Lacey Election Profile: William Stemmle For Township Committee

LACEY, NJ — One position on the Lacey Township Committee is up for election this November. Democratic challenger William Stemmle is running against Republican incumbent Nicholas Juliano.

Patch submitted a question-and-answer form to the candidates. Simonelli provided information on why he's running again and what he's promising. Contact Josh Bakan at josh.bakan@patch.com for information on getting featured in a candidate's profile.

Read Juliano's profile here.

Here are Stemmle's responses:

Age (as of Election Day)

67

Position Sought

Democrat

Family

Phyllis (Wife), three children and three grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA (Secondary Education - Social Studies)

Occupation

Retired - Supervisor, Ocean County Board Of Social Services, 37 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

www.billstemmle.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

To return the two party system, along with a fresh prospective, to Lacey Township.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The economic upheaval caused by the pandemic and the power plant closing. I would permit recreational cannabis sales with a local sales tax.

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

My opponent was not sufficiently skeptical about Holtec decommissioning the power plant, and has voted to prohibit recreational cannabis sale in town.

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

Our current committee has placed the needs of their political party (i.e. a second amendment proclamation, an ordinance prohibiting cannabis sales) ahead of the needs of our community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I would attempt to negotiate with Holtec for greater transparency in the decommissioning process.

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

I served as President of the Toms River Jaycees, with 125 members and multiple public service projects, solidifying my oversight and delegation skills and my empathy. I also served as a Supervisor at work for 33 years, honing my ability to learn and manage complex regulations and disparate staff.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

If you tell the truth, you don't need to have a good memory.

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

As a resident of Lacey for 38 years, I will always place the best interests of our people ahead of any partisan political concerns.

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