Middle Candidates Debate, Address Chamber

VIDEO: Middle Township Committee Candidates Susan DeLanzo and Mike Voll took part in a live radio debate hosted by 98.7 The Coast and the Cape May County Herald. Denis Brown, of the Coast, moderated the debate and alternated questions with the Herald’s Joe Hart.
SWAINTON — Over the last several days, Middle Township Committee candidates Michael Voll, former mayor, and Susan Atkinson DeLanzo, current mayor, have had several opportunities to talk about the issues facing township residents during this election season.
On Tue., Oct. 26, the two met in the Rio Grande studio of 98.7 The Coast for a debate moderated by The Coast’s Denis Brown and this reporter from the Herald.
The candidates set aside personal attacks that were a major part of their campaigns and focused on the issues raised in the questions.
(Click on the related media above for a sample of the debate, which was edited for size.)
The candidates also met on Thur., Oct. 28 at the Middle Township Chamber of Commerce Candidate Breakfast at the Sand Barrens Golf Club. They talked about their accomplishments in office and why they were seeking the votes of Middle Township residents.
The candidates’ initial comments, however, were focused on a discussion regarding a township mercantile license, an idea that’s not very popular in the business community.
Voll is running on his 18 years of service on Township Committee. He promised to put the people of the township first, not a political party.
Voll claimed that DeLanzo’s campaign manager Bob Noel used his position as the Chamber president to do “politicking” with members. Voll said Noel twisted his words to suggest that he was in favor of a mercantile license.
Voll assured Chamber members that he was not in favor of the measure.
“I promise you today that I’m not for a mercantile license. That’s the last thing I’d ever want to do,” he said. “Yes, these are tough economic times and yes, next year we’re going to have to make some tough decisions, but we’re not going to do it on your back.”
He said he thinks if the township considers licensing, the Chamber should be included in any discussion on the measure.
“You should have a seat at the table to help craft the legislation,” he said.
In her remarks, DeLanzo noted her 38 years in the township and long association with the Chamber.
She said that she is willing to make tough decision and showed she has made sacrifices by ending benefits for part time employees like herself. Since becoming the township’s first female mayor in January, DeLanzo said she has faced some tough challenges including sever storms and damages as well as a steep reduction in state aid.
Regarding mercantile “taxes,” DeLanzo assured the business people that she was against the idea.
In her research, DeLanzo said she learned that “before you can charge a tax, you have to provide a service.” In Lower Township, the municipality provides trash removal for businesses, she said.