For months, I’ve been running a positive campaign. Yet, days before the election, I find myself – a proud first responder who works hand-in-hand with our amazing officers and detectives of the Chatham Township Police Department – needing to confirm that I support my fellow first responders who keep Chatham Township safe.

Mark Lois’ endless allegations that I “support demolishing our police station” (Lois mailer 10-2024) is just plain wrong.

Let me be very clear. If elected:

• I will work with all first responders, including our police department, to ensure they have the facilities and equipment they need and deserve.
• I will support planning efforts by the Committee to maximize the usage and value of our existing assets, as I believe this is a core responsibility of the Township Committee.
• I will certainly vote for financing recommended by our professional staff to provide new police cars and fire trucks as needed.

Ironically, it is my opponent who actually voted against funding for needed fire trucks for Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department and police vehicles for Chatham Township Police Department on June 25, 2024 (Ordinance 2024-14).

There is work to be done and there are real issues on the line. Everyone I talk with wants us to work through our issues locally without fear mongering or hyperbole.

Serving as a past Equipment Lieutenant for the Chatham Emergency Squad, I have a clear handle on the way first responder organizations need to investigate solutions, reach consensus, manage budgeting and develop a plan to best suit their specific needs in serving the public.

I hope you will elect me to represent you because I will help solve all the challenges we face by partnering with stakeholders, which of course includes my fellow first responders.