Cherry Hill Sun

Tag: meet the candidates

  • Election: Four candidates vie for council

    Four candidates, including three incumbents, are vying for the four seats on the Cherry Hill Township Council in the election on Nov. 4. Each would serve a three-year term. 

    All candidates, William A. Carter, III, Jill Hulnick, Sangeeta Doshi and Rob Connor were asked to submit an election questionnaire. Answers have been lightly edited for space.

    At the time of deadline, Connor had not responded.

    Name: William A Carter III
    Age: 73
    How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? 35
    Family: My family and I reside in the Surrey East neighborhood. We have 6 adult children
    School and degree: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering – Pennsylvania State University Class of
    1974
    Profession: I am a retired Construction Management professional, currently a private
    consultant.

    Is this the first time you’ve run for a council seat? This is the third time I have run for a seat on the Cherry Hill Township Council. I have served on Council for 5 1⁄2 years.

    What is your involvement in the community? 
    In addition to my duties on the Township Council, I am a past member of the Cherry Hill
    School, Zoning and Planning Boards. I am involved in my local church activities, and as a
    member of the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association I participate in our
    Scholarship Fund.

    Why are you running for another elected seat? 

    I believe in the power of service and the responsibility of leadership. I am dedicated to representing our residents and making a positive impact on our township by addressing safety, economic, social and political challenges with thoughtful solutions. Financial stability and public safety remain at the forefront of my priorities. Working alongside the Mayor and Council, I will continue to provide strong leadership as we proactively navigate our evolving community needs. With integrity and commitment, I will strive to ensure our township remains a safe, stable and thriving place for all residents while fostering unity and progress for future generations.

    What is one area you would concentrate on if reelected?

    If elected I will concentrate on strengthening public safety while ensuring financial
    stability. Both are essential to protecting the quality of life for our residents. Public safety is
    more than emergency response, it is safe streets, neighborhoods, parks, and community spaces, planned infrastructure upgrades and dedicated resources that give families peace of mind. Simultaneously I will work to keep our township financially strong, by making prudent decisions that balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s growth. Listening closely and keeping residents’ interest first, I am committed to creating a safe, stable and thriving community where every person feels valued and supported.

      Name: Jill Hulnick

      Age:  46

      How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? 11

      Family: Married to David Hulnick, with a 10-year-old son

      School and degree: BA in Economics from Tufts University, MBA from Harvard Business School 

      Profession: Nonprofit consultant

      Is this the first time you’ve run for a council seat?  This is my second time running for office. I was appointed to township council in January 2024 and was elected in November to fill the remaining one-year term. In total, I have served as a councilwoman for approximately 20 months. 

      What is your involvement in the community? 

      I have been actively involved in the Cherry Hill community in various capacities. My council service has given me a deeper understanding of our community’s needs and the importance of governance in addressing them. I am committed to continuing this work, using my skills and experiences to benefit our town. My family and I are engaged in many local activities. We love cleaning up trails with the Environmental Board, listening to free concerts at Barclay Farmstead, participating in Cherry Hill FC soccer matches, exploring the library and or biking around our neighborhood. In addition, I am actively involved with the Jewish Federation, where I serve on several committees. For the past two years, my husband and I co-chaired the Federation’s Super Sunday and Community Mitzvah Day, a signature event that brings people together to support our community.

      Why are you running for another elected seat? 

      My career and volunteer leadership experiences have allowed me to support national, statewide and local organizations in Cherry Hill. While I have enjoyed contributing to many incredible missions, I find the most joy and feel the greatest impact when supporting my immediate community. Since joining council in January, I’ve witnessed first hand how our council, in partnership with community organizations, can effectively address community challenges. Together, we have successfully secured significant grant funding to enhance our town’s infrastructure; revived our community fireworks celebration; rebuilt playgrounds across town; and resolved thousands of resident issues, from clearing downed trees to fixing potholes. I approach this role with a deep sense of duty and appreciation for the trust placed in me by this community, and I look forward to serving Cherry Hill for many more years to come.

      What is one area you would concentrate on if reelected?

      Customer service. The Cherry Hill government’s primary purpose is to serve its residents and neighborhoods effectively and efficiently. As a council member, I will work with the mayor, township officials, fellow council members and community organizations to enhance communications and responsiveness. This includes building on initiatives like the My Cherry Hill app and expanding our social media outreach.

      Name: Sangeeta Patel Doshi

      Age: 59

      How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? 29

      Family: Husband and three sons

      Schools and degree: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering; Babson College, master’s in Business Administration.

      Profession: Engineer, program management, telecommunications executive and small business owner.

      Is this the first time you’ve run for a seat on council? No

      If not, how many years/terms have you served as a council member? Eight years, two terms

      What is your involvement in the community?

      I was the first Indian American elected to office in South Jersey in 2017. I have been a member of the Domestic Violence Response Team, the planning board, the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the District IV Legal Ethics Committee. I have volunteered with Cherry Hill Atlantic Little League and Moms Demand Action. In 2021, I received a Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction. I am co-chair of the Cherry Hill Human Relations Committee and the township green team. I led efforts for Cherry Hill’s first dog park, solar-powered bus shelter and NJ Transit’s first electric bus in Camden. I am an active member of the Indian Cultural Center and Indian Temple Association. I serve on the Camden Air Quality Committee and on the advisory boards of Inspiring South Asian American Women, the New Jersey Leadership Program, the Asian American Alliance in South Jersey and the North South Foundation. In 2020, I was appointed to the NJ Transit Board of Directors by Gov. Murphy and served a four-year term. I was honored to receive the Sustainability Hero Award in 2023, the Rutgers Green Champion Award in 2024, and the Martin Luther King Award for Service from Camden County in 2025.

      Why are you running for reelection?

      I want to advance sustainability, environmental protection, clean energy and infrastructure improvements. As an immigrant, I am a voice in local government for diverse constituencies. I am committed to listening to residents and focusing on projects that our community needs: public safety, neighborhood parks, a dog park, solar shelters and electric buses. I am an advocate for gun safety. My family taught us to “give back” and “leave things better than you found it.”

      What is one area you would like to concentrate on if reelected?

      I will focus on making Cherry Hill a leader in sustainability, investing in clean energy, protecting our environment and building parks and infrastructure that improve quality of life for families

    1. Election: Five candidates vie for board of education

      Five candidates, including two incumbents, are vying for the three available seats on the Cherry Hill Board of Education in the Nov. 4 election. Each would serve a three-year term. 

      All candidates – Collin O. Duckett, Candi Cummings, Adam Greenbaum, Gina Winters and Brandi N. DeVeaux – were asked to submit an election questionnaire. Answers have been lightly edited for space.

      At the time of deadline, DeVeaux had not responded. 

      Name: Collin Duckett  

      Age: 19

      How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? Just over five

      Family: I live with my father, Kevin; Mom-Mom, Kathleen; and sister, Hailey.

      School and degree: I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s in business administration with a focus in entrepreneurship, as well as a minor in public administration and policy. Proud graduate of Cherry Hill West, Class of 2024.

      Profession: At home, I am pool manager and head lifeguard of the Jersey Wahoos Swim Club, where I’ve connected with many East students. I’m also employed as one of the managers at Wedgewood Swim Club in Haddonfield and am a pool operator for the St. Alban’s School in Washington, D.C.

      Is this the first time you’ve run for the seat on council? Yes. I previously served on the board of education in my capacity as student representative from West. I served from June 2023 to June 2024, and in that time vastly expanded the role and influence of the student reps by bringing them closer to the board.

      What is your involvement in the community? My involvement in the community of late has been pursuing a passion of mine: learning about the lived experiences and political and social positions of my neighbors. In preparation for my potential election, I have been speaking with stakeholders across the district to gain a concrete understanding of the needs and desires of each of our community sub-groups to maximize my governance ability. I’ve also been traveling from D.C. regularly for board meetings and to give comment. Prior to my graduation, I was part of the #WEareCHPS movement and delivered testimony to the assembly’s Budgetary Committee. I founded the first chapter of Model United Nations with help from EASTMUN student leaders. I also was a charter member of the superintendent’s Advisory Council: Dr. Kwame Morton’s joint West/East advisory body on student affairs and school climate.

      Why are you running for an elected seat? I am running for the board to disrupt the status quo and bring back common sense governance to our town. We’ve got a lot to tackle including, improving our school climate to motivate students; start times; the budget and taxes; responsible integration of AI; and reinforcing our special education support systems by reforming our restorative discipline model, administrative accountability and much more. This town is run by our students and our families, and it is my mission to be the mouthpiece they need.

      What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected? In my first year, I’ll focus on the budget, and by proxy, administrative responsibility. It is incumbent on us as a board to maintain a sense of fiscal reservation in the face of crippling aid cuts. I will work to change our attitudes from “advocating” to demanding and fighting for our fair share. I’ll work to mandate that the administration give board members far more time and information before they expect us to vote on items. I will be fiscally innovative and work with administration to reevaluate non-personnel areas of expenditure. Bottom line: I will fight tooth and nail to put money back in the community’s pockets.

      Name: Adam Greenbaum

      Age: 49

      How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill?  14

      Family: I live with my wife and son

      School and degree: I hold a BS in computer engineering from the University of Rhode Island, and an MBA from Villanova University.

      Profession: Cyber Security Engineer

      Is this the first time you’ve run for the board? No.

      If not, how many years/terms have you served? Three

      What is your involvement in the community?  

      I’ve had the privilege of serving on the board of education for the past three years, including the past year as vice president, where I’ve worked to support and improve our local schools.  As an involved parent, I stay actively engaged in my child’s education and school community.  On weekends, I am a proud soccer dad, traveling near and far to cheer on the team. I also participate in various social and outreach activities through my synagogue, helping to strengthen connections with the broader community.

      Why are you running for reelection?

      I am running to continue the progress the board has made over the past three years. That includes rebuilding our schools through bond referendum projects and improved accessibility across the district.  Full-day preschool expansion now serves more than 500 students, and we focused on academic success through curriculum enhancements, targeted supports and grant opportunities. I have joined community leaders to advocate for state funding in Trenton for the last two years. I am excited about all that we have achieved, but there is more work to be done.

      What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?

      School funding remains a top priority. Rising costs, state cuts and a flawed funding formula have made budgeting difficult for our district. I supported the bond referendum that is now improving schools across the district, and have met with legislators and testified before the state budget committee to push for reform to the funding formula. We’ve made progress, but it’s not enough. We must raise our voices and work together to demand common-sense changes to the funding formula so every student and staff member has the resources they need to succeed.

      Name: Candi Cummings

      Age: 50

      How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill? 12

      Family: Two children

      School and degree: Rutgers University

      Is this the first time you’ve run for a board seat? Yes

      What is your involvement in the community? Since 2016, I’ve been deeply involved in the township school community, serving on PTA executive boards at Sharp Elementary and Beck Middle School. Because of my successful leadership there, I was tapped to be the chair of the Cherry Hill Zone PTA, which represents the 19 PTAs and nearly 11,000 students of the district. Through that work, I’ve seen first hand the power of families, teachers and students working in true partnership. I’ve built the relationships and experience needed to strengthen our schools. I know how to blend community voices with district-level policy, because real progress happens when families, teachers, and administrators work together. Some of my advocacy includes partnering with the superintendent, district leaders and families to implement an updated cell phone policy, helping students stay more focused throughout the school day. I serve on the district’s Strategic Planning Committee, contributing to the Five-Year Plan and Portrait of a Graduate.

      Why are you running for a board seat?

      I am seeking election because I believe in the promise of public education and the responsibility to invest in academic excellence and community trust. Schools are strongest when built together with transparency. Students thrive when teachers thrive. Families must always have a seat at the table.

      What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?

      When elected, I will prioritize three commitments. First is academic excellence, including prioritizing the special education population, because inclusivity is making sure that a child with an IEP or a 504 has the same access to opportunity as their peers, or that a student supported by MTSS gets early intervention before falling behind. I will support teachers and staff, because educators are the backbone of our schools and know true academic success goes hand in hand with building confidence, resilience and a love of learning. Teachers deserve resources, respect, and to thrive. When teachers thrive, our students thrive. I will also help develop strong partnerships with families and our broader community keep our schools rooted in the values we all share. I will be committed to listening to parents and teachers and bringing them together to collaborate. Families bring energy, insight and heart when they feel invited into the conversation. These kinds of partnerships build trust and help families see the board and district as allies in their child’s success, not just decision-makers at a distance. This is the kind of environment I will foster.

      Name:  Gina Winters

      Age: 46

      How many years have you lived in Cherry Hill?: 22 years

      Family: Married with three children, ages 16, 13 and 8

      School and degree: Rutgers University BA, in Political Science and Master’s in Public Policy

      Is this the first time you have run for a seat for Council/committee or BOE? No, I won my current seat in 2022

      What is your involvement in the community? I am a PTA member, Girl Scout leader, and I sing and volunteer at Holy Eucharist Catholic Church

      Why are you running for an elected seat?

      I have served on the school board since 2022, and I have really enjoyed connecting with the community and helping to guide our school district on a path toward continued success. I am running for another term to focus on boosting academic achievement for all students, ensuring responsible fiscal management – including oversight of the bond referendum projects – and fostering an inclusive school culture where every student feels welcomed and belongs. I am committed to safe, healthy schools where students can learn and grow together.

      What is one area you would like to concentrate on if elected?

      If re-elected, I would continue my focus on academic success for all students. Our students need access to rigorous curricula, high standards and individualized supports so that they can learn, grow and thrive. To prepare our students for graduation, I will also focus on college and career readiness skills and collaboration with business and community partners to expand internship opportunities for our high school students so that they can gain the skills they need to be successful. In order to maintain the high-quality education that Cherry Hill is known for, a big piece of the puzzle is recruiting, retaining and supporting excellent teachers and staff, and continuing our focus on staff wellness.