Meet The Gloucester Township Council Candidate: Theodore Liddell

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 Theodore Liddell.

Age (as of Election Day)
54

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

I have lived in Gloucester Township for almost 11 years with my loving wife and beautiful family of six children - two girls and four boys: Ages 24, 22, 17, 14, 8, and 5.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Education

1990 - B.S. - Psychology - United States Military Academy at West Point, NY
2002 - M.B.A. - Business Administration - Columbia College at Columbia, MO
2006 - J.D. - Law - St. Louis University School of Law

Occupation

Contracts and Healthcare Attorney - 13 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
No

Campaign website

TBD

Why are you seeking elective office?

Gloucester Township residents deserve council members who will listen to and serve them. True leadership has a heart of service, and such service, in every endeavor, should always be accompanied with a spirit of humility. There are many needs in our township, and I believe I can make a positive difference. Being raised in a home with a pastor as a father and police officer and a teacher as a mother, I was inspired to lead a life that would seek to serve others – including my community and my country. Whether it was collecting donations while in high school for a children’s hospital to care for chronically ill children, volunteering as a Special Olympics mentor athlete as a cadet at West Point, serving in the U.S. Army as a PATRIOT Weapons Officer, modeling positive character traits and effective life skills for my little brother as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Inc., or providing pro bono legal services as an attorney to clients in need, I have learned that serving others with an attitude of humility is real leadership.

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

Although not a complete list, our biggest issues are getting control of our taxes, creating real economic development that benefits our residents, and helping our homegrown businesses to thrive for the long term. Simply put, we can do better, and it can start by valuing people over their pocketbooks. We, as residents, deserve nothing less. For the good of our residents, I promise to listen and find better solutions together.

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

I am a leader who knows how to serve. While a cadet at West Point, I learned and practiced the lessons of leadership – which includes service, integrity, humility, and courage. I believe these are invaluable qualities that are needed to serve as a member of the Gloucester Township Council – and should be on display every day. As a U.S. Army officer for almost six years, I planned and trained hundreds of soldiers to ensure their welfare and readiness while safekeeping millions of dollars’ worth of military equipment. As an experienced contract attorney, I intimately understand the contracting rules of engagement and the importance of recognizing pitfall language and other risks. As a homeowner and business owner of a solo law practice, I know what it means to balance costs and expenses in order to make ends meet. In addition, I was selected by the Camden County Board of Freeholders (now Commissioners) as an exemplary member of Gloucester Township’s African American community during Black History Month in 2015. I am passionate about improving the lives of the residents of our community, Gloucester Township.

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

It is time for a change - with new people and new ideas.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Everyone needs to have equal access to government - especially at the local level. In addition, government needs to be more transparent to ensure everyone's ideas are being heard.

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

I am a great team player! I have worked with many different people in various capacities helping to solve common problems. As a parent, I have learned how important it is to be a part of my children's educational team. As a business owner, I understand the challenges of balancing a budget while helping clients in need. As a U.S. Army officer, I have trained soldiers from various countries. These are just a few examples of ways that I have worked with others.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"The time is always right to do what is right!" - MLK Jr.

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

I have lived in Gloucester Township for almost 11 years with my wife and family of six children. I have been a Gloucester Township baseball coach for multiple years, and my children have attended schools within the township at each grade level – including daycare, elementary school, middle school, and high school. My family and I have truly experienced the “live, work, and play” motto of Gloucester Township. I am a hard worker, and I love to serve. I believe that honesty is the best policy.