With Bellmawr's local election in November, I am supporting Independent Council candidates Bill Groff and Sandy Valdez. As a resident of Bellmawr for 30 years, I have been attending Council and Caucus meetings for the past ten years. Current Councilman Jim D’Angelo has served 24 years on Council; and its time for someone else to have an
opportunity to serve. During his 24 years on Council , incumbent Jim D'Angelo has failed to offer any substantial reforms in changing the way local government operates. Furthermore, he voted for the elimination of the Business Administrators position. This was a key position, and a key link to improved relations for residents ensuring compliance in many legal and regulatory items.
In addition, current Council Members and Mayor Sauter provide the absolute minimum in what is required by OPMA, and prefer to keep residents at arm’s length, and conduct business behind closed doors. They refuse to make necessary changes within local government for the benefit of residents. Subsequently, Mayor Sauter and Boroughs Solictor Howard Long organize policies and procedures to maintain the status quo, and maintain business as usual. They accept no real input or feedback from taxpaying residents. and fall short in sharing vital, critical information on Boroughs Website. In my view, Bill Groff and Sandy Valdez can provide the needed transparency and full disclosure within our local government that has been lacking for far too long. Finally, I am also supporting Maria Tregear for election to Bellmawr's local school board.
Mark T. Sharp
Resident of Bellmawr