Election 2021: Chester Township Council Candidate John Butkus

CHESTER, NJ — The Nov. 2 General Election is getting closer and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before the election.

Editor's Note: Are you a candidate on the ballot? Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the General Election. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) may contact jennifer.miller@patch.com.

One of these candidates is John Butkus, who was one of two Republicans elected in the primary. The other is incumbent Councilman Tim Drag. Butkus also faces Brian Curley, an incumbent councilman who is running as an independent in the election, the three running for two, three-year seats in Chester Township. Butkus' responses are below:

Name: John Butkus
Age: 63
Town of residence: Chester Township
Position sought: Town Council
Party affiliation: Republican
Family: Virginia Butkus (Wife 38 yrs) Peter (Son)
Education: Lehigh University
Occupation: Owner Old Mill Tavern (Chester NJ)
Previous or current elected appointed office: None, was on the Chester Public Library Board for 10 years.
Why are you seeking elective office? To help preserve the aspects, benefits and character of this wonderful community that our family has loved to be a part of.
The single most pressing issue facing us is recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. What do you intend to do about it? I believe that the folks in the area have been extremely responsible and expect that they/we will continue to be so.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I believe that anyone willing to run for office should be congratulated, this roles more about consensus than personal beliefs. There was an article in the Observer Tribune if you’d like more background.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? Local involvement in many areas of the schools, recreation, and town groups.
The best advice ever shared with me was: Listen before you speak, seek to understand before asking to be understood.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.