Your 2008 Candidates
Councilman Jeff Sanders and life long Pitman residents Patti Kelley and Cynthia Bill
Your team to continue the progress in Pitman!!
Cynthia Bill
Cynthia Bill is a life long resident of Pitman. She admits she was shocked at first, when asked to consider running for Borough Council. “I have always enjoyed volunteering in the community, however, I never entertained the idea of public office.”
As a member of the Pitman Junior Woman’s Club, Cynthia served as Recording Secretary, President, and chaired the Club’s annual senior citizen dinner for several years. She also held positions on the Junior Membership State Board as Conservation Chairman, First District Advisor, and State Project Investigating Committee. While a member of the Junior Woman’s Club, she worked with many non-profit organizations, including the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association and Child Abuse Prevention. Unfortunately, due to declining membership, the club was forced to fold. Cynthia is currently a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs and currently serves as President of the Contemporary Club of the First District. Cynthia has been involved with the Woman’s Clubs for 20 years, and enjoys meeting women from all walks of life throughout the State, who volunteer their time for a common goal-the improvement of the lives of their neighbors and the communities in which they live.
Cynthia has two children who have grown up in the Pitman School District. While her children attended elementary school, Cynthia volunteered her time for school activities. Being the mother of two boys active in scouting, she volunteers her time with Boy Scout Troop 18 and currently serves as Assistant Scoutmaster and Troop Treasurer. Her oldest son attained the rank of Eagle Scout and her youngest son is currently a Life Scout. Cynthia is also a member of the Pitman United Methodist Church.
Cynthia is a graduate of Pitman High School. After working in the legal field and managing a successful business in Pitman for several years, she returned to school, and earned her degree as a Paralegal from Gloucester County College. Cynthia was also a member of the National Honor Society while at GCC. She has worked in the legal field for 20+ years and is currently employed by the State of New Jersey, Department of Children and Families as a Paralegal. Cynthia is the fourth generation of the Carter Family as lifetime Pitman residents. Her father and grandfather were the owners of the former White Star Laundry.
Cynthia’s husband, Russell, works as a territory manager and volunteers his time for youth sports. He has coached baseball, soccer and football in Pitman, served on the Alcyon Park Commission, and currently serves on the Pitman Little League Board, as well as the South Jersey Independent Youth Football Association Board. Their son, Zachary, graduated from Pitman High School and Gloucester County Institute of Technology. Zachary is employed by Local 393 Carpenters Union. He is also an active member of Highland Fire Company, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Aaron attends Pitman High School, and is a member of the key club, track and cross country teams. He is an avid runner and cyclist, and also works at Action Wheels bike shop in Wenonah.
The residents of Pitman are fortunate to be able to still enjoy the unique small-town life that is becoming rare. There are many changes affecting small communities in the 21st century. Cynthia feels the greatest challenge facing our elected officials is the need to preserve the ideals of the founding fathers of the Borough of Pitman, while staying progressive, and providing residents with the quality services they deserve.
Patti R. Kelley
Patti Kelley, a longtime Pitman resident, made the decision to be more visible in her support of this town and has 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.
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.”
