After a split decision in 2016, Save Jerseyans, the Salem County GOP maintained its 6-1 control of the freeholder board.
The road ahead is less certain.
(Acton took over as executive director of the Salem County Improvement Authority).
In the interim?
This week, newly-minted Freeholder Board Director Bob Vanderslice and his majority tapped farmer and Pennsville coaching legend Scott Griscom (R-Mannington Township) to fill Acton’s vacant seat.
“I am excited to welcome Scott to the board,” said Director Vanderslice in a statement, adding that Griscom “brings an understanding of our county needs, a desire to be conservative with our residents tax dollars and getting the most for our money. He will be a tremendous asset as we further our mission to continue making the right decisions for this County.”
Freeholder Griscom and his wife, Gwynne, operated a cattle and pig farm before transitioning to a Christmas tree farm. A graduate of West Chester University, Griscom is a retired teacher from Pennsville Memorial High School.
Griscom is a popular local sports figure in the county, having coached wrestling for 28 years and cross country for 17 years, respectively, at Pennsville Memorial High School, where he boasts a 213-63-2 wrestling head coach win record. He was inducted into the Salem County Sports Hall of Fame back in 2010.
At the moment? He’s assistant coaching now on a volunteer basis and preparing for his new role in politics.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the residents of Salem County in this capacity,” said Griscom. “I do not have any political background; however, I am looking forward to using the skills I have to continue this county in the right direction. We have limited money to spend and we need to utilize those funds in the most efficient manner.”
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