Monday, October 12, 2009

By Siobhan A. Counihan

WEST DEPTFORD TWP. Two candidates are competing for one open seat on the township committee this year, with one candidate representing each party.

The Times asked each one for biographical information, what they consider to be the three biggest issues in the borough and how they'd address them if elected.

Republican candidate Michael Krawitz, 34, said he plans to address taxes, excessive spending and a lack of accountability amongst the township's current elected officials if elected into office.

"The number one reason West Deptford residents and business owners face tax increases each and every year is due to excessive spending by the township mayor and committee," Krawitz said.

Krawitz who works in the hospitality industry and has volunteered with Plan USA and Campaign for Liberty said he's also concerned that township spending be properly tracked.

"If elected, there will be an itemization of all general government expenses," Krawitz said. "I have been to many township committee meetings asking financial questions, and getting very little information and answers. If elected all financial documents and balance sheet information will be at everyone's access, the way it should be. The township's three biggest issues all tie in together and electing myself will bring a laser focus to the township spending addiction."

Krawitz said he's also concerned that some of the professionals and vendors utilized by the township are big campaign donors, an example of pay to play.

"These vendors are listed by the New Jersey election law enforcement commission under papers I have obtained as being large political money donors to the West Deptford Democrats and their re-election campaigns," Krawitz said. " This is pay to play, and not serving in the best interest of West Deptford homeowners and taxpayers."

Incumbent Democrat Anna Docimo, currently serving as the mayor and working as the director of Senior Services of Gloucester County, said she plans to address ratable growth, property taxes and cost-efficient services if re-elected.

Docimo who lives with her husband Joe and whose sons Anthony, Joe and his wife Stephanie live in the township has a broad volunteer background, having served as loan executive for the United Way of Gloucester County, a member of St. Margaret's Women's Club, liaison to West Deptford Library and Emergency Services Council, and liaison to West Deptford Environmental Commission.

As mayor, Docimo said she has promoted ratable growth by reaching out to businesses and developers as well as working with the county Economic Development Department, she said.

"Every town must be concerned with ratable growth," Docimo said. "New ratables serve to broaden the tax base, lower overall tax increases, and promote jobs and economic activity in our community. I will continue to pursue new business development, which serves our community through jobs, services and lower taxes."

Docimo said she will continue to fight to keep taxes down by controlling hires, limiting overtime, eliminating positions through attrition, promoting consolidated positions and limiting pay increases.

"These times require officials to do more with less," she said.

If re-elected, the township will also look toward shared service agreements as a more cost-efficient way to provide services to its residents, Docimo added.

"Shared service agreements with other municipalities, the county and school can lower costs," she said. "Technology can also assist with providing better services at lower rates."

Cutting back on jobs and costs while still providing excellent services is a challenge all officials must cope with, Docimo said.