WILDWOOD CREST – David Bannon was one of two Wildwood Crest Commission candidates whose views and background were not included in a story announcing the field of nine persons seeking three seats on the commission.
Bannon has provided a response and said he had tried to contact the Herald, which could not find any record of that response.
The rest of the field includes Mayor Don Cabrera, Deputy Mayor Joseph Franco Jr. and Commissioner Joseph Schiff, along with Toni Fuscellaro, who is joining Cabrera and Franco on a ticket; Michael Marino, Joseph Bond, David Thompson and Robert Bethel.
Bannon has lived in Wildwood Crest for more than 15 years and is a small business owner. He is a retired Wildwood fire official who said he is known as a “hands-on” community leader. He said he has spent decades giving back to the community. He said he has served as a coach and volunteer for youth sporting events.
“I believe public officials should be accessible, transparent and accountable,” he said.
Bannon has a five-point list of priorities he would like to address as a commissioner. The first involves public safety: As someone who retired from a career in public safety, he said, he is committed to the police and fire departments getting the resources and respect they deserve, and to keeping residents and visitors safe.
He said he is also dedicated to fiscal responsibility, not only to be transparent with spending, but to plan for future generations.
Bannon would like to enhance and develop the community and the borough’s infrastructure, including maintaining parks, beaches and streets, and ensure they remain vibrant and safe.
He would like to expand recreation and community programs for families and give youth positive opportunities. Finally, he promises an open dialogue with his constituents in order to address their concerns.
“Leadership isn’t about titles – it’s about doing the work and showing up for your community,” he said.
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or call 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
