Three candidates are running for seats on the Voorhees Township council on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5. Jason Ravitz and Michelle Nocito are running as Democrats, and Maisha Aziz is running as an independent.
Name: Jason Ravitz
Age: 52
How many years have you lived in Voorhees Township? I have lived in Voorhees Township for over 15 years.
Family: I have two children, ages 21 and 19.
School and degree: Emory University – Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Profession: Vice President of Retail Operations for the Ravitz Family Shop Rites
Is this the first time you have run for a seat? No, I have served as a member of the Voorhees Township Committee since 2016.
What is your involvement in the community? I am currently the deputy mayor of the Township of Voorhees. Additionally, I am a Voorhees Township Planning board member, member of the Jewish Community Center Board of Directors, Co-Chair of the Jewish Community Center Annual Sports Award Fundraiser, member of the Board of the Ravitz Family Foundation, member of the Advisory Board of the Ravitz Family Foundation, and member of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Food Council.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I am running because I am committed to community service. A top priority is to continue my efforts to make sure Voorhees families and children are safe. I am also running to maintain long-term tax stability, without reducing the level of services Voorhees residents expect and deserve. My running mate Michelle Nocito and I believe that we have been successful in keeping Voorhees moving in the right direction and are seeking reelection on November 5 to continue working to make Voorhees a great place to live and raise a family.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? Public safety continues to be an area of utmost importance to me and is one of the many areas I would concentrate on if reelected. I am proud that myself, along with my colleagues on Township Committee, have continued to place a police officer in every school, all day, every day, for the safety of our children, teachers and staff. I remain committed to working to ensure that our children and families remain safe to allow them to continue to enjoy our wonderful community.
Name: Ma’isha Aziz
Age: Between 45-50
How many years have you lived in Voorhees Township? 23 years
Family: One child a son who is an Eastern Regional alum and recent Morehouse graduate.
School and degree: Rutgers University- Camden B. S. Accounting Law Degree from Temple University.
Profession: Attorney, College Professor
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Voorhees Township Committee? Yes.
What is your involvement in the community? I currently serve as the 1st Vice-President of the NAACP Camden County East and am a member of the New Jersey Garden City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Additionally, I hold advisory roles with both the NAACP NJ State Conference Youth and College Division and the NAACP Camden County East Youth Council, where I organize two annual college tours, focusing on Ivy League and HBCU institutions.
Also, I serve as assistant treasurer for The Philadelphia Pierians and am an active member of Masjid Freehaven in Lawnside. In the past, I led the Youth Ministry at Masjid Freehaven, further demonstrating my dedication to community involvement.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I am running for an elected seat on the Voorhees Township Committee because I believe in building a community where diversity is celebrated and all voices are heard. With my background as a municipal court judge and my experience advocating for underrepresented communities through my law firm, I am committed to fostering unity and creating opportunities for everyone. My vision is to bring fresh, inclusive leadership to the committee, ensuring decisions are made with the best interests of all residents in mind, not just a select few. Together, we can create a brighter future for Voorhees.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? One area I would like to concentrate on if elected is ensuring public safety and creating a township where all families feel secure. This includes working with the township to make sure our roads are well-maintained and safe for our children and improving services that directly impact quality of life, like street lighting and park maintenance. I also want to ensure that Voorhees remains an inclusive community where families can thrive, with a focus on addressing the concerns of residents and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all.
Name: Michelle Nocito
Age: 47
How many years have you lived in Voorhees Township? 21
Family: Two children ages 14 and 17.
School and Degree: Drexel University MBA
Profession: Principal Partner at a Wealth Management Firm
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Voorhees Township Committee? This is my fourth term. I was elected in 2015 for my first term
What is your involvement in the community? I have been involved in the community and our schools for over a decade. I have served as the president of the HPFA at ET Hamilton school, I have served as a planning board member for the township, I was a recipient of the 2021 Voorhees Rotary Business Person of the Year award. I previously served as the public safety director for the Voorhees Township police in my role on township committee. I also spent many years volunteering for the Voorhees Soccer Association and was a board member for many years.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I am running for reelection to the township committee because I am deeply passionate about our community and committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents. Over the past term, I have dedicated myself to addressing the challenges we face, from improving local infrastructure to enhancing public safety and promoting sustainable initiatives. I believe that a strong community thrives when its voices are heard, and I have worked tirelessly to ensure that all residents feel represented and engaged in our decision-making processes. Together, we have accomplished significant progress, but there is still much work to be done. I am eager to continue advocating for our needs, fostering a sense of unity, and building a brighter future for our township. Your support will enable me to keep fighting for the values and priorities that make our community a wonderful place to live, work, and grow.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? If re-elected to the Township Committee, I intend to focus on enhancing our community through targeted initiatives that address the needs of our residents. My plan includes investing in infrastructure improvements to ensure safe and accessible roads and public spaces, promoting environmental sustainability through green initiatives, and expanding recreational programs for families and youth. I will prioritize open communication with residents to better understand their concerns and work collaboratively to find effective solutions. By fostering community engagement and investing in our local resources, I aim to create a vibrant, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community for generations to come.
