Camden County freeholder candidates in the Nov. 3 election respond to questions about recent developments in Camden City.
CAMDEN -- From billion dollar riverfront projects to millions of dollars in tax breaks to lure companies to the city, things are changing in Camden.
NJ Advance Media contacted Republican and Democrat candidates running for county freeholder in the Nov. 3 election regarding recent developments in Camden City. Below are the responses received as of Nov. 2. The only Republican candidate to responded to requests was Ian Gill.
1) It's been more than two years since the Camden County Police Department was launched. How would you describe its progress?
- "The Camden County Police Department has done an exceptional job at suppressing violent crime and reducing homicides by more than 50 percent. More than that, the men and women of the police department have worked hard to build important bonds in the community with the mothers, fathers and children of the city. In fact, their engagement in the neighborhoods, schools and local businesses has been lauded by the top leaders in the nation and the state. Furthermore, the reduction in crime has been the catalyst for more than $2 billion worth of new private investment in the Camden. In short, I believe the county police department has been transformative and is the bedrock to much of the change that has occurred thus far," said Democrat Freeholder Jeff Nash
- "They have been overworked and under used. They need leadership and if they would have had leadership from the start, they might be doing better. Could have stayed as Camden police under local control, changed leadership and funded with state funding -- it would have been cheaper. I cannot see how buying all new cars on bond is cheaper than the rollover every few years of the old fleet like every other town in the county. The numbers are fixed and crimes are up. The sorry part is cops tell us this, but are afraid to come forward with the truth," said Republican candidate Ian Gill.
2) Tax breaks offered by the state Economic Development Authority to companies in exchange for relocating to Camden City have now topped $1 billion. Do you think state-supported programs like Grow NJ will eventually spur meaningful job growth in the city?
- "In one word, yes. According to the latest U.S. Census numbers we have already seen a drop in the poverty and unemployment rates in Camden from the economic development and commitment of more than $2 billion of private investment in the city. Thousands of new jobs are being brought into the county from businesses like Holtec, Lockheed Martin and the myriad other corporations relocating to the city. We know these programs will provide a motivation and spark to move new streams of commerce into Camden, creating direct and indirect opportunities in the city. On a daily basis you can walk around Camden, see the steel rising above the Delaware River for the Philadelphia 76ers new corporate complex, hear the pile driving for the new Rutgers School of Nursing and feel the change. Economic incentives are attracting thousands of new jobs to Camden County, which will reduce unemployment, further alleviate violent crime, and create additional stability for all 21 neighborhoods," said Freeholder Candidate Bill Moen
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- "It's just giving one handout after another and another and looks like it'll continue until there is nothing to give. Where's the proof these businesses that have moved provided one single job to a Camden resident? Why move business that are two miles or less from where they are now to Camden? Let's look further at what is where and move them here," said Gill.
3) The Camden Riversharks recently revealed that they will be leaving Campbell's Field due to an impasse with the county improvement authority. What would you like to see done with or happen at that section of the waterfront?
- "The stadium is a waterfront asset and should be utilized to its highest potential with a financially stable and sustainable tenant running the operation. The $1 billion investment by Liberty Property Trust in the land adjacent to the stadium have raised the value of the property since the improvement authority purchased it giving the county the best possible leverage to negotiate with a long-term owner and operator. In addition, we should ensure the property fits the character of the neighborhood and future adjacent development in the downtown and waterfront area," said Freeholder Jon Young
- "Just bad business. The county bought the place cheap and should have did what they needed to keep them. Now that they're gone the county should be looking to get another team in there. Be like Philly and other cities; use the venue to hold events when not playing baseball. Put in restaurants that be willing to work with county to offset cost of place," said Gill.
4) A $1 billion revitalization project consisting of residential and retail space along the waterfront was announced in September. What type of person (examples: local residents, people passing through on vacation, visitors from Philadelphia) do you expect the completed project to attract?
- "First and foremost, this level of private investment in Camden will be an absolute game-changer for the city and county. This mixed use development will attract thousands of residents, families, visitors, office workers and students, to the already hundreds of thousands of visitors, to visit the waterfront attractions and the parkland next to the Delaware River. This is the first project to bring a hotel, skyscrapers, retail and residential development into one place that will be a vehicle for direct and indirect investment into the surrounding neighborhoods and the downtown. Urban areas have been redefined in the last 15 years and there is a want and need for many people to relocate back to city centers throughout the nation. I believe this project will redefine Camden and attract residents, visitors and individuals from all walks of life back to a vibrant and bustling area," said Freeholder Candidate Susan Shin Angulo
- "Lets make waterfront like the inner harbor in Maryland, where family will come for the day. Lets finish the tram or another ferry, build a hotel close to the waterfront offer deals to spend weekend or week with ball game and or concerts, etc.," said Gill.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
