Voters will head to the polls to vote on a number of open municipal and school board seats in Southampton in the election on Nov. 4.
There are two, three-year seats open on the township committee. Republican incumbents Elizabeth Rossell and Arnold Harrison are running uncontested for the seats.
Six candidates will vie for three, three-year term seats on the Southampton Township school board.
Incumbents Jeffrey Hicks – currently board president – and Sharon Roseboro are running for reelection. Christopher Donner, Gregory Sobocinksi, John Garza and Michael Dehoff are seeking a seat. Board member Irving Bodine III is not seeking reelection.
Candidates were asked to complete a questionnaire. As of press time, Rossell, Harrison, Donner, Garza, Hicks and Roseboro had not responded. Answers are lightly edited for space.
Name: Michael Dehoff
Age: 41
How many years have you lived in Southampton? 35
Family: Married, one child.
Education: Rutgers University, bachelor’s degree, accounting, School of Business, Rutgers Center for Government Services, Financial Management. Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration, certified public manager.
Profession: Executive director and CFO at the Mount Holly Municipal Utilities Authority
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for the board of education?: Yes
Community involvement: Township zoning board, Land Development Board, Pinelands Preservation Alliance Tour de Pines Advisory Committee.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I’m running because I believe every student deserves a high-quality education, teachers deserve the resources and support they need to succeed, and taxpayers deserve transparency and responsible financial management. With my background in public administration and finance, I bring the experience necessary to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and every decision serves the best interests of our students, staff, schools, and community.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
Rather than concentrating on just one area, I would take a big-picture approach, recognizing that progress in student success, teacher support, and fiscal responsibility all work together to strengthen our district and secure a better future. I am committed to using my experience to make thoughtful, responsible decisions and ensure lasting success for our students, staff, schools, and community. My goal is continuous improvement to help our school district thrive today and in the future.
Name: Greg Sobocinski
Age: 69
How many years have you lived in Southampton? 26
Family: Married, father of eight.
Education: BA in economics, MS in computer science, Union College.
Profession: Wealth advisor to business owners and individuals
Is this the first time you’ve run for a seat for the board of education? Yes
Community involvement: Lived here 26 years, and have always been involved to make the town the best possible place to live.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
The primary education system – grammar school – has failed families, students and taxpayers of Southampton. The cost has risen dramatically while performance has declined precipitously. It’s time for a change.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
We need to get back to basics with a mastery of reading, writing, math, civics and economics. Every student needs to master these basics before they move on to secondary school.
