Democratic Mayor Gina Ragomo Tait (right), who is seeking her second term, will face former mayor and Republican challenger Michelle Arnold for a four-year mayoral position in the election on Nov. 7.
Name: Gina Ragomo Tait
Age: 60 years old
Married? Children? Grandchildren?
I have been married for 29 years and have three children 26, 24, 21
School and degree: Graduated from Glassboro State in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in law and justice.
Elected office: I am running for my second term as mayor, have also been on Borough Council for seven years.
Community Involvement: I started out when my children were in grade school with the PTA (parent teacher association) doing fitness day for nine years and started a homework club called the Write Direction. I was a co-president of the Palmyra soccer boosters for nine years. I was one of the first members of the community center programming board and bringing back the Palmyra Halloween Parade Committee.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I have always been involved within the community and feel that I have more to give and to help our residents.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
The area that has taken a lot of our time is the redevelopment area of Route 73 and I would like to carry on to make it the best it can be.
Name: Michelle Arnold
Age: 66
How many years have you lived in Palmyra?: 38
Married? Children? Grandchildren?
I am married with one daughter and two grandsons.
School and degree: Graduate of Cinnaminson High School. I have an associates degree in Business Management Technology. I am also a Licensed Real Estate Broker and a certified mediator.
Profession: Local Real Estate Professional
Elected office: I am the former mayor seeking another term.
Community Involvement: I am a member of the Palmyra Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and one of the infamous “hoagie ladies.” I am also active with the Palmyra Seniors. I am a volunteer at the Burlington County Animal Shelter. I am an active member of the NFWL, National Association of Women Legislators. I stay connected to the community by attending local churches, businesses and a variety of events. I am a founding member of the Dr. Clarence B. Jones Institute for Social Advocacy. As the former mayor, I was instrumental in many improvement projects throughout the borough including two parks, redevelopment areas, the Palmyra Mural, three Habitat for Humanity homes, revitalizing vacant properties, and more.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am running to bring common sense back to Borough Hall. Looking back over the past four years and lamenting over the decline of the borough, I was asked by residents to run for mayor. There have been no new projects or improvements since I was in office, all of the current projects were launched when I was the mayor. Palmyra is a great town and deserves a leader who is connected to the community, who cares about everyone and respects everyone’s opinion. I have and will continue to represent everyone, not just select individuals. I will bring fiscal responsibility, transparency and improvements to Palmyra.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
Many things need immediate attention. Among these are safety, boom music, business development, tax relief, restoring community events, opening the Community Center, supporting the police, fire department and EMS (emergency medical service), road repair, fiscal responsibility/accountability, I could go on and on. Defunding the police department, failing to provide essential equipment and failing to promote a police chief (we still don’t have a chief), has resulted in increased crime that is affecting our residents, businesses and property values. This is inexcusable, public safety is paramount and the current administration is failing miserably. I will make safety my primary focus and concern.
Polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 7.
