The Burlington County Clerk’s Office certified election results on Nov. 22.
Voters in Bordentown Township and Bordentown City went to the polls on Nov. 7 and elected members of the governing body.
Bordentown Township Committee
Two Democratic incumbents ran in an uncontested race for the two, three-year seats on the Bordentown Township Committee.
Aneka Miller received 1,600 votes and William H. (Bill) Grayson garnered 1,578 votes. There were 62 personal choice votes.
Ahead of the general election, we asked candidates why they were running for an elected seat and what they would like to concentrate on as an elected official.
Aneka Miller will begin her second term when the committee reorganizes in January.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
Oftentimes, I watch the news and wonder what impact could I possibly have in this world, with so much happening. Serving the community in this capacity is my way of contributing…of giving back. My awareness of my intersectionality, allows me to better acknowledge the world from a macro and micro-perspective and grounds me to understand our differences and commonalities in such a diverse community. For this reason, I am a willing listener and want to make fair decisions on behalf of the whole community.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
The Route 130 and Dunns Mill Road/Washington Street intersection has been the bane of my existence, while living in Bordentown. A delayed, left-turn signal for turns onto Route 130North/South is long-overdue, at this intersection. Working with the NJDOT (New Jersey Department of Transportation) is critical and requires painstaking diligence to successfully install the required left-turn signal lights, but it is so very important to the lives in our community and for the safety of all drivers who cross this path.
William H. (Bill) Grayson will begin his first elected term when the committee reorganizes in January. He currently serves as an appointed member of the Township Committee. He was appointed in January to fill the vacancy that was created when then Committeeman James Kostoplis was elected Burlington County Sheriff.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
First, because I am a believer in representative democracy, and I believe that democracy works best when we all get involved. Second, there is an ethos of public service and volunteerism in my family, passed down over generations. Third, I have always been a government geek. I could tell you the names of heads of state and Supreme Court justices when I was still in elementary school. I honestly find the workings of government interesting! Finally, folks tell me that I am level-headed, and I’m also a very good listener, qualities that are required of a public official.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
If I must choose just one area of focus, then I will say that I want to increase citizen participation in our government. Bordentown Township has a diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints. I would like everyone to have a chance to make their voice heard. To that end, the township is investigating new ways to communicate with residents, using for example, mobile apps. An informed citizenry is an empowered citizenry. Increasing participation in government is never an easy or simple task, but the reward to me is worth the work.