Q&A with Steve Sweeny

Now that the Fall semester is in its final stretch, I only have a few more post remaining. Which also means that this is my last Q&A. So I went big. I went for the guy who runs it all, I went for Gloucester County Freeholder and West Deptford resident Stephen Sweeny. I was very honored that he sat down with me and I feel like we had a solid discussion. This interview wasnt as long as my previous ones, but that was because he was busy, but still,  he was able to give me a good ten minutes of his time and I greatly appreciate it.

Q. What was your motivation for getting into politics?

A. I had a daughter who was born with down syndrome, and I started to realize how different your treated at the point and I didn’t like it.  So at that point I decided to get involved, and I hoped that it would change the way people look at you, or even, how they treat you. My plan is that nobody should have to go through that, the unfair treatment. It isn’t right.

Q. What has been your proudest accomplishment through your political career?

A. Wow. Well there have been a lot of things that I’ve been proud of. I feel like I was able to change a lot for the better, and help other people throughout the years. But I guess one thing I’m most proud of is family pass and pay.  It has to do with family leave. So basically, for the people who don’t know, pass and pay is that a person can take off up tp six weeks to care for a loved one, you don’t lose your job or anything. It is a program that when you take the time off, you still get up to 524 dollars in pay. That has to be the thing I get a lot of feedback on. And the whole concept, I feel has helped take us a long way as a county.

Q. There has been a lot of speculation about you possibly running for governor of New Jersey.Is there any truth to that?

A. Well…thats an option. If not governor, I would also like to be president of the State Senate. Which is second most powerful seat in the state.  But then again, if I don’t run for governor, I may try for U.S. State Senator of New Jersey. As of right now, all these things are options and are plans for the distant future, as of now, I still have work to do.

Q. When you started, did you ever see yourself getting this far?

A. No. Not at all, but you just got to work hard, put your time in, and sometimes these things take care of themselves. Sometimes you just put your time in, be willing to go the extra step, and things work out for you. And if they don’t, you still have to work hard because life may take you in a different direction.

Q. How does the Gloucester County plan to work with Governor Chris Christie?

A. The way we should; cooperatively. We have to work towards a common goal, and at this point, is the best thing to do for the county residents. I think it should be fine though, I get along with Christie, I’m more of a fiscal conservative. I think we will be ok, and I think the county will move in the right direction.

Q. What do you see for the future of West Deptford?

A. I see a lot of opportunity here, and it just depends on the economy if the opportunities get fulfilled or not. One big opportunity is the hotel which would be located down by RiverWinds. Those talks are still up in the air, but there is also, and a lot of people don’t know about this, but we are excited about the possibility of a ferry birth. What that is, is if the hotel gets built we talked about a possible ferry that would be docked right in front of the hotel and it would link from the hotel to the Philly airport. And if things workout real well, we talked about linking the ferry to the Camden Waterfront, and Pennslanding, which will link four major areas together (West Deptford, Camden, Pennslanding, and Philly international).

At this point, West Deptford is no different then any other town in New Jersey, in that the national economy has taken its toll and is effecting small towns and we really just have to grow and work to get out of this. It’s not going to happen over night, and it’s not going to last forever.

Thanks to Mr. Sweeny for taking the time to sit and talk while also providing me with a lot of good information and for really opening up.

Eagles lose in a heartbreaker

Friday night, in front of a somewhat bland and non energetic crowd, the number two ranked West Deptford Eagles lost in the final seconds to the Haddonfield Bulldawgs 15-13.

As a result, the Eagles were bumped out of the playoffs and had their championship dreams thwarted. The offensive and defensive lines looked out of character and were not as stellar as shown in previous games.  Running back Jimmy Owens managed to do all he could dispite constant pressure and little blocking in front of him.

The Eagles will play one more game Saturday morning in what has become a tradition in West Deptford. The annual Thanksgiving game against the Paulsboro Red Raiders.

You can read the full game story about last nights defeat.

Mapping it out

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RiverWinds Blackout

 

On Friday November 13, RiverWinds Community Center blacked out. The sudden scare left members in the dark. Excuse the pun. Anyway, for those involved it turned in to quite a bizarre and freaky Friday the 13th.

It has been stated that the cause of the blackout was the result of a drunk driver who hit a pole on Crown Point Road, which sent the entire road black.

Because the Community Center did not have a backup generator the building remained pitch black for at least an hour, causing the building to close at 9pm instead of its usual 10pm scheduled time. At the time of the power outage, members were both swimming and exercising in the gym, when after the power went down, members were escorted out by staff members and what little light available.

A police officer told me that there was nobody else in the car, other then the driver, and he was not sure where the alledeged drunk driver was coming from, or what bar he was drinking.

Q&A: Nick Brandemarti Sr.

 

For every parent in the world, the worst feeling is losing a child. unfortunately, on September 11, 2001. many people had that unlikely feeling. Children lost parents, nephews lost aunts and uncles, sisters lost brothers, brothers lost sisters, and parents lost children. While most parents found a way to honor their son, one South Jersey father is honoring him while allowing others to achieve their dreams.

This week I sat down with Nick Brandemarti Sr. A father of three, who has lived in the town for many years and has seen the beauty of a community. But behind those eyes is a pain that is unlike anything we can ever know.

Q. Tell me about the Nick Brandemarti Foundation?                                                                                                                                                                        

A. It was started in the memory of my son who was killed on 9/11. Basically, the purpose of the foundation is to help support high school kids who are graduating with high scholastic and athletic abilities.  Every year, we give away $1000 to a male and a female in all Gloucester County High Schools.

Q. What made you decide to start it?

A. It started because, well, I was approached by some community members and friends, who felt that because of Nicky’s reputation, that an event like this would be a way of setting up a charity, that would be very supportive to the community. And it was something that Nicky would of wanted. He was very caring, and giving and by doing this in his name, it represents what my son was all about. Now it has boomed into this big thing and we hope to keep his memory alive by doing this.

Q. How has it grown since the first year to this year?

A. Well, we’ve been doing this for 7 years, and we have generated over 500,000 dollars. We are gaining more and more sponsors every year and is growing into a big time thing that we became very proud of. I don’t remember all of our sponsors, but there will be an ad on Thanksgiving that will list all of our sponsors. But they are great, and we are truly appreciative of them and their support.

Q. What has been the reaction from some of the students who have received the scholarship?

A. Well, they have been great. Some have gone on to some great schools. Some of the recipients were Anthony Scirrotto, Kordell Young, both athletes played at some great schools and had successful athletic careers, so it makes us proud to see what they have accomplished. But its also an honor that this year Nicky will be inducted into the South Jersey Hall of Fame.

Q. How has the community supported your family?

A. They really did a lot for me and my family. They dedicated the football field at RiverWinds in his name(“Nick Brandemarti Field”) and they also have a memorial out there too, which really shows a sense of caring. Local newspapers like the Gloucester County Times and Courier Post continually write stories about the events we take part in. Like for example, we also take part in an event called “Operation Call Home” in which we purchase phone cards so Marines that are involved in the Middle East can call home without the money coming out of their personal finance.

    We also give to the police academy, we actually have a scholarship with them as well. But we also take part in other charitable events for West Deptford kids.

Q. What do you hope to achieve from all of this?

A. My overall goal is to give to as many needy causes that I can, that falls within the realm of academics and/or September 11th. So basically, what I mean by that is we try to give to schools or we have even given scholarships to military families.

    Now, it’s not that I have anything against other organizations, it’s just that this is what we know. I am in favor of all charities and organizations, but we try to focus on those effected by 9/11, military families, or academics.

Q. What are some celebrities that have taken part in this?

A. Yogi Berra, Brent Celek, Stewart Bradley, AJ Feely and Ron Jaworski.

Q. You have held it at Westwood Golf Course, and the RiverWinds Golf Course, is there a certain place you have in mind for this year?

A. We hope to have a chicken Bar-B-Q held at Riverwinds. We think it’s possible considering that this year given the tough economy we managed to have around 300 people show up. And what really made it great was that Nicky’s old college football teammates from Fordham made it out to play in the tournament. Thirty-two former players, if I’m not mistaken, so that was really an honor, and a fun afternoon.

    We also received a letter of acknowledgement from Governor Corzine.

Now for anyone interested in donating can visit the Nick Brandemarti Website.

     I want to thank Mr. Brandemarti for taking the time to sit with me and discussing his story as well as his organization.

 

Local Hero

Photo courtesy of CNN.com

By now, you read stories, seen documentaries, and saw horrific photos. September 11, 2001, was a nightmare in this country’s history. People remember where they were, who they were with, and their first thoughts when seeing the black smoke drift into the morning sky.

When living in a small town, you often live in the shadows of legends, or hero’s. Those who have made such an impact on the town, you will forever see photos, or hear their names mentioned.

Well for me, I never realized how much one person made such an impact on a town, more then Nick Brandemarti. I didn’t know Nick, and I feel like I was one of the unfortunate ones. But attending West Deptford High School, I was surrounded by his legacy. From teachers, former students, and athletics. By the end you almost felt like you knew him.

He was loved by all who knew him, and even by those who didn’t know him. “He was always smiling,” said West Deptford Police Officer Sean McKenna. “He was never in a bad mood.”

Brandemarti set the school record for most rushing yards in a game (347), and rumor has it, that record will most likely stay for a while, because West Deptford High football coach Clyde Folsom has allegedly stated that if anyone gets close to breaking the record, he will get taken out.

“The kid was a horse,” said McKenna, remembering him as an athlete. “He was a powerful running back, and just barrel kids over.”

The days after 9/11 when the country was still at a lose for words, the feeling in West Deptford was no different. People wondered what was going on, who was responsible, and: did anyone hear from Nick?

This week in my Q&A. I will sit down with Nick Brandemarti senior. It is my honor to talk with him, and I’m truly interested to hear his story.

In an article on the Courier Post Website, the story of the Brandemarti family is chronicled and describes what Nick meant to the community, his family, and those who knew him.

Livin in the future…

Well I’m halfway through the fall semester and I’m happy about the progress of this blog. At this point I have done a few Q&A’s with prominent West Deptford figures and I hope to keep it going. Also, now that the holidays are right around the corner, look for several holiday related post.

Also coming in future weeks is a restaurant review of the new Riverwinds restaurant, as well as an inside look into West Deptford Little Theater. At this point I’m working on a possible sideline pass with the West Deptford Eagles Football team as they get set for another playoff run.

And once again, if you would like an event covered, or a person interviewed, give me an email and I will do my best. 

           Keep reading and I’ll keep writing.

West Deptford Fire=Gas Leak

Fortunatly everyone is safe and sound after a scare evacuated residents of Heather Ridge Apartments.

According to a report by Gloucester County Times reporter Lucas Murray police responded to a call that a flame was coming out of the ground near the apartment complex “B” that was the result of a gas main.

South Jersey Gas responded to the call and was sent out to the scene and cut off flow to the main.

This is a picture of a typical apartment building in Heather Ridge, taken from their website heatherridgeapts.net

 

Q&A With Hugh Garrison

This weeks Q&A, I sit down with Township Committeeman Hugh Garrison. Hugh has been in town a long time and has seen his share of ups and downs. He and his family has been involved in the town through work, sports and school. I was honored to talk to him a day after the election to get a taste for his plans and the committee’s plans now the NJ has a new governor. 

Thanks to westdeptford.com for the picture

     Q.    What does a committee person do?

     A.      Well different towns have different committees. So in our town we (the committee) elect a mayor.  Each committee person has a department that they’re responsible for. So my department is park and rec. I’m basically in charge of all the baseball fields, softball fields, etc. The guy who works under me is Greg Leigh, we have different situations and so if there’s any problems with the fields it gets brought to the township administrator and, then we vote on things to get passed.

     Q.   What’s a common misconception about your job?

     A.   Honestly, people think we get everything for free. People think that this job,  you get all these perks. No. Not at all, everyone is keeping an eye out on you, so you always have to keep your guard up. You constantly have to watch everything you say. Whenever people see you, or talk to you, they’re always asking ‘What do you think about this’ or ‘How about this person or that person?’ And you have to watch it because people will run with it.  Being on the town committee you have to watch everything you say, and you’re in the public eye 24/7.  

    Q.  Speaking of watching what you say, how do you feel about the infamous West Deptford forum on NJ.com?

    A. Its all a mess. Basically, anyone can hide behind a name, because we have no     way of finding out who it is, so people can say anything they want. Basically, NJ.com is the worst. It’s like being in an Internet chat room where people can say anything. It’s funny because when ever I’m out and people will ask if I read what was said on the forum, I just say no, because I don’t even bother with it. I don’t give them the benefit of the doubt.

    Q.  What are the hardest decisions that come with your job?

    A.  The hardest part has to be discussing payroll, and budget. You don’t want to hurt people or take away their services. Decisions like that can alter a person, a family. And it could take quite a few meetings before a budget is totally settled.  On the committee were all friends but the meetings can get a little feisty, because we’re all screaming at each other because we all have our opinions. So it takes away time but in the end we feel we make the right decisions.

     Q.  What goals do you hope to reach with the mayor’s re-election?

     A. We basically hope to keep taxes lower. We also want to focus on keeping seniors happy, but also we have to make sure youth and veterans organizations are where they should be.  Those three things are big parts of the town, so we have to make sure they’re happy, since their such a big piece of our town and how it runs.

We make sure we dedicate a good amount of time to youth sports because it really is a good way for kids to make sure they stay out of trouble. I mean remember, I’m sure you played sports, what happened if you didn’t? You’d find something else to do that would probably be wrong. Obviously, kids are going to get in trouble, but the key is to minimize the trouble they get in. That’s why we dedicate so much time to youth sports and really has paid off.

   Q.  Whose responsible for deciding taxes in West Deptford?

   A.  The taxes are decided by the county operating budget. Then there’s circulating taxes, which 75 percent of the townships taxes go to the school boards. A lot of people don’t know that, but the school system is what we make sure gets a lot of the money. Making sure teachers are well paid, and students have enough resources to make them successful in their futures.

  Q.  How does the town plan to work with new Governor Christie, in order to resolve some of the town’s issues?

   A.  It’s more a question if he’s going to work with us.  In the past we never worked close with Corzine, because that’s the county’s job. The county gets the money and sends it down to the towns, i.e. West Deptford, Deptford, Woodbury, etc.  But where the state is now, its important for both sides to work together and really, help each other. You have to be here for the whole state and not just the party. Those party lines have to go away after election time.  Republicans, Democrats, left, right, whatever, we all have to work together and help the state to get back on its feet.

    For the town you have to really decide if what your doing is right. And when you talk about a town, or the people in it, you really have to help everyone in the town. You really have to learn how to divide these party lines.

 

Anna Docimo remains the leader

Thanks to West Deptford website

     For West Deptford Township incumbent Mayor Anna Docimo reclaimed her title last night with a stellar win on election night. 

   With a mere 53 percent of the vote, Mayor Docimo reclaimed her leadership role and continued her promise of continuing to make West Deptford a great place to live. The final totals were 53 to 47 percent, with Krawitz making it alot closer then predicted. 

   As mayor, Docimo received alot of harsh criticism on the West Deptford Forum about how she hasn’t lived up to some of her promises in the past, but there is no doubt that better days are around the corner. Yet, as election day approached more and more voters found themselves voting for her as mayor.

   “She’s the best candidate,” said a township resident who asked to not be identified. “Things are tough all over the country right now. Eventually, the problems will hit home.” 

  Meanwhile, in the gubernatorial race, with the winner being Chris Christie, election results showed that Christie won Gloucester County with 48 percent of the votes. Corzine pulled in 43 percent, while Independent nominee Chris Daggett received 8 percent.

   According to sources, Democratic Freeholder Steve Sweeny could be making a run for governor in 4 years…