Three Middle Candidates Vie for Seat

COURT HOUSE — In Middle Township, three candidates are running for one seat on the governing body.
Incumbent Democrat Stephen Barry is being challenged by Republican Daniel Lockwood and Independent Burgess “Butch” Hamer.
Steve Barry
Barry was elected to township committee in 2006 defeating Republican Matthew Buesing by about 600 votes — 3,151 to 2,546.
Barry is running on his record noting that the township offers high quality services, stable tax rate and an excellent police force.
He claimed responsibility for the increased transparency residents have seen in local government including extra meetings during budget season, open forum at the beginning of the meetings to address agenda items, increased number of reports available to the public on the township Web site.
Barry said over the past three years he’s also been a big part of the township’s Plan Endorsement project, which involved creating new zoning and environmental ordinances, reaching agreement with the DEP on “center” boundaries for future development, and struggling with COAH regulations.
Barry grew up in Dennis Township, one of nine children. He graduated from Middle Township High School, Haverford College and Catholic University of America law school before becoming an attorney. Barry’s law practice, in Wildwood, involves mostly civil litigation.
Barry and his wife of 25 years Suzanne live in Dias Creek. They have two children, Oliver and Ruby, who are full-time college students.
“To me, public office is a trust. My duty is to act at all times in the public interest as I am able to understand it, and to anticipate future needs,” Barry said. “I give no consideration to claims of persons or party that run counter to what is best for the public interest. I pledge to keep that as my polestar in deciding on issues in township governance.”
Dan Lockwood
This election is Lockwood’s second try at a seat on township committee. Last year he lost a close race, less than 100 votes, to Mayor F. Nathan Doughty.
According to Lockwood’s Web site, his campaign issues are:
• Improved management of development with residents and taxpayers in mind.
• Control spending to reduce the tax burden to township residents.
• Reduction of waste through an intensive zero based budget process will be a much-needed start to protecting our community for current and future residents (our children) who are at risk of being taxed out of the homes they own.
• Open government that tries to include residents in the decisions and activities of the committee creating a more accessible and less exclusive administration free from partisan interests.
Lockwood has been a resident of the county since 1979 and of the township since 1994. He attended Lower Cape May Regional High School, Atlantic Community College and Rowan University, where he studied accounting.
Lockwood is the owner of a landscaping and home improvement contracting company. He is the former general manager and CFO of Driftwood Camping Resort. Lockwood is a licensed contractor and real estate agent.
Lockwood is president of the township Republican Club and treasurer of the township Chamber of Commerce.
Lockwood and his wife Sylvia have two children — Megan and Danielle. The family lives in Court House.
“Middle Township is a fantastic place to live, but I believe we need to work together to ensure it remains this way,” Lockwood said. “We need to look at the decisions that are made, critique them, discuss them and be sure that they are in the best interest of the people that they affect most.”
Burgess “Butch” Hamer
Hamer’s campaign slogan is “Respect One Another.”
Hamer said he wants to get elected officials to work together to stabilize taxes and balance the concerns of all sections of the township. Hamer also said public safety is a big concern of his. He’s concerned that recent police retirees, such as himself, are not being replaced.
He said committee should try to bring big industry and good jobs to the township.
“Affordable housing is the American dream,” he said.
“Middle Township needs good roads, traffic controls, sewer and water…better transportation so that children and seniors can use the recreational facilities.”
Hamer is the owner of the Hamer School of Karate.
Hamer is a two-term member of the Middle Township Board of Education, president of the local AARP chapter and a retired township police officer.
Hamer, whose children are fourth-generation township residents, served as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. Hamer is a board member of the county Healthy Community Coalition, and member of the American Legion, Middle Taxpayers Association and Mt. Olive Baptist Church.
“You, the voter, deserve a new elected representative that can take Middle Township in a new direction,” he said. He noted that he has a “wider variety of experience within the township than the other candidates” and because he’s retired, he has time to devote to the job.
Hamer warns that anyone caught stealing his campaign signs from private property will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com