Your Borough Officials
Mayor Mike Batten
Mayor Mike Batten has been serving our community as a Councilman in Pitman for over five years. He has consistently demonstrated his loyalty to Pitman and its constituents for over 38 years. In his capacity as Councilman, he has worn many “hats” of public service both officially and unofficially. Most recently, he has become a member of Pitman Kiwanis Club and actively supports all their fine works. Mike created the Pitman Garden Club and was its first Chairman…its membership has been seen all over town, cleaning up debris, planting flowers and shrubs, sponsoring garden tours. This past year, Mike had the impressive distinction of being recognized as an Honorary Member of the Pitman Fire Patrol, an honor he holds in high esteem.
Mike has served a variety of departments during his time on Borough Council. These responsibilities have enabled him to actively participate in the town’s residential and business progression.
Over the last five years, Mike has been Past Chairman for numerous committees, i.e. Pitman Memorabilia; Pitman Historic and the Town Clock. He has been Council Liaison to the McCowan Library Board, Pitman Centennial Committee; The Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce; Environmental, Recreation and Welfare and the Board of Health. Mike directed Public Property and the Grove as well as Public Works.
Mike co-authored a book entitled “Images of America-Pitman” which is a pictorial history of Pitman largely composed of old pictures and post cards that had been collected over many years. Mike has always maintained a love of Pitman and is dedicated to preserving its historic origins for this generation and others to follow. Mike was instrumental in securing a new town clock that complemented the historic downtown area and also was involved in the placement of the sign immortalizing the entrance to the Pitman Grove area. Mike organized a weekend clean-up of the Pitman Grove area and was an active member of Pitman’s Centennial Committee that over a two-year period organized a two-week celebration of Pitman’s 100th Anniversary.
Mike’s children were educated in Pitman schools and actively played in various sports and activities. He made time in those early years to be Chairman of the Pitman Athletic Association and coached Junior Wrestling for over ten years. Mike’s wife, Bobbie, is a Registered Nurse at a local community hospital and serves as a member of the Board of Health. Mike’s grandchildren reside in Pitman and are active in Pitman’s community activities and will be schooled here as well.
Mike has voluntarily given his time to community service in Pitman all these years simply because he LOVES Pitman and sincerely CARES about the town’s future. He’s been an avid supporter of the Broadway Theatre project and is excited about the renewed interest in Pitman’s downtown area. Mike has always made himself available to those that had concerns and/or issues; he has always tried to help others in whatever capacity that was available to him. Pitman needs a Mayor with such vast public experience, someone who will be a good listener, someone who will be responsive and caring, someone who has the town’s BEST interest at heart, someone who will lead and unite, someone who will ask the tough questions, someone who will get the job done and done right…and that someone is Mike Batten!
Councilman Russ Johnson
Councilman Russ Johnson has been volunteering his time since he was 17 years old. This is when he began serving his community as a volunteer coach for youth athletics. Russ coached children ranging from 8 years old to 15 years of age. His 12 years of coaching included soccer, basketball and baseball. Russ attended Rutgers University School of Business and graduated in 1993 with a BS in Business Management and Marketing. He was hired after graduation by First Fidelity Bank in their management training program. This was a 2 year comprehensive training program that gave Russ his core knowledge to begin his career in the financial industry. Russ finished this training program in 1995 and began working as a branch manager for First Fidelity Bank which later became First Union Bank.
In 1999, Russ decided to use his financial background to open an Edward Jones Investment Office. Russ started this office on Broadway in Pitman in December of 1999 from scratch. He spent the next 5 years building his financial practice on Broadway until January of 2004 when Russ decided to use his 11 year in the financial industry to branch off as an independent financial advisor and start Main Street Financial Group. Currently Russ is getting ready to move into Main Street Financial Group’s new home on Woodbury-Glassboro Rd in Pitman.
Since Russ has started building a business in Pitman in 1999, he has served the Pitman community in various capacities. Russ has served on the board of directors for the former Pitman Business Association eventually becoming the President of the Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce for 4 years before stepping down in January of 2007. Russ continues to serve on the board of directors for the Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce as the immediate past president. Russ has also been an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Pitman since 2000. He served as president in 2001-2002 and was recognized as a distinguished past president by his district. Russ served a second term as president in 2005-2006. He also served as Lt Governor for Division 3 of the New Jersey District in 2002-2003 serving over 5 local Kiwanis Clubs. Russ is the chairman of the annual Kiwanis Club of Pitman Golf Outing that has been held for the past 8 years. Russ also served 2 years on the board of trustees for the Southern New Jersey Early Intervention Collaborative Board from 2001-2002. Currently, Russ serves on the Advisory Board of the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, the board of directors for the Kiwanis club of Pitman, and the council liaison to Public Works, the Library Board, the newly created Economic Development Committee and the Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce . Russ is also a member of the finance committee for Interfaith Hospitality.
Russ resides in Pitman and has been married to his wife Tiffany for 9 years. Tiffany has a BS in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University and was most recently a nurse at Underwood Memorial Hospital. Tiffany has since put her nursing career on hold to care for their children. They have had 4 children together, the late Alexandra Rose, Russell IV (RJ), Nicholas and Matteo. Russ’ oldest son, RJ, attended Weekday Nursery School for 3 years. RJ now attends Memorial School with his brother Nicholas. It is Russ’ strong family values, his commitment to his community and his background in finances that make him a strong member of Borough Council. Pitman is where he has chosen to raise his family, educate his children and operate his business. Russ only has one goal for Pitman and that is to keep Pitman a great community where his children can thrive and find success in their own lives.
Council President Michael Razze, Jr.
Councilman Michael Razze has lived in Pitman nearly all his life. Ever since he was in fifth grade at Kindle School, he has wanted to become active in politics and serve our community. He credits his parents, Mike and Sandy Razze, for instilling in him a strong work ethic and need to give of his time to work for his community. As a young boy, Michael also had the opportunity to spend time sitting and talking with Congressman John Hunt whom he credits, in part, with his desire to serve in public office. John Hunt’s commitment to public service through his service in the United States Army, in Law Enforcement, and in the U.S. House of Representatives taught Michael at an early age that even individuals from our little town of Pitman could have a hand in fostering the greater good.
Throughout his time at PHS and while at Western Maryland College, Michael was never comfortable to just be a member of his school or college community. While at PHS, he served in as many capacities as he could - whether it was as class and student government president or a state officer of organizations like the Key Club. His resolve to serve never diminished. His four years at WMC culminated in his receiving the Bates Prize, the highest honor given to a college male for academics, athletics and community service. That resolve has continued to be strong as he has worked to serve our hometown today through various committees and to excel in his career. In recent years, Michael has served our community in many different ways. He served on the Pitman Centennial Committee, most notably as chairman of the Centennial Picnic Committee. He has coached youth soccer through the Pitman Recreation Commission and actively serves on the Pitman Parade Committee. He has volunteered in assisting with the Miss Pitman Pageant for the past 10 years. In his professional life, Michael currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of New Jersey representing Gloucester, Camden and Cumberland Counties. He is also a member of the Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey and holds the title of Vice President at Glenn Insurance, Inc in Absecon and Vineland. He currently serves as the council liaison to Parks and Recreation, the Pitman Parade Committee and the Miss Pitman Pageant Committee.
In 1995, Michael married his high school sweetheart, Tammy, daughter of Tony and Carol DeLucas. Tammy is a registered nurse having worked in both the hospital and home health arena. She currently works as a full-time, stay-at-home mom and is active in the Memorial School HSA and her church’s Worship Committee. In 2000, Tammy and Michael were blessed with twin boys, Nicholas and Anthony, and they are expecting another set of twins in April 2008. Their sons represent the fourth generation of Michael’s family to reside in Pitman - a lineage that started with his grandfather who graduated from PHS in 1936.
Through his experience in the insurance and risk management industry, Michael has had the opportunity to work with many different individuals, business owners and municipalities. His position in management has taught him to equitably resolve conflict and issues while never compromising his beliefs or character. His lifelong involvement in our community has allowed him to form relationships with those who serve publicly and those who volunteer to serve behind the scenes. Michael strongly believes that these relationships will allow him to strengthen others’ resolve to serve to the best of their ability. Most importantly, he brings a love for the town of Pitman. He has never wanted to raise his family anywhere else. Michael hopes that his sons will have the opportunity to grow up and raise their families in the same small town atmosphere that he did. Michael cannot stand idly by and watch as outside influences try to “cookie cut” our town to fit into some economic or social model. Many of the examples of economic and business growth that have worked in other places could be beneficial to our town, but what is good for other towns is not always good for Pitman. Pitman is unique. Pitman is special. We can never lose sight of that. Michael will work hard to continue to make Pitman a town we can all be proud of and a town we can all afford in which to raise our families. “Everybody Likes Pitman.”
Councilman Jeff Sanders
Councilman Jeff Sanders was selected by the Republican Committee to finish Mayor Batten’s remaining year on Council. Jeff said that getting involved with Borough Council was always his intention. “I’ve jokingly told people for years that I would be Mayor of Pitman someday, I just didn’t think I’d get involved so soon.” Jeff continues. “When the guys were fortunate enough to sweep the Fall ‘07 Election, I knew they would have the chance to nominate someone to finish out Mike’s year. I immediately threw my hat in the ring.” Although he has been on Council just a couple months, Jeff has come to realize the serious commitment required to serve the residents of Pitman. “My initial vision of twice-monthly Council meetings and walking in the 4th of July parade was quickly altered. The Mayor made a great comment to all of us on Council. He said it’s his job to run a meeting, but ours to run the town.” Jeff says, “I haven’t lost sight of that tremendous responsibility.”
Although Jeff didn’t grow up in Pitman, he does consider himself a native. “My parents bought their first house in Pitman in the late 60’s, on North Oak Ave. I am proud to say that I was in the 1st class at Jack & Jill Nursery School, and was one of hundreds of kindergarteners over the years taught by Mrs. Olandt at Memorial School.” Even though Jeff’s family moved to Hurffville in the early 70’s, he always kept his Pitman friendships, and always planned to move back to town, and ultimately, to raise a family here. Jeff and his wife Althea, are the fortunate parents of three beautiful children: Julia (11), Allison (9) and Joshua (5). All three presently attend Kindle Elementary School.
Along with fellow Councilmen Johnson and Razze, Jeff clearly has a vested interest in Pitman’s future. “We realized that once Tammy (Razze) delivers her second set of twins in April, we’ll collectively have 10 children eleven years old and under among us”, Jeff laughs, “if that doesn’t show commitment to our town, I don’t know what does!” Jeff works as a Sales Manager in the IT and Electrical industry. In his “free time”, he most enjoys spending time with his equally busy family. “Julia and Allison are actively involved with Pitman Rec sports and Josh had a blast playing flag football last season. In addition to their kids’ involvement, Jeff’s wife Althea coaches Julia in basketball and soccer and Jeff assists the other coaches on both girls’ softball teams.
Jeff is also a long time supporter of the Highland Fire Company. “I’ve been a social member of Highland for over 20 years, and have worked their Labor Day Carnival for nearly 25 years.” Although he never really had a desire to become an active member, Jeff has a deep appreciation for those who are. “All our firemen across the three companies, who answer the call regardless of weather or time of day or night, are owed a tremendous debt of gratitude from our citizens.” He continues, “All the volunteers are just that, volunteers, yet to a man, not one would think twice about running into a burning building to save someone’s life.”
As councilman, Jeff is liaison to Planning, Zoning and Construction, as well as the Historic Commission. Unlike a lot of other towns, Pitman’s history is ever present. It’s what so many people know about Pitman, if they know little else. “I’ve always been aware of Pitman’s history and how it blends with its present.” Says Jeff, “I admire what the Historic Commission has been able to do and certainly support their intent to keep Pitman mindful of its past.” In his Construction capacity, Jeff hopes to help the office become more “user friendly” to the public and to help increase their efficiency in reviewing applications and processing permits among other responsibilities. Jeff will be running for his own three-year term in the Fall 2008 election and welcomes the support of all Pitman residents. “We live in a small town, where we share common needs and concerns. I hope to rally everyone behind progressive ideas, ideas that will benefit all citizens and help to keep Pitman one of the most respected communities in South Jersey.”
Councilwoman Patti R. Kelley
Patti Kelley, a longtime Pitman resident, made the decision to be more visible in her support of this town and committed to running for borough council in 2008. As people look to the future, she believes in the importance of providing leadership to maintain Pitman as a well respected community in Gloucester County. It is vital for the elected representatives to be fiscally responsible for all citizens of our town and still provide the best services possible. She has the energy and the desire to achieve these objectives.
Patti was a graduate of Pitman High School in 1976, the first class to go all four years in the (then) new high school. She went on to graduate with honors from Camden County College with a degree in Animal Science, and also attended Glassboro State College. During her senior year of high school, she started dating Ray Kelley. They were married in 1980 at the Pitman United Methodist Church, where they continue to worship today.
In 1990, Ray and Patti purchased the Kelley Funeral Home from Norma Kelley, after the passing of Ray’s father Jack Kelley, and made it their home. Together, they have continued the tradition of compassionate care to families, started by Jack and Norma, when they established the business in 1953.
Ray and Patti have three children, and when their first child, Ryan, started Kindergarten at Kindle School, she became very active in the Home and School Association. She served as President, Vice President, Assembly and Fundraising Chairperson. When the children started in Middle School, she continued her commitment to the H.S.A., again serving as President and Vice President. All three children, Ryan (‘02), Schuyler (’05), and LeeAnn (’08) are graduates of Pitman High School. In 2007, Ryan graduated from Maine Maritime Academy with a degree in Marine Systems Engineering. Schuyler is a member of the Class of 2009 at Maine Maritime Academy, pursuing a degree in Marine Engineering Technology. LeeAnn will be attending Elmira College in New York in September to pursue a degree in Communication Disorders.
As the children became more involved in school and sports, Patti also became more involved. She could be found coaching Minor League Baseball, Minor and Major League Softball, and served as a Team Mom for Baseball and Soccer. She was a “Cookie Mom” for her daughter LeeAnn’s Girl Scout troop, and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother for her son Schuyler. Most recently, she became involved in the 4H Organization and has been a Club Leader for over 5 years.
She continued her involvement in the community, joining the Pitman Junior Woman’s Club. Patti served as Secretary, Vice President, and President, and was chairperson for the Senior Citizen Dinner, Pitman T-Shirt Fundraiser, Spelling Bee and many other committees. There were always School Board meetings to attend, and committees to serve on there as well. She can always be found in the Funnel Cake Stand at the Annual Highland Fire Company Carnival, where Ray, Ryan, and Schuyler are active members. She has also served on the Kids Need a Break Christmas Party committee for over 15 years.
In 2003, Patti and her daughter LeeAnn began volunteering at Shadow Equestrian, a therapeutic horseback riding center for handicapped children. She has received the President’s Bronze and Silver Volunteer Service Award, and was Volunteer of the Year at Shadow Equestrian in 2007. She can be found there every Wednesday, and also participates in the Adult Grooming Program held at various times during the year.
Patti is known throughout town as a person you can count on to get the job done, whether its t-shirts for an elementary school activity, organizing a luncheon, or researching information for a school board committee. She understands Pitman and is invested in making sure this town continues to prosper and be a desirable community for people to raise their families. She believes in the uniqueness of our historic town and is looking forward to campaigning, meeting with the citizens of Pitman, and listening to what everyone has to say.
