2013 Meet the Candidates Series Continues, Week of July 28th 2013
By Nicole Sanders | The Save Jersey Blog
In my efforts to introduce candidates to the voting public, I started a weekly column called Meet the Candidates. In essence, it is a past day stump speech updated for the virtual world.
For this week’s column, I am honored to introduce to you to former Cumberland County Freeholder Tom Sheppard.
Former Freeholder Sheppard graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business and Marketing. He is the President of Eastern Fresh Growers, Inc., the Vice President of Sheppard Farms, Inc. and a Partner of SF Systems. His political experience includes being the Mayor of Lawrence Township for 20 years, a Board of Education Member in Lawrence Township for 9 years and he has been a Cumberland County Freeholder for 3 years.
My interview with former Freeholder Tom Sheppard is below the fold…
Sanders: Recently Democratic Freeholder William F. Whelan resigned from the Cumberland County Board of Freeholders because it was alleged that his wife was operating an unlicensed child care operation in their home. What’s your take on this allegation and the alleged corruption in Cumberland County generally?
Sheppard: Personal lives of candidates should not be part of political campaigns. In regards to the timeline of his resignation, I do find it interesting that the leaders of his own party were quick to ask him to step down. Many in the area find that odd and there is speculation that they wanted him out. I will leave it to the system to sort out the truth of the allegations. As far as corruption there have been various time where low bidders did not get contracts and friends of the Democrats did, costing us all.
Sanders: The last budget passed by the Freeholder Board included a 3% tax increase. Do you believe the increase was necessary? Why or why not?
Sheppard: After 3 years of serving on the budget committee, when we held as many as 6 public meetings before we passed our budget, I found it disappointing that this board held none. They didn’t even hold any meetings where the entire Freeholder Board could meet and discuss it. There is no formal Finance committee. This increase was NOT necessary, it could have been avoided by better use of surplus and cutting cost in various departments specifically the jail. In 2011 overtime in the jail was $2.7 million. We paid for an evaluation of the jail in 2012 and the results were final this year and the Freeholders have not released the findings. The fact that the Warden of the jail is also the County Chairman of the Democratic Party may play a roll.
Sanders: What makes you a more viable candidate in comparison to your challengers?
Sheppard: My extensive experience in both elected government (20 years on Township Committee, 9 years on School board and 3 years as a Freeholder) as well as 35 years in business.
Sanders: What are your greatest legislative or personal accomplishments thus far?
Sheppard: As a township committee person we held the line on taxes 18 out of 20 years. As a Freeholder we maintained the tax levy for all 3 years I was there. We did this by making government work more efficiently. Consolidating departments, doing shared service where it made sense and cutting back on staff when possible. We made the tough decision to sell the Manor to a private enterprise, cutting the $2.5 to 3 million we were losing every year running it and putting $14 million in our surplus thru the sale. All of that and the deal included keeping the staff.
Sanders: If your constituents wanted to reach out to you and ask you questions about your positions or how to volunteer on your campaign, who can they reach out to?
Sheppard: You can reach our campaign at HQ in Millville 856-825-8400. My office is 856-447- 3668.
If you are a candidate and interested in being a part of my weekly Meet the Candidates article, Save Jerseyans, then plase email me at nikisands3@hotmail.com.
