Meet The Gloucester Township Council Candidate: Natalie Rivera

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — At least six candidates will run for three open seats on Gloucester Township Council in this fall's general elections. Three Democrats and three Republicans have filed to run for the open seats. Any petitions by third-party or independent candidates must be filed by the June 8 primary.

Patch asked each candidate to complete a questionnaire outlining biographical information, their platform and their stands on a handful of issues. Patch will run profiles using these responses in the months leading up to Election Day.

Profiles are presented here in the same format as the questionnaires given to the candidates. There were no further instructions, and none of the responses has been edited (beyond basic proofreading and formatting). Readers can make their own judgments on how the candidates did or didn't answer the questions.

Here is the profile submitted by Natalie Rivera.

Age (as of Election Day)

45

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Mother of six beautiful children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Ongoing education pursuing degree

Occupation

Social Worker Service Coordinator

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

No

Campaign website

TBD

Why are you seeking elective office?

Gloucester Township is at a pivotal moment in time. Our quality of life is on the decline as our taxes are on an incline.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Quality of life concerns versus the reaction of local leadership and township services. Our township roads, highways and neighborhoods should be the welcome mat for future GT residents. They are not. Instead, they are home to potholes, bottles, bags, and all matter of discarded items. This is unacceptable ! This decrease the value of our homes and township. If we continue in this direction, what does our future hold?

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My commitment to the residents of GT. My respect for our environment and recognition that we must make sound decisions that will benefit the future of Gloucester Township. It is of the utmost necessity that we prioritize and micromanage our tax dollars and township service.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

They do not recognize the value of our natural resources.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The landscape of our beautiful township is shrinking. Open spaces are being transformed by developers, while business are leaving, and in their path are left empty buildings in disrepair and unkept parking lots. We cannot continue to accept a prognosis of neglect from our leaders.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My career is one that requires trust, respect and confidence from those I serve. In my twelve years of service to the community of Camden, I have had the privilege of serving citizens in crisis moments of their lives. I have successfully managed them through such missions as welfare to work, assisted homeless Veterans find a place to call home and been council to both emotional and necessities of life needs.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Don't Give Up, and I never have!!!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My actions are based on a strong belief in honesty and integrity.