuring older residents can remain active, independent and valued members of our township.
Name: James Noce
Age: 41
How long have you lived in Deptford? Life-long resident
Family: I have been married to my wife, Elizabeth, for 18 years. We have two children,
our son David, 15, who attends Deptford High School, and our daughter Alyssa, 13, who attends Deptford Middle School.
School and Degree: Deptford High School
Profession:
I am the owner of JVN Home Remodeling LLC, a general contracting and construction
company. With years of experience in the construction industry, I take pride in providing
quality craftsmanship and helping families improve and maintain their homes.
Is this your first time running for the council?
Yes. I previously filled in for a recently deceased member.
What is your involvement in the community?
I am currently serving my first term on council and remain actively engaged in several community organizations. I currently serve on the parks and recreation committee, I am an executive board trustee for the Oak Valley Fire Company, and a proud member of the Deptford fire department. In addition, I serve as president of the Oak Valley Athletic Association, where I have volunteered for over 10 years.
Why are you running?
I am running to give back to the community that has always been my home. I want to use my experience, dedication and leadership to help make Deptford an even better place for families to live, work and grow.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
I would focus on fostering safe communities throughout the township, enhancing and expanding our recreational parks and organizations, supporting local small businesses, strengthening resources for our first responders and keeping our community affordable for families and seniors. Above all, I am committed to serving the residents of Deptford with dedication and integrity.
Name: Martin G. McDonough
Age: 67
How long have you lived in Deptford? Nine years
Family:Â Barbara McDonough, daughters Zesta, Shankle and Jessie Andrades, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren.
School and Degree: WKU AA Hospitality, University of Maryland, bachelor’s in business.
Profession:Â Director of Human Resources and Administration, ACCT Philly.
Have you ever run for Deptford council?Â
This is my third time running for council, but have not been elected.
What is your involvement in the community?Â
Work with animal rescue and foster groups, Homeward Bound and similar organizations.
Why am you running?
I believe it’s time to give Deptford citizens a true voice in their community. I have found that residents do not participate in council meetings. I have witnessed the disjointed activities of our current town government and believe we can do a much better job in representing our neighbors than what is provided by the current administration.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
Transparency and accountability. The current budget process often feels like a mystery. Our commitment is to restore trust by making transparency, accountability and inclusion the foundation of every decision. We will ensure open and understandable budgeting practices so residents know where money is going. Council members will be more available and responsive, answering questions and engaging directly with the community. We will hold ourselves accountable for every spending choice, while actively inviting public input to help shape fiscal priorities that reflect the needs and values of Deptford families.
