Council Candidate Boasts About Independence

To the Editor:

The un-official start of the election season is upon us here in beautiful Gloucester Township. The candidates of both major parties have been walking neighborhoods and passing out glossy professionally printed brochures to unsuspecting resident while giving platitudes and taking advantage of photo opportunities. The problem is that not one of them has told residents what THEY will do to make things in government different. I say it is time for major changes to the status quo and exactly how business as usual is conducted in Gloucester Township.

 I am Darren Gladden and I am running for GT Council as a true independent voice, a voice for the people, the residents; the voiceless.

Far too long have we been under the yoke of single party rule in Gloucester Township. 2011 is a time to make bold moves and bolder changes. Business as usual must stop and the people should be represented with energy and vitality. As it stands today, only the Democrat party is well represented. The lawyers, engineers and donors who grease the wheels of an ever increasingly out of touch government have the ear of Council and Mayor alike. I vow to end the practice of political patronage, selling of contracts and jobs and will work every day to make government as accessible to the residents as it is for the special interest.

How can the sitting Council President and Vice President claim to be an independent voice for the people when their own campaign is run by Mayor David Mayer? The theme of their campaign is: Dave Mayer’s Council Team. On the candidates' website Mayer states that he needs these people to continue his agenda. People wake up, this is the Mayor telling EVERYONE that the Mercado, Bianchini, Trotto and Siler team are his puppets. I say we need independent individuals not beholden to the old boy, backroom, political boss mentality speaking on your behalf.

I am Darren Gladden and I am that independent voice. I do not take campaign contributions from township contractors, I will vote to ban that odious practice and I will investigate and make public the names of every employee in Gloucester Township government including the MUA so that the disinfecting light of transparency may shine upon them. Multiple job holders and pension padders will be exposed as the real reason our taxes are so high. This council has voted in a tax increase every year under the Bianchini/Mercado leadership. The only exception was this past year when they voted for a zero increase after accepting $10 million from Governor Christie in municipal aid. I say, where was the DECREASE?????

Vote Gladden as an independent voice … you’ll be glad you did.

Darren Gladden
Candidate for Township Council