Meet the Candidates: Darren Gladden

On Nov. 8, residents will have the opportunity to go to the polls to vote for four members of Gloucester Township Council. Gloucester Township Patch will share information and some of the thoughts of the nine candidates seeking four Council seats throughout the week of Oct. 9.

Name: Darren S. Gladden  

Political Party: Conservative Independent  

Years of Residency in Gloucester Twp.: Living in and out of Gloucester Township since 1990

Job: Plant operator and field technician for IAP Worldwide Services in Fort Dix, NJ, July 2007-July 2009

Education: Self Taught Man  

Family: Wife and two sons 

Why are you running for Gloucester Township Council?

The current incumbents have been in office for far too long and both parties are out of touch with the needs of the residents of Gloucester Township. Gloucester Township needs a councilman that will restore common sense to local government.  

Have you ever held a public elected office?

No.  

Why do you feel you are qualified to serve as a member of the Gloucester Township Council?

Worked in both private and public sector and was also a volunteer firefighter. Also worked on flood teams after large floods.  

What is the biggest issue facing Gloucester Township as we approach the end  of 2011? How do you feel the issue should be addressed by Council?

The biggest issue in Gloucester Township is the lack of jobs as well as the issue of jobs being shifted out of Gloucester Township to places where business is more profitable. The result has been an increase in taxes and a decrease in property value. Act quickly in a bipartisan fashion. Create an economic plan to cut both spending and taxes to restore jobs in Gloucester Township.  

What do you feel is Gloucester Township's biggest asset at this time? How would you exploit that asset to the township's benefit?

The residents of Gloucester Township are the biggest asset to the township. If the right candidates are elected we can return jobs and prosperity to the people of Gloucester Township which will add value to their homes and places of business.  

How do you plan to balance spending and revenue in tough economic times?

Get rid of wasteful spending in government such as waste in politically appointed jobs that are not producing anything for our community. Reform Public Works system and endorse an ethical pay to play plan.  

Do you feel the current Council is effective? Why or why not? Where do you think the governing body could improve?

Since I have attended Council meetings in January I have not seen any progress. There has been nothing but empty dreams and broken promises. Every department needs improvement in the township.

Editor's Notes: This is the third of nine profiles on candidates for Gloucester Township Council. Glen Bianchini's profile and Samuel Garro's profile ran Monday. The following is the schedule of publication for the remaining six candidates: Republican candidate Ted Liddell today at noon; Democrat incumbent Orlando Mercado (6 a.m.) and Republican candidate Linda Musser (noon) on Wednesday; Democrat candidates Sam Siler (6 a.m.) and Tracey Trotto (noon) on Thursday; and Republican candidate Erica Weissmann (6 a.m.) on Friday.

Aside from minor formatting changes, the responses each candidate provided to the above questions appear here unaltered.