Q&A: Freeholder Candidates

COURT HOUSE – The Herald asked candidates for the Board of Chosen Freeholders to share information about their candidacy, and answer questions of broad interest to Cape May County.
Elizabeth Casey and Joyce Gould are the Democratic freeholder candidates challenging Republican incumbents E. Marie Hayes and Gerald Thornton in the Nov. 5 general election. Terms are for three years.
All candidates responded, and below are their answers.
Top Issues
What do you believe are the top two issues facing Cape May County? How do you plan to address these issues as a freeholder?
Thornton and Hayes: The top two issues are year-round employment and the opioid addiction epidemic. Both of these issues are currently being addressed, and we are dedicated to continuing championing them. 
For example, we have pushed for economic development at the county airport with great success and have worked with private businesses to cultivate industry, particularly in the agri-tourism industry. 
Additionally, we both have supported the establishment of Cape May County’s new drug court, which is aimed at rehabilitation instead of punishment. 
Gould: I believe the two top issues facing Cape May County are the overdose crisis and the lack of diversified economic business opportunities. 
I have over 20 years of municipal experience and we (Wildwood Crest Borough Commissioners) were able to keep municipal taxes to a half-cent increase almost every year. Our borough is financially strong. We work together to stop wasteful spending and make smart financial decisions. 
The overdose crisis is heartbreaking, so many lost in a span of a few years. We shake our heads and attend funerals for those we lost and do our best to look towards the light at the end of the tunnel to end this epidemic. 
Through the work of the County Prosecutor’s Office, more people are being helped every day. This problem is nationwide, and some blame the pharma companies. I wish someone had the answers.
Casey: I believe a top issue facing Cape May County, like the rest of the counties throughout the state, is the opioid crisis that is shattering the lives of countless families. It would be disingenuous for me to suggest that I have a unique plan that would solve this serious problem, but as a freeholder, I will be a loud voice joining the many elected officials, law enforcement, health agencies, non-profits, and religious affiliations that are passionate in bringing awareness, prevention, and treatment to this epidemic. 
The second top issue facing Cape May County that can be readily fixed is the amount of overspending in county government. The freeholders boast about having a low tax rate, but the tax rate doesn’t tell the real story. It’s about spending. 
The county’s budget has increased $19 million in just the last five years. This year’s budget is nearly 6% higher than last year’s. 
As the population continues to decline, these annual spending hikes have severe implications on taxpayers, especially our young families and seniors on fixed incomes. As a freeholder, to protect taxpayers, I would limit all spending increases to the regional annual cost of living index. Aside from emergency public health and safety expenses, no exceptions.
Economic Vitality
Cape May County’s permanent population is declining, even while our senior citizen cohort is increasing. Families and working-age people comprise most of the county’s population decline; this reasonably influences our economic development, including opportunities for employment and education. To address this issue, would you support the creation of an office of economic development led by a director trained and experienced in the field? If not, what do you support to address the issue? 
Casey: Rather than create any new departments, I believe we should use existing staff to work with neighboring counties to take a regional approach in economic development. For example, I would recommend we develop a partnership with the Atlantic County Economic Alliance. 
Working with this private sector non-profit corporation would substantially benefit both counties. This is especially relevant as both counties are investing in aviation-related industries. 
It would be a more effective marketing approach to promote the counties as a dual attraction. I believe our county should also be targeting manufacturers and suppliers that are expected to be created by the state’s emerging offshore wind industry.
Hayes and Thornton: Cape May County is a wonderful place to retire and many people who have summer homes here naturally end up retiring here because of our great quality of life and lower tax rates. We are dedicated to fostering the county’s economic growth. 
The freeholder board has set aside considerable money and established the Cape May County Division of Economic Development in 2012, overseen by Freeholder Will Morey, who has a vast amount of experience in economic development. We support and advocate for the development of growth at the Cape May County Airport, which continues to see existing business expansions and new businesses flourishing. 
For example, taking advantage of the unique airspace at the county airport for the expansion of the drone industry, which promises high-paying, full-time employment. 
Additionally, we support the fishing/oyster industry, agri-tourism, beverage tourism (brewery, distillery, and wine production industries) and initiatives. Our wineries are now receiving national attention. 
A challenge that the county continues to face is the lack of transportation from New Jersey Transit. To address this void, we have expanded our Department of Fare-Free Transportation to assist our residents with the lack of transportation in our county. 
Gould: Three main factors that cause families and young people to leave Cape May County are lack of education, lack of employment and lack of affordable housing. Mix in the cost of housing and you have made a recipe for population decline. 
Understanding the need for change is the first step in combatting the problem – determining what can be achieved with or without trained, qualified experts is the second step.
Environment
We face concerns from the changing climate, including prospects of frequent and severe flooding, decreased potable water and beach erosion. What is your perception of climate change concerns for Cape May County, and how do you envision addressing these concerns?
Gould: Changing climate is a concern for all. Our beaches are vital to the success of our tourism economy and beach erosion should be a concern for the entire county. 
Fifteen to 20 years ago, potable water was one of the biggest issues in the county. Municipalities need to be involved in long-range planning, which could include desalination plants, such as the one in Cape May City. 
If we allow more development in the county, the burden on the water supply needs to be considered. Flooding and beach protection need state and federal agencies to acquire funding to mitigate flooding and beach erosion.
Casey: Being a peninsula makes our county one of the most vulnerable areas in the state as we witness the effects of climate change. Looking at forecast models from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Environmental Protection on future threats to our county, it is imperative that we take immediate steps towards sustainability. 
The county is well-positioned to make this a top priority using the framework of Sustainable Jersey. Established by the College of New Jersey, the N.J. League of Municipalities, the Department of Environmental Protection and the N.J. Board of Public Utilities, the non-profit provides tools, training, and financial assistance to support communities pursuing sustainability programs. 
Of the 16 municipalities in Cape May County, 14 participate in the program, most of which received certifications for their achievements. As a freeholder, I will work with our local green teams and environmental commissions in making Cape May County a showcase for Sustainable Jersey Communities.
Thornton and Hayes: Beach erosion is an ongoing challenge that we have faced here in Cape May County for many years. One of the best solutions for dealing with beach erosion is with geotubes; these tubes provide storm surge protection and erosion control. 
Dredging continues to be a major issue as well; some of our waterways are clogged and there are federal government restrictions that prevent dredging. We also view thin layer marsh spraying as a viable option to restore our marshes. 
Once again, we encounter numerous state and federal restrictions. Our municipalities spend an enormous amount of money addressing these issues and regulations.  
Transportation Infrastructure 
Modern bridges and roads within, and to and from our county, impact our economy and safety. What is your position on this issue? 
Hayes and Thornton: The Cape May County Freeholder Board has a long-term plan in place for handling bridge improvements and maintenance. We have appropriated funds to address the bridges that are aging (some are 70-plus-years-old) and we are aggressively pursuing state and federal money to accomplish these improvements. 
Federal funding is necessary to accomplish these improvements, not just laid as a burden solely on the taxpayers of our county. It is important to recognize that our bridges are exposed to a constant extremely harsh saltwater environment. 
Gould: Modern bridges, is there such an animal as that in the southern end of the county? For example, look at the Middle Thorofare Bridge, from Wildwood Crest to Cape May. 
I’ve been told police officers are instructed to take their seatbelts off when they cross this bridge “just in case.” The need for bridges and new roads is essential to the economic betterment and safety of the county.
Casey: Beyond public safety, our investments in roads and bridges are critical in keeping our tourism economy strong. As the county moves towards bringing together the federal and state government in helping to fund our costly infrastructure, we have to be prudent in our spending on other projects. 
For example, we spent $37 million for a new jail when there were multiple options that would have avoided this extravagant expense. That $37 million would have been a handsome down payment on a bridge rehabilitation program. 
The county also needs better planning with its projects. Local businesses in Avalon and Sea Isle City can attest to their financial losses this year with the closing of the Townsend’s Inlet Bridge during the peak summer season.  
Nepotism 
Recent events have highlighted relationships to family and friends among government officials and staff. Some New Jersey towns have adopted anti-nepotism regulations. Do you perceive such relationships to be a problem? If (re)elected, would you seek to establish regulations to address this issue?
Casey: Nepotism by county officials leads to conflicts of interest and should be prohibited. The family relationships of county employees need to be looked at on a case-by-case basis with specific safeguards put in place to avoid conflicts. 
Merit in compensating, promoting, and hiring county employees must replace the current practice of favoritism based on nepotism and politics. 
Thornton and Hayes: Cape May County has a conflict of interest policy that is already in place. We would support looking at what other New Jersey counties are doing regarding this issue. 
Gould: Nepotism, such a great name for something that has been going on for years in Cape May County. It seems everyone has a relative or friend on the county tax rolls for this election cycle. 
There should be an anti-nepotism policy put into play in the county. My position has always been if they are the most qualified, they should get the job.
Education 
As head of the N.J. Senate, Senate President Steve Sweeney is promoting school consolidation. If doing so would save taxpayer money and improve the quality of the education we offer students, would you support it? Why or why not?
Gould: The prospect of consolidation for the schools is interesting. Any opportunity to save taxpayers’ money while improving the quality of education is a bonus. However, here in our communities, our school system, and our highly valued teachers, they desire to maintain their own identity. 
Consolidation is not for Cape May County; also something everyone should realize that we were all children at some time in our lives and someone paid those school taxes for us.
Casey: I believe all units of government, including schools, should be encouraged to continually explore opportunities to consolidate services that can save taxpayers’ money. Specifically pertaining to schools, I would suggest local districts take a close look at sharing administrative services whenever possible. 
For long-term planning, I think the projected growth or loss of students in individual districts should be a guide in determining potential voluntary consolidation. 
Hayes and Thornton: The decision to consolidate should be left up to the voters in the district. What works for a county in northern New Jersey would not necessarily work for us here; a one-size-fits-all approach would not improve the quality of education offered to students. We believe the decision should be left up to the voters with a referendum vote. 
Why You? 
Why should voters (re)elect you to the county Board of Chosen Freeholders?
Thornton: I serve as a freeholder because I am committed to protecting the county’s citizens, veterans, seniors and families. I have overseen the construction of every senior citizen center in the county. 
Serving the citizens of Cape May County is my full-time job. I am fiscally conservative; Cape May County maintains a very low tax rate – the second lowest in the state. 
We are also facing our county being forced to become a sanctuary county, forbidding our officers to work along with a federal agency to enforce the law. We are currently in discussions with the Attorney General’s Office on this issue. However, we will not permit our county to become a sanctuary county for illegal aliens who have broken the law. 
Gould:  A new set of eyes, someone who likes to get things done, and someone who believes in those around her. If you are fair, honest, and real, we will get things done and make Cape May County “a place for pride.”
Hayes: I will continue to dedicate myself to the success of our county. I am so proud to oversee the Cape May County Tourism Department and the Cape May County Zoo, along with several other great departments. 
The county’s tourism industry generated $6.6 billion in revenues last year (2018) and continues to grow. Our tourism department is a monumental leader in the state. 
Our incredible Park and Zoo was named fifth in the country and 13th in the world and remains one of the nation’s top tourism destinations, and “it’s free.” 
I am a full-time freeholder and am dedicated to serving the citizens of Cape May County. 
I also will not support our county becoming a sanctuary county for illegal aliens who have broken the law and been placed in our county jail with serious criminal charges. I will fight for the safety of our legal citizens of this county. 
Casey: I am an independent voice with fresh ideas and passion to advocate for taxpayers, bring fairness to employees, and elevate the professionalism of county government.