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Commercial Township Committee

One seat is open on the Commercial Township Committee. Mike Vizzard, the incumbent Deputy Mayor, has provided a detailed public interview outlining his background, nine years of experience, and ongoing projects—making him one of the candidates in the county with a solid track record and a decent level of accessibility, even if he's not exactly leading the charge in modern digital transparency. His primary challenger, Robert Welch, has reportedly received the endorsement of the Cumberland County Regular Republican Organization, but no public information about Welch’s background, platform, or campaign has surfaced so far. Despite our regular attendance at local political events and outreach through official candidate contact information, Welch remains a mystery. With the primary approaching, voters deserve more clarity—but as usual, we’re not holding our breath for a sudden outbreak of transparency.

Click the red x at the top of this box and then scroll down down for more in-depth information and sources.

What does a Township Committee Member do?

A township committee member serves on the governing body of a township, which is a form of municipal government commonly found in New Jersey. The roles and responsibilities of township committee members include the following:

Learn More Legislative Responsibilities: Township committee members are responsible for enacting ordinances, resolutions, and regulations that govern the township. They make decisions on local laws, zoning, land use, and other matters that impact the community.

Budgeting and Financial Oversight: Committee members participate in the development and approval of the township’s annual budget. This involves allocating funds to various departments, services, and projects, as well as setting tax rates and managing financial resources.

Executive Functions: The township committee also has executive responsibilities, such as appointing key officials (like the township administrator, attorney, or engineer) and overseeing the implementation of policies and ordinances. In some townships, one committee member may serve as the mayor, who presides over meetings and represents the township in official matters.

Public Services and Infrastructure: Committee members oversee the provision of public services, including road maintenance, public safety, parks and recreation, and other essential services. They work to ensure that infrastructure projects are completed and that services are delivered efficiently.

Community Representation: As elected officials, township committee members represent the interests and concerns of the township’s residents. They engage with the community, attend public meetings, and respond to constituents' concerns to ensure that the local government is addressing the needs of the people.

Strategic Planning: Committee members are involved in long-term planning for the township, which may include land use planning, economic development initiatives, and efforts to improve the quality of life for residents.

Collaboration: In townships with a committee form of government, decisions are often made collaboratively, with members voting on important issues. The committee typically operates on a majority vote basis, where the collective input of the members shapes township policies and initiatives.

Candidate Transparency/Accessibility Chart

REPUBLICAN

REPUBLICANO

OFFICE TITLE

TITULO OFICIAL

A

Republican

Republicano

B

Republican

Republicano

PERSONAL CHOICE

SELECCION PERSONAL

Commercial Township Committee

Vote for One

Comité del municipio de Lawrence

Vota por Uno

Republican

Warren M.

1A

0

Vizzard

Personal Choice

Seleccion Personal

0

Commercial Township Committee

Vote for One

Comité del municipio de Lawrence

Vota por Uno

Republican

Robert E.

1A

0

Welch

Personal Choice

Seleccion Personal

0
Form 14 - Vineland W6 D-4