Middle GOP: We Like Ike For Township Committee

COURT HOUSE – Meeting at the Old County Court House March 27, the Middle Township Regular Republican Organization overwhelmingly voted to endorse Theron “Ike” Gandy as their candidate for Middle Township Committee in 2018. 
“We’re excited to have Ike Gandy as our candidate,” Middle Township Republican Leader Joe Ravitz said, “Ike shares our commitment to lower taxes and smarter, more open government in Middle Township. Ike will be a great partner with Tim Donohue on Township Committee.”
Ike Gandy is a lifelong resident of Middle Township and his family ties to the community go back several generations. He attended Middle Township Schools, going on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Network and Communications Management. Gandy operated his own construction business for several years and now serves as a Foreman in Carpenters Union Local 255. He resides in Swainton, with his wife, Maren (a school teacher) and son, Ty.
“I love Middle Township and want to help make it the best it can be for my family and every family that lives here,” Gandy said. “I’ve paid attention these last several years and I was happy to see the direction the town was moving, under Republican leadership. Taxes were flat for five years and government services were improving. The town had strong leadership. Bold, new ideas and initiatives were being put forward. Just as importantly, our residents were treated fairly and equally. The good old boy politics was forced out of Town Hall. We need to get Middle Township back on that track.”
In 2016-2017, Ike led the efforts of the Carpenters Union, to support Republican candidates in Middle Township.
“I was proud to knock on doors for Tim Donohue and Dan Lockwood. I got to know them both and have great respect for the passion and vision they bring to their efforts to build a better Middle Township. As a member of the Carpenters Union, I’ve knocked on doors for many candidates in many towns. But knocking on doors in Middle Township is very personal and important to me. This is my hometown and so many folks I talk to believe we can do better. They see taxes rising quickly again and the good old boy politics of the past returning to Town Hall. I feel it is my time to step up and do my part.”
Gandy laid out a clear list of priorities he would focus on, if elected in Nov.:
1. Our goal every year should be a zero tax increase. The Republicans did it before for five straight years. It takes hard work and tough decisions. I pledge to do that work and make those tough decisions.
2. I believe we should expand the size of our governing body and consider changing our form of government to allow for more public engagement and participation in a town of close to 20,000 people.
3. I believe we have to commit to an all out effort to create responsible economic development that gives real hope to our working class families for a better future.
4. I believe we must take a regional approach with the county, the state and our neighboring towns to once and for all commit the energy and resources to seriously tackle the terrible opiod addiction crisis; a crisis that leads to other serious problems like homelessness and crime in Middle Township. We must act now to improve the quality of life for all of our residents, especially the most vulnerable among us.
5. I believe that with the beauty of our bays and open spaces, our budding oyster industry and new businesses like breweries, distilleries and wineries, there is no reason that Middle Township should not be getting it’s fair share of the billions in tourist dollars that pass thru Cape May County each year. We need to embrace that new image and brand our community as a great place to visit and come back to again and again.
6. I believe Tim Donohue should be our Mayor again and I will be honored to serve beside him to build a better Middle Township.
Gandy called on all Middle Township voters who share his goals and vision to join in supporting his campaign.
“No one can do this work on their own” Gandy told supporters. “With the support of my friends and family, I’m ready to get to work. I’m asking for your support from now to Election Day and beyond. Together we can get Middle Township back on the right track and build a better future!”