Heart Doctor Exits Freeholder Race

COURT HOUSE — Citing concerns from patients and family, and ongoing research commitments, Democratic candidate Dr. Suketu Nanavati has announced his intention to drop out of the race for Cape May County freeholder, in the June primary.
On April 8, county Democrats voted to endorse Nanavati and former West Cape May Mayor Robert Jackson for two seats on the county Board of Chosen Freeholders, according to a release from county Democratic Chairman James Pickering.
In the release, Pickering noted that Nanavati cares deeply about his patients, which prompted his first attempt at elected office.
“So many people, my patients and friends, suffer with chronic illnesses and cancer. We need to examine the quality of our water supply on a regional basis, clean up old dumps that impact our water supply, and make certain that our water is safe,” Nanavati said. “It means nothing to save my patients from a heart attack only to have them die from cancer. We need a change.”
Nanavati noted a 2008 Herald story on a state Health Department Cancer Registry that showed that this county led the state in the following invasive cancer rates: digestive system, urinary system, oral cavity, lung, skin, leukemia and myeloma.
The Democrats were set to challenge two of the following four Republican candidates in the November election — Gerald M. Thornton, Susan Sheppard, John McCann and Ralph Bakley Sr.
In an interview, Nanavati told the Herald he was enthusiastic to be a freeholder candidate and looking forward to the campaign, but he started to rethink his candidacy after reading a letter to the editor in the May 5 edition of the Herald by former Middle Township Mayor Sam DeVico.
“Dr. Suketu Nanavati is one of the most talented, dedicated, loyal, community-minded, individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of calling my friend,” the letter stated.
“I know he would be an excellent public official, but the time needed to properly address the needs of the community would be divided by the time that would be required for the very ill people of this community. Nanavati needs to do what he does best…a great doctor for this community and this hospital.”
Nanavati said DeVico has been his patient and close friend of his for many years and he respects his opinion.
Nanavati started asking his patients what they thought he should do.
“About 80 percent were against me running for freeholder and shared Sam’s concerns,” Nanavati said. “The other 20 percent, however, were very supportive of my running.”
What really changed the doctor’s mind was his family’s stance on his candidacy.
“My wife Jyoti and three children urged me to drop out of the race,” Nanavati said. “They asked me to hold off on my political aspirations until I retired from my medical practice.”
Nanavati also noted that he was involved in several ongoing research projects regarding the body’s autonomic nervous system “that I really want to dedicate some time to.”
Nanavati said that other candidates have assured him that they would take seriously his concerns over local cancer rates and water quality and he would concentrate on improving the quality of care for county residents.
Pickering said Nanavati informed him of his intention to withdraw from the race. He also noted the party’s search for a replacement was ongoing.
“Dr. Nanavati was an excellent candidate, but we understand the practice, family and research issues that have forced him to drop out of the race,” Pickering said. “The Democratic Party is actively looking and eager to find another candidate willing to replace the doctor and we’re confident we’ll find one.”
Pickering said he would notify County Clerk Rita Fulginiti regarding Nanavati’s withdrawal, but said there wasn’t likely enough time to change the ballots for the primary election on June 8.