The Hammonton Regular Republican Club announced its 2014 Platform, “Growing Industry Not Government”, at its monthly meeting on September 2nd. The platform contains the following proposals:

• Work with local veterans’ organizations and regional businesses to host a job fair for Veterans in Hammonton.
• Work with the Chamber of Commerce to develop a college intern program so that college graduates will have an additional incentive to remain in Hammonton after graduation.
• Revise the Form-Based Code so that businesses like WaWa will invest in Hammonton.
• Provide property-tax credits for residents who shop locally.
• Lead up-town revitalization efforts along the White Horse Pike corridor and mid-town revitalization efforts in the vicinity of the train station and St. Martins Church
by providing incentives and abatements to encourage job-creating companies to locate in those areas.

In explaining the how the platform was developed, Policy Steering Committee Chairman, Joe Ingemi, stated:
“We are choosing to emphasize economic opportunity for three reasons. First, the casino industry in Atlantic City is going through a tough transition to say the least. We eventually will feel the impact in Hammonton. A plan for mitigating this impact is necessary.

Second, I do not think it is any secret that our town is facing severe financial problems. Our 2013 audit has shown that the current Town administration broke its own budget by over-spending in the water and sewer fund. However, we also realize we can no longer tax or cut our way into a balanced budget. We have to grow our tax base by increasing the number of business rateables.

Finally, we have a third reason for our economic focus. About two months, we all enjoyed the Mt. Carmel Feast. It was wonderful to see young CCD students pushing a statue, the Hispanic youth participating, and high school students helping at the stands. This was great and we want for not only these kids to continue to participate in this great tradition but also that their own kids be able to do so as well. Such a long-term social investment in the community brings stability and an improved quality of life to the town.

Yet I am not sure if our Town administration sees it this way. We hear them talk about dog parks and indoor pools, very expensive big-government niceties, but those frills are not what will keep future generations in Hammonton. What will keep our kids here is economic opportunity and jobs. Our plan helps create this opportunity.

So for the benefit of current and future Hammontonians, we are offering our ‘Growing Industry Not Government’ platform”

Freeholder Jim Bertino said in support, “Towns need to develop and implement their own unique plans for economic development. This platform provides a solid foundation to begin a discussion on how Hammonton can move forward.”

Club President Charles Woolson added, “We, as a club, look forward to having a conversation about our proposals with residents at forums and meetings.” Woolson mentioned that in addition to other future events, the Latino Leadership Forum, which the club will be hosting in October, would provide an opportunity for such a conversation with an important segment of our community.

Those present agreed the 2014 platform provides a clear roadmap for a stronger and more prosperous Hammonton. By combining Republican principles and Hammonton values, “Growing Industry Not Government” is a win for the entire town.