Cherry Hill Republican frustrated
By: Jane Roh, Courier-Post Staff
Democrats have controlled the Cherry Hill council and the mayor's office since 1994. For some residents, that's just the way it is. For others, it's a call to remind elected officials that they are being watched.
"I don't agree with how the township is being run and that's the only way you can voice your opinion," said Phil Guerrieri, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor and council. "Writing letters to the editor doesn't get anything done."
The Republican has campaigned against the township's Democratic monopoly, which he argues slows reform and breeds pay-to-play sweetheart deals that rob taxpayers. Guerrieri said the township has become even more deaf to residents' concerns since he said Mayor Bernie Platt dissolved a citizens advisory board shortly after taking office.
A spokesman for Platt said the group disbanded after residents lost interest. And starting this year, council will hold monthly breakfasts at Ponzio's on Route 70 and will partner with civic associations to boost membership and activities.
An experience fighting municipal hall over a plan to widen Route 70 left Guerrieri with the conviction that speaking up at council meetings was not enough.
"So you have to go before council and argue and usually what you find is that it is pretty much a stacked deck. That wasn't always the way but it is now," Guerrieri said. "I felt you could no longer get anything done just by being an active citizen."
Republicans here say they are steadily making inroads in historically Democratic parts of the region. Last November, Guerrieri finished just 504 votes behind the lowest-performing Democrat on the slate, newcomer Susan Shin-Angulo.
Like other dissidents in the township, paranoia is no stranger to the 61-year-old businessman. But, he said, he tries to fight it.
"I try not to feel that way. But several incidents have occurred that make me feel it is personal," he said. He cited delays in zoning permit applications and a clogged sewer in front of his house that he's been complaining about for two years.
"I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I don't think they're that petty," he added.
If the deck is indeed stacked against Guerrieri -- factually speaking, he doesn't seem to have much pull in municipal hall -- the 2009 election indicates his numbers may be growing.
"If they think I'm the only person who feels this way then they're not paying attention," Guerrieri said.
Additional Facts
- PHIL GUERRIERI
- Age: 61
- Neighborhood: Erlton South section of Cherry Hill
- Occupation: Owner of Integrated Mechanical Services, a construction company
- Watchdog of: Cherry Hill Council, planning and zoning boards.
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