Four New Mayors Begin to Serve: Lower Township – Simonsen

VILLAS – “Respect is my personal and professional philosophy.” “I try to respect everyone just as I anticipate their respect in return.” “Respect is a two-way street.”
Erik Simonsen, the newly-sworn, 48-year-old mayor of Lower Township takes pride in the fact that he is known to be “firm but fair” at the Richard M. Teitelman Middle School where he has served as assistant principal for six years.  
Prior to that, Simonsen served at the Cape May County Special Services School District as an instructor for 18 years, where he worked with disadvantaged pupils.
Before he sought election as mayor, Simonsen served as Ward 3 Councilman, a seat he vacated after winning the election in an uncontested race. That unexpired seat was recently filled by Roland Roy on the township governing body.
Simonsen is a life-long resident of Lower Township. He attended Lower Cape May Regional High School and the College of New Jersey where he received his bachelor’s in Fine Arts.
After attending Rutgers University for some specialized educational study, he attended the University of Scranton where he received his master’s in Educational Administration.
Simonsen has a diverse background beyond that of an elected official. He has played in a band known as “twelve:01” that enjoyed some success by releasing CDs and going on tour. 
Simonsen is also a deacon at the Macedonia Baptist Church and has worked with Faces for Autism, a non-profit group in support of autism awareness. He also participates in triathlons and local bicycle races. He is also a former wrestling coach.
As for his political philosophy, Republican Simonsen seems to be equally diverse in his governing attitudes and priorities.
He feels that he is fiscally conservative, although he also believes in better funding for education.
Simonsen supports school choice, but not to the extent that it harms public educational institutions. He believes in smaller government, but also reserves the right to make decisions on a case-by-case basis. Simonsen supports providing aid to disadvantaged children who want to participate in youth sports leagues and supports more mental health initiatives and drug/alcohol addiction programs.
Simonsen noted that he does not always agree with the county’s freeholders on every issue, but he is confident that he can do what is best for the township regardless of politics.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.