Meet the Candidates: Glen Bianchini

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: Glen Bianchini

Political Party: Democrat

Years of residency in Gloucester Twp.: 23

Job: Director of Pharmacy, St. Francis Hospital – 2.5 years

Education: Master's Degree in Health Care Administration – St. Joseph’s University; Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy – University of the Sciences

Family: Engaged; Five Children

Why are you running for Gloucester Township Council?

I am running for Gloucester Township Council to continue to make our town the best place to live. I want to continue to make it affordable by holding the line on taxes. We have for the second straight budget a zero-cent increase. We have entered into numerous shared agreements with other governmental entities for significant savings. I want to continue to provide a safe town for our residents. We continue to support our police department to provide them the tools to make our streets safe. The Police Department leadership and the rank and file are the best in the State. I want to continue to provide recreation for all of our residents. We continue to support the acquisition of open space and the ability to properly maintain it. Finally, I want to continue to provide the residents with a transparent government that they can trust. Through our traveling town meetings and our live Internet feed for Council meetings we provide unprecedented access for our residents. The reasons that I just stated are the reasons why I want to run for Council in Gloucester Township.

Have you ever held a public elected office? If yes, please name the governing body (school board, township council, fire commissioner) and years of service.

Yes. Gloucester Township Council, for 11 years.

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

I am qualified to run for Council because of the experience and expertise I bring to the position. I have the financial experience. In my work history I have successfully worked and monitored many large budgets. I work in health care and know firsthand the pressures of doing more for less. We have had to make those tough choices while keeping in mind the services our residents require and deserve. I have government experience. I have served on Council since 2000 and have a thorough knowledge of the needs of our Township. I have the energy and desire to bring fresh ideas to tackle the issues that face our Township. I have leadership experience. I have been in health care management for over 22 years. I have led or been involved with Youth organizations for close to 20 years. I have managed and coached many youth athletic teams. I am proud to say that I have led Council as Council President since 2002. Finally, I love giving back to my community.   

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?

Taxes, taxes and taxes. We believe the biggest issue facing Gloucester Township, as we approach the end of 2011, is the continued uncertainty placed on local government’s ability to provide needed services with less burden being placed on the taxpayer.

I’ve worked with the current Township Administration diligently to find ways to cut the cost of delivering needed services to our residents, and at the same time not eliminate services necessary for a quality of life. The Township’s Alternative and Renewable Energy Source program is exciting and most aggressive, and with continued and diligent attention, it will succeed. A reduction in energy cost to the Township will make more funds available for needed quality of life services. As Township Council we must continue to support and expand Alternative and Renewable Energy Source programs with a goal of stabilizing taxes.

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 our biggest asset. I have the pleasure of presiding over our Council meetings and I have the distinct honor of recognizing individuals and organizations that contribute to our community. As my running mates and I meet and talk to thousands of our residents, we see a tremendous willingness to share ideas with a common goal for continued success in Gloucester Township. I believe Township residents are engaged in their government and want elected officials to be their voice for efficiency in services. An engaging community becomes a community second to none. When residents participate in their government, government governs best.

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

There needs to be a balance between controlling our spending and focusing our energy on attracting businesses to our community that will thrive here. We support the Township Administration’s efforts to spur business development. Commercial tax ratables and other non-tax base revenue sources must be expanded.

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

Two consecutive budgets with a Zero tax increase speak volumes of the accomplishments of the current Council. The initiative to streamline government through the consolidation of the Department of Recreation with the Department of Public Works saved thousands in administration cost. Council’s move to provide live video council meetings via the Internet promotes resident participation.

I believe that we must not become complacent. We have implemented a shared service agreement on trash collection resulting in an anticipated savings of $650,000. We have embarked on a single streaming recycling program that will save the Township thousands more.  We must continue our efforts to reach out to all branches of government and look for ways to efficiently deliver the most services to our residents.  

Editor's Notes: This is the first of nine profiles on candidates for Gloucester Township Council. The following is the schedule of publication for the remaining eight candidates: Republican candidate Samuel Garro today at noon; independent candidate Darren Gladden (6 a.m.) and Republican candidate Ted Liddell (noon) on Tuesday; 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.