Two candidates are running for Washington Township mayor on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5. Democratic incumbent Laurie J. Burns will face Republican Anthony Dellapia, vice president of township council.
Name: Laurie Burns
Age: 46
How many years have you lived in Washington Township? 46
Family: Married, with two children, 27 and 20.
School and degree: I have a paralegal certificate from the Harris School of Business
Profession: I serve as clerk of the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for mayor? Yes. Earlier this year, I was appointed to the position unanimously by the five Republican council members after former Mayor Joann Gattinelli resigned.
What is your involvement in the community? Throughout my children’s activities, I had coached and helped the programs as team mom. Whether it was on the football or lacrosse field or during school events, I was always there, ensuring they and their teammates had the support they needed to succeed and have fun. That same dedication carried into my broader involvement in the community. My service has been extensive and deeply rooted, from those early days of team building to my role as mayor. I’ve worked closely with residents, businesses, and local organizations to address concerns and improve our township. I regularly collaborate with local leaders and volunteers to support community events, fundraisers, and initiatives. Additionally, I engage with residents on social media to share updates and hear their feedback. Whether it’s through my work with the parks and recreation department, honoring veterans, or advocating for local businesses, I’m committed to making Washington Township thrive.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I’m running for an elected seat because I believe in the power of community and the importance of responsive, effective leadership. Over the years, I’ve seen how much our residents care about Washington Township, and I want to ensure that their voices are heard. I’m committed to fostering transparency, collaboration and solutions that reflect the needs of everyone in our town. My goal is to build on the progress we’ve made and work together to create a future that benefits all of us.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
One area I’d like to concentrate on if elected is enhancing community services and infrastructure. I believe that providing residents with improved parks, recreational programs, and maintaining safe, well-kept roads and facilities makes a real difference in our quality of life. By prioritizing these essentials, we can make Washington Township an even better place to live, work and raise a family. However, with these goals in mind, taxes are the No. 1 issue for the residents I’ve spoken with, and fiscal responsibility will continue to be in the forefront of my administration.
Name: Anthony DellaPia
Age: 50
How many years have you lived in Washington Township? 26
Family: Married with three children
School and degree: St. John Neumann High School Alumni, Class 1992
Profession: General contractor and small-business owner
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for mayor? Yes
What is your involvement in the community? Councilman, 2020 to present; liaison to Advisory Board of Economic Development; member of 4th of July Parade Committee; liaison to Senior Citizen Advisory and Sports Advisory boards; member, Knights of Columbus Sancta Familia Council 11498 and Washington Township Rotary Club; current head coach of the Washington Township Girls Travel Soccer
Team and Washington Township Boys Travel Soccer Team; assistant coach of Washington Township Boys U12 Baseball.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? As mayor, one area I will concentrate on is ensuring fiscal responsibility. It is essential that taxpayer dollars are managed wisely, with full transparency and accountability. I will conduct thorough reviews of municipal spending, eliminate inefficiencies, and prioritize investments that directly benefit our residents. Under our form of government, the mayor proposes the annual budget, and by optimizing our budget, we can reduce waste, improve essential services, and make sure every dollar is spent effectively. Fiscal responsibility is not just about balancing the books, it’s about building trust with the community and ensuring long-term financial stability for future generations.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am running for mayor of Washington Township because I believe strong leadership is essential to unlocking our community’s potential. For 26 years, Washington Township has been my home, and as your current councilman, I have proudly led initiatives that serve our residents and businesses. As mayor, I will bring decisive leadership to foster economic growth by supporting small businesses, attracting new opportunities, and focus on the continuous improvement of municipal government processes. Transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility will guide my administration, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are wisely spent and residents’ voices are heard.
