Two Democratic incumbents, Laura Craig Cloud, who is seeking her second term, and Jessica S. O’Connor, who is seeking her first elected term, will face Republican challenger Kevin O’Neill. He is seeking a first elected term, for the two, three-year seats open in the general election on Nov. 7.
No petition was filed for the second Republican seat available during the June primary.
Democrats
Name: Laura Craig Cloud
Age: 45
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? 10
Married? Children? Grandchildren? Married to Mike
School and degree: Susquehanna University, bachelor’s degree in biology and University of Maryland-College Park, doctoral degree in ecology
Profession: Director of Water Resources at a regional, multidisciplinary engineering firm.
Elected Office: I was appointed to council in January 2020 and was elected to my first full term in November 2020.
Community involvement: Aside from serving on Borough Council, I also serve on the Land Use board and lead Palmyra’s Green Team. I try to volunteer for or otherwise support events in the community, including Porch Wal-k, Trunk or Treat, river cleanups, and others. I have also assisted local groups, including PHSFEE (Palmyra High School Foundation for Educational Excellence) to secure grant funding.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I understand how important it is to have elected officials with the character and skills necessary to be effective leaders. I consider myself to be objective, empathetic, and open to ideas; these traits have allowed me to understand the wants and concerns of the community. I also have extensive experience in project and budget management, strategic planning, policy, fundraising, and public engagement, all of which have helped me to better serve Palmyra as a councilperson.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
If elected, my top priority would be working in the best interest of Palmyra and not pushing my own agenda. I will advocate strongly for what will broadly benefit the community – for example, enhanced public safety, thoughtful redevelopment, and improvements to the downtown business district. I will continue to speak up when I disagree with my colleagues on council and try to share a different perspective when possible. I will continue to be transparent, open, and honest in my service to this town.
Name: Jessica S. O’Connor
Age: 41
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? 8 years
Married? Children? Grandchildren? I’m married and our son will be 4 in November.
School and degree – Bachelor’s degree in information systems, Strayer University; masters of professional studies, George Washington University; Juris Doctorate, Rutgers University School of Law Camden
Profession: Attorney
Elected Office: I’m currently filling an unexpired term. I was appointed to Borough Council in February 2023.
Community involvement: I served on the Palmyra Land Use board from 2019 until I was appointed to council in 2023.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
I am running for Borough Council so I can put the unique skills I’ve gained as an attorney and former United States marine to work for the residents and help continue the positive progress that the current administration has made in bringing trash removal back in-house, managing stormwater runoff, improving our roads, and attracting redevelopers to Palmyra.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
One area I would concentrate on if elected is improvement to Palmyra’s bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Palmyra is a walking school district and the safety of children walking and biking to school is paramount. Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements make roads safer for vulnerable road users and vehicles, help to reduce crashes, connect residents with public transportation, and provide recreational opportunities for all residents to enjoy. Walkable and bikeable towns are vibrant towns!
Republican
Name: Kevin O’Neill
Age: 66
How many years have you lived in Palmyra? 8 years
Married? Children? Grandchildren? Married for 44 years, raised four sons and raising three grandchildren.
School and degree: High school – Penn Center, Chi Institute for Electrical Boiler School of New Jersey, black seal.
Profession: Retired building engineer
Elected Office: Seeking first elected seat.
Community involvement: Fourth degree with the Knights of Columbus.
Why are you running for an elected seat?
To help my neighbors.
What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?
Accountability, and just plain common sense.
Polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 7.
