Cherry Hill residents will choose three council members on Election Day, Nov. 7. The Democratic incumbents are Brian Bauerle, Michele Golkow and Jennifer Apell, against Republicans David Lodge, Judi Giacoboni Russo and Stephen T. Heath Jr.
Democrats
Name: Brian Bauerle
Age: 48
How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? 18
Married? Children? Grandchildren? My wife, Kira, and I have been married for 23 years and live in the Knollwood Neighborhood. We have three daughters, one who is 19 years old and in her sophomore year of college and twin daughters who are 17 and seniors at Cherry Hill High School West. All of my daughters went to Kilmer, Carusi and Cherry Hill High School West.
School and degree: York College of Pennsylvania, BA in political science with a concentration in government and a minor in public administration.
Profession: Vice President of a non-profit organization focused on community engagement and resident programs.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat or (Council/Committee/mayor/BOE)? If not, how many years/terms have you served as (Council/Committee/BOE/mayor) person? I’ve served on Council since October 2014 and have been Council Vice President for 4 years.
What is your involvement in the community?
I am a member of the Board of Trustees for the Battleship New Jersey. I am also a longtime Cherry Hill Soccer Club coach, past board member for the Cherry Hill Soccer Club and a supporter of the Cherry Hill High School West Soccer Booster Club. Before serving on Council, I served as Chair of the Cherry Hill Planning Board.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
As a member of Cherry Hill Township Council, I will use my experience working with local organizations and residents to bring people together, foster a shared sense of pride in our town and build strong neighborhoods. I understand how to make government work for the community, and I look forward to working with Dave Fleisher as Mayor and Michele Golkow and Jennifer Apell on Council to ensure fiscal responsibility, protect and preserve open space, invest in public safety and infrastructure, and promote civic engagement so that we can make Cherry Hill an even better place than it is today.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
Infrastructure. Investing in infrastructure is essential to keeping our community — and our economy — strong. As a Council member, I’ll work to pursue an expansive road repair and restoration program to ensure safety and conditions of our roads. I will continue to hold public utility companies accountable for repairs to the roadways they impact. Additionally, I’ll work to upgrade our sewer systems and pump stations in our neighborhoods and will lead the charge in advocating for wireless carriers to improve cellular service throughout the Township.
Name: Michele Golkow
Age: 60
How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? More than 30 years.
Married? Children? Grandchildren? I’ve been married to my husband, Curt, for 35 years and we have two children, ages 31 and 25, who each attended the Cherry Hill public schools.
School and degree: I have a BA degree from the University of Maryland and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Profession Employee benefits attorney with a national law firm.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Council/Committee/mayor/BOE)? If not, how many years/terms have you served as (Council/Committee/BOE/mayor) person?
I’ve served on Council since 2019.
What is your involvement in the community?
I am a member of the Cherry Hill Public Library Board of Trustees, Co-Leader of the Cherry Hill Human Relations Advisory Committee and a former member of the Cherry Hill Planning Board.
I am also a member of the Board of Directors for the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, past president of the Board of Directors for Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Southern New Jersey, and past president of Temple Beth Sholom.
I also volunteer at The Work Group, conducting mock job interviews for at-risk teens, have been involved with the New Jersey chapter of Moms Demand Action, and am a past member of the Board of Directors for Uplift Solutions.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am running for Cherry Hill Township Council because I am committed to standing up for fairness, justice and equality for all and am dedicated to making life better for everyone no matter their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, or ability. My goal is to promote unity, understanding and respect throughout our township. With Dave Fleisher as Mayor and Jennifer Apell and Brian Bauerle on Council, we can ensure Cherry Hill is a community that celebrates its rich diversity and remains a place where all people have opportunities to thrive.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
As a Council member, I’ll concentrate on creating opportunities that raise up all residents and enable all community members to live their best lives. I’ll work to expand programs that promote physical and emotional health and wellness, celebrate arts and culture, and cultivate connectedness. This includes programs for seniors, recreation programs, library programs, human services and the multitude of other programs that make Cherry Hill special. As part of a government that leads with integrity, transparency and civility, I’ll do everything I can to foster a community where all people are treated with respect and dignity.
Name: Jennifer Apell
Age: 55
How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? All my life, with the exception of college, law school and a year after law school.
Married? Children? Grandchildren? My husband, Jeff, and I have three sons who are 24, 22 and 20.
School and degree: Undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and law degree and Masters in Taxation from Villanova University School of Law, Graduate of Cherry Hill High School West.
Profession: Attorney specializing in estate planning and small business advice.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Council/Committee/mayor/BOE)?If not, how many years/terms have you served as (Council/Committee/BOE/mayor) person?
I have been a member of Cherry Hill Township Council since 2020.
What is your involvement in the community?
Prior to joining Council, I served on the Cherry Hill Zoning Board. I’ve also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Planned Parenthood, South Jersey Legal Services, and Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Southern New Jersey, providing pro bono legal advice. I co-chaired the Middle East Institute for the Jewish Community Relations Council and am a member of the Township’s Green Team.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
Now is the time to really move Cherry Hill forward, and that’s why I am running for Township Council. I will work to keep Cherry Hill as one of the most sustainable communities in New Jersey and will continue our efforts to cut greenhouse emissions and reduce our carbon footprint. I’m excited about the opportunity to work alongside my running mates Dave Fleisher for Mayor and Michele Golkow and Brian Bauerle for Council. We will ensure government accountability, lead with integrity and transparency, and be the team that works for all of Cherry Hill.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
Sustainability. As a member of the revitalized Green Team, I’ll work to ensure Cherry Hill remains a leader in municipal sustainability. I’m committed to advancing initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions and protecting the planet, including facilitating the installation of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the Township and working to “green” the Township’s fleet of vehicles. I’m also committed to continuing investments in open space, which have been instrumental in saving sites such as the Kingston Swim Club property, Woodcrest Country Club, Springhouse Farm, the Masonic Lodge, the Brunetti tract in the Colwick neighborhood and most recently Holly Ravine Farm.
Republicans
Name: David Lodge
Age: Old enough, with years of acquired wisdom.
How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? I’ve lived in Cherry Hill for the past 13 years, although I have been a resident of New Jersey for over 40 years.
Married? Children? Grandchildren? I have children, each born here in New Jersey, and I have grandchildren. I am divorced, and happily engaged to my beautiful Carol.
School and degree: I am a high school graduate and a graduate of US Army Advanced Electronics, and I served two tours in Vietnam as a US Army Communications Security Specialist where I had a security clearance. I hold several professional certificates in various Telecommunications areas, and also in Computer & Network System Administration, and I attended the George Meany School of Organized Labor. I also have two college level courses in Accounting.
Profession: I am retired, but I was primarily a Telecommunications Technician with IT specialties, and I was the Secretary-and-Treasurer of a nationwide CWA union Local where I was also engaged in Labor Contract negotiations for several years intermingled with my career.
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Council/Committee/mayor/BOE)? No
If not, how many years/terms have you served as (Council/Committee/BOE/mayor) person? My first run for Cherry Hill Councilman was in 2021.
What is your involvement in the community?
Here in Cherry Hill, occasionally speaking out at Town Council Meetings, at Town Hall Meetings, and at Board of Education meetings. However, prior to moving to Cherry Hill, I worked hand in hand with Catholic Charities to help those less fortunate with my various skills in handyman level residential repairs in all facets of building specialties and using my truck in relocating those who weren’t able to afford relocation on their own. And on that fateful day of September 11, 2001 (9-11) I was hand-picked to assist the NJ State Police at their West Trenton Command Center.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
Patriotism! I owe it to my country to get involved. I fly Old Glory every day, weather permitting, but our country is under siege from the president on down the chain of Democrat politicians while they enlist their abuse of power and authority from many agencies with 3-letter initials (FBI, DHS, IRS, DOJ, etc) to “cancel” patriotic law-abiding citizens, and it’s time to have someone on the Town Council with the boldness and courage to push back.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
I have two equally important areas: parental rights and taxes.
Name: Judi Giacoboni Russo
Age: 59
How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? Born and raised here. Lived here 59 years
Married? Children? Grandchildren? Widowed , 1 son Zack, 36years
School and degree: Went through the Cherry Hill school system graduated from Cherry Hill West. Went to Camden County College and graduated as an animal technician.
Profession: Animal Technician
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Council/Committee/mayor/BOE)? First time
What is your involvement in the community? Helped animal rescue groups, involved in making Cherry Hill better.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I have lived here my entire life and can see the decline that is happening to Cherry Hill from a 46 year one party rule. It is time for new blood to step up and make the change Cherry Hill not only needs, but deserve.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
A New Cherry Hill will bring changes starting with audits to where money is going through Taxes. Stopping the gender identification and pornographic sex education to children. I’d like to start with both of the above topics. They are both in desperate need of revamping.
Name: Stephen T Heath Jr.
Age: 35
How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? 13 years
Married? Children? Grandchildren? I am married and a step father to an awesome 12 year old boy named Michael
School and degree: Atlantic Cape Community college, Culinary arts
Profession: Business owner- Pest Assured
Is this the first time you have run for a seat for (Council/Committee/mayor/BOE)? Yes this is my first experience
What is your involvement in the community? I serve my community with the business I own. I also support and donate to multiple domestic violence charities. I like to spend weekends cleaning up trash around our lakes. I am in service to my elderly neighbors and neighbors who are not as fortunate as I am.
Why are you running for an elected seat? I am running for town council because I see the decline due to one party rule. It’s time to have a more balanced government where everyone’s issues will be heard. I was born disabled and was unable to serve my country. So why not serve my neighbors!!
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? Honest communication, transparency, aging infrastructure, and the rights of Everyone in this town. Including our parents and children.
