Eight candidates are seeking seats in the upcoming Gloucester Township municipal election – including two running for mayor – in the Nov. 4 election.
The candidates are all incumbents: Mayor David R. Mayer, Keith Gibbons, Carolyn D. Grace, Ciri Castro Jr., Helen Albright Troxell, Nicholas J. Rehrig, Jennifer O’Donnell and Arnaldo “AJ” Torres.
All candidates were asked to complete a questionaire; as of deadline, Mayer, Castro, Albright Troxell, Rehrig and O’Donnell had not responded.
Answers have been lightly edited for space.
Name: Carolyn Grace
Age: 58
Resident of Gloucester Township: 35 years
Family: Mother of three daughters, grandmother of six
School/degrees: Dual master’s degrees in social work from Rutgers University and school leadership from Wilmington University. Certified as a teacher in psychology, a school social worker and a principal/administrator.
Community involvement:
Member of Gloucester Township Board of Education from 2018 to 2019, and council member from 2020 to 2025. Founded the Brittany Woods Community Action Group (BWCAG), spearheading community improvement initiatives, including curbside mailbox replacements, the Hampshire Road paving project and the Children Park Project. Lead annual events such as community cleanups, National Night Out and fall leaf removal. Manage social media outreach for BWCAG.
Why are you seeking township office? I’m running to make a difference in the communities I serve and to continue seeing growth in beautification in Historical Downtown Blackwood.
What area would you focus on if reelected? Historic downtown Blackwood
Name: Keith Gibbons
Age: 48
Years in Gloucester Township: 19
Family: Daughter, 16
Education: (Not specified)
Profession: Entrepreneur
Have you ever fun for office before? Yes. I am currently serving my third year on the Gloucester Township Board of Education.
Community involvement: As a Rotarian, I organize an annual Earth Day cleanup and host the GT Observer Podcast, the top local podcast in Gloucester Township, keeping residents informed on issues of public interest.
Why are you again running for an elected seat?
I’m running for mayor to ensure every resident has a voice. I aim to challenge long-standing political dominance; prioritize transparency; and deliver fair, inclusive governance that puts residents above special interests.
What would be your focus if elected?
Responsible planning to curb overdevelopment, protect schools and infrastructure, and foster sustainable growth through bipartisan collaboration and transparency.
