MANTUA TWP. Two Republicans and two Democrats are running for two open seats on township committee this November.

The Times asked the candidates to provide background information on themselves as well as to name what they consider to be the biggest issues in town and how they'd address them if elected.

Democratic incumbent Robert Zimmerman, 43, said that property taxes, affordable housing and balancing economic growth with land preservation are the top three issues to be addressed in the township. In shaping this year's budget, Zimmerman said that he and other council members strove to cut 10 percent from each department to save money.

"We have aggressively pursued shared services and regionalization opportunities that have led to significant savings for the taxpayer," Zimmerman said. "I will continue to support the quality services that we all enjoy in a cost-effective manner."

Zimmerman has been a police officer with the Pitman police department for almost 20 years, serving as captain for almost 11 years. In Mantua, he's served on the school board where he's been both vice-president and president, and he is currently serving on the planning board. During Zimmerman's tenure, he said he has helped to preserve 50 acres of land next to Chestnut Branch Park and he would support a ballot question to preserve 52 more acres in Maple Ridge. Also, he supported the committee's efforts to put a retail liquor license and consumption license out to bid for $600,000 each.

"This is another example of our proactive efforts to entice quality businesses into the township and at the same time provide some tax relief to our residents," Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman recognizes the concerns with affordable housing obligations not only in Mantua but throughout the county.

"I will continue to support the efforts of our township committee as we resist these current mandates and, in the meantime, do what's necessary in order to make this the best situation for our community," he said.

Zimmerman has lived in the township for the last 17 years with his wife Diane and children Brittany, 15, and Ashley, 12. He received his bachelor's degree from Rowan University, his master's from Fairleigh Dickinson in public administration, and he is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, West Point Command and Leadership Program. He is also a Certified Public Manager.

Republican candidate Donna Ward, 48, said the top three issues in Mantua are taxation without representation, state and federal mandates, and a lack of communication between committee members and township citizens.

"The debt that our elected leaders are incurring now is a burden that will be shared with our children and grandchildren," Ward said. "The borrow-and-spend policy that we are participating in today cannot continue without severe ramifications."

Ward thinks that the community needs to get its spending in order. It's time to "think locally and act locally," she said.

A retired court reporter who is now a homemaker, Ward has been a 15-year volunteer with the elementary schools in the township as a room parent. She has also volunteered for local animal shelters and for political campaigns for president, senate, assembly, township committee and various county offices. She knows how hard it is to give up free time to do volunteer work, as well as to attend council meetings, so she proposes a better way to let the public know what is going on in their township.

"I am volunteering to be the eyes and ears of these people who cannot attend all or even a few of the committee meetings," Ward said. "I propose that we post the agenda of each meeting on a Web site a minimum of five days before the meeting so all residents have a chance to voice their opinions and concerns with the committee members either by e-mail or by phone calls."

Ward thinks that more discussion needs to be done on bigger township projects, so residents aren't footing the bill for unneeded or unwanted expenditures.

"We need more discussion about these projects that will affect all of us through higher taxes," Ward said. "Since it is our taxes that pay for projects in our town, then let's have an honest discussion about how the proposed project will affect us financially and who will actually benefit the most."

Republican candidate Lewis C. Fichera, 60, said the top three issues regarding the township are taxes, the light rail train and a knowledge of township matters. He also feels that agendas need to be posted online prior to township meetings so people can read them to see what is going on.

"Business of the township needs to be made known prior to taking action," Fichera said.

Fichera stated that the light rail train is not something that was entirely needed for the township. He thinks it is being placed where it will cause traffic delays.

"It is known now that the train will not pay for itself but must be subsidized by tax dollars to keep running," Fichera said.

Fichera, an attorney, is married to wife Catherine and is the father of two children: MaryRose, 19, and Robert, 15. He has served as a coach for youth basketball and baseball teams, a church volunteer and, using his law degree, as a trustee for the Gloucester County Bar Association and its high school Mock Trial teams.

Taxes are Fichera's top issue.

"Services provided by property taxes must reflect economic times," Fichera said. "Seniors must not be made to worry about their ability to continue to live in the community."

Democratic incumbent Lorraine Beckett said the biggest issue affecting the township is people losing their jobs and their homes. Beckett said she wants to help residents take advantage of federal, state and county programs like energy, mortgage and tax relief to help them get back on track.

Beckett has lived in the township for 35 years and has been serving as a committee member since 2001. She is employed as a social worker for Gloucester County. She has been a part of numerous organizations including the Personal Assistance Service Program, Mantua Township Finance Committee and the Ladies Auxiliary in Mantua. She was previously a school board member for Clearview Regional and is active with her church.

"Mantua Township provides an array of services that reach our youth and extend to our senior citizens," Beckett said. "I'm proud of the direction the township committee has taken to assist all its citizens' interest. I will continue to work tirelessly for our seniors, veterans and youth by supporting and investing in meaningful services for all, maintaining a stable tax rate."

Beckett is married to husband Tom and has three children: Kelly Francis, Michael and Michelle.