Four candidates, including one incumbent, will vie for the two Township Council seats in Washington Township in the election, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The candidates are Republican incumbent Richard Bennett and Joseph J. Harris and Democratic candidates Paul J. Esposito and David J. Tomczak.
Name: Richard Bennett
Age: 59
How many years have you lived in Washington Township? 30-year resident
Family: Married to wife Pam, and they have two children, Emily, 20 and Andrew, 22
School and degree: Rowan University, Business Administration
Profession: Procurement Expeditor
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Township Council? No, running for re-election. He has served the residents of Washington Township as councilman since 2021.
What is your involvement in the community?
- Liaison to Municipal Alliance
- Liaison to School Board
- Liaison to Environmental Commission
- Liaison to Old Stone Village
- Former Scout Master, Washington Township Boy Scouts Troop 123
Why are you running for an elected seat? I am running for re-election as councilman to further build upon the established momentum. A momentum focused on fostering an environment that supports continued business growth and development, while also focusing on residents’ needs and requests. During my time in office, I prioritized initiatives, enhanced municipal procedures and processes, and focused on cost-saving measures. I will continue to do so. My unwavering dedication to Washington Township reflects a very strong commitment to community service, community preservation, and community collaboration. I actively serve as liaison to various boards and committees, embodying my commitment to preserving our township heritage and resident engagement.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? If re-elected as your councilman and proudly serving my second term, I will continue to enhance economic development—including job creation, business support, infrastructure improvement, community investment, and workforce development. My commitment is to create a thriving local economy that not only supports existing businesses but also attracts new ones. I will prioritize community engagement by encouraging regular attendance at council meetings, ensuring that residents have a voice and that their needs are met as we implement our strategies. Together, we will build a Washington Township where businesses flourish, jobs are plentiful, and residents enjoy a high quality of life.
Name: Paul Esposito
Age: 55
How many years have you lived in Washington Township? I have lived in Washington Township for 48 years.
Family: I am married to my wife Kim and we have three boys together.
School and degree: I am a Washington Township High School graduate with two years of construction management from Spring Garden College.
Profession: I work for the County of Gloucester in the planning and land development department.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Township Council? This is my first time running for Township Council.
What is your involvement in the community? My involvement in the community has been focused on supporting our local schools and youth. I’ve previously served on the school board, where I worked to enhance the educational experience for our children. In addition, I’ve been actively involved in my kids’ sports activities, helping to foster teamwork and development in our young athletes. I’m committed to staying engaged and contributing to the growth and success of our community.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I’m running for an elected seat to continue my family’s longstanding commitment to our community. My father played a key role in its development, including the establishment of the original hospital, and I want to build on that legacy. Through my previous service on the school board and active involvement in local youth sports, I’ve seen firstand the positive impact we can make. I’m dedicated to ensuring that our community thrives and that we continue making strides for future generations.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? If elected, I would focus on promoting smart, sustainable growth for our community while keeping taxes low and maintaining fiscal responsibility. It’s important to balance progress with careful financial planning to ensure we can priovide essential services without overburdening taxpayers. My goal is to support development that enhances our town while preserving the quality of life we all value.
Name: Joseph Harris
Age: 55
How many years have you lived in Washington Township? 48-year Resident
Family: Married to his wife Kelly, and they have three children, Layla, 9, Luke, 6, and Maci, 2
School and degree: Washington Township High School
Profession: Entrepreneur and Business Owner
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Township Council? Yes
What is your involvement in the community? Volunteer at ARC of Gloucester County and parent volunteer at Hollydell Special Needs School.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I am running for Council because Washington Township needs strong leadership that understands our township’s unique strengths and challenges. As a long-time resident, I am committed to promoting a healthy and prosperous community. As your councilman, I will bring effective leadership, accountability, and transparency to municipal government. With my experience in leadership, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement, I am confident in my ability to address the needs of residents and businesses, ensuring growth that benefits everyone. I will lead with integrity, promote collaboration, strengthen our municipal government and focus on making Washington Township thrive now and in the future.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? My vision for Washington Township is centered on building a thriving local economy that directly benefits our residents by promoting sustainable growth and creates a supportive environment for both existing and new businesses. By fostering collaboration between municipal government, residents, and the business community, I will perform measured decision-making and implement fiscally responsible policies that drive economic prosperity. My goal is to create a vibrant Washington Township where businesses can grow, residents can find quality jobs, and our financial resources are managed wisely for long-term stability. Together, we will create a community that empowers everyone to succeed.
Name: David Tomczak
Age: 38
How many years have you lived in Washington Township? We moved to the township nine years ago, we wanted to raise our children here.
Family: I have been happily married to Cassie for 13 years, we have three children, ages 5, 9 and 11.
School and degree: I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s in occupational safety and health. In 2008, I completed my apprenticeship with Glaziers Local 252.
Profession: Health and safety director
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Township Council? First time running for council.
What is your involvement in the community? Coaching youth sports and previously served on the board of education.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I love the township, but we are not progressing in the right direction. Taxes are going up every year, but we are not receiving any additional benefits as residents. I want to be the change the township needs.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? If elected, I would concentrate on controlling the budget to benefit working families. We need to be creative and look for ways to save taxpayers money, such as exploring shared services and transitioning to a smaller government.
