For Immediate Release:                                                                                 

March 22, 2010

 

Contact:
Art Schenker, 609-442-4376

Charles Garrett, 609-289-0984

Jim Gorman, 609-652-2152

 

PLUMBERS UNION PRESIDENT SCHENKER, FREEHOLDER GARRETT AND GALLOWAY COUNCILMAN  GORMAN ANNOUNCE BIDS FOR FREEHOLDER

 

March 22, 2010 – Plumbers Union President Art Schenker, incumbent Freeholder Charles Garrett and Galloway Township Councilman Jim Gorman announced today that they will seek the Democratic nominations for Freeholder at the Atlantic County Democratic Party convention on March 28^th.

“In these very difficult times, I feel it is my turn to step up to the plate and offer fresh ideas and solutions,” said Schenker, 47, a plumber and the current president of UA Local 322 of the Plumbers and Pipefitters. Schenker is a Hamilton Township resident and is seeking the Democratic nomination for Freeholder At Large.  “Every day I speak with my neighbors and union members who are unemployed and trying to get by.  They are looking for real representatives who will help lead us through this economic crisis.”

Schenker, a hockey and soccer coach, further said that his decision to run was largely based on the unemployment rate reaching over 50 percent among his union members and the desire to bring an economic development perspective to the Freeholder Board to spur jobs and more efficiency throughout county government. 

“I am committed to continue my work on the Freeholder Board to represent all residents of Atlantic County, while protecting the most vulnerable citizens who are particularly hit hard during this tough economy,” said Freeholder Garrett, 63, the Manager of Community Relations for the South Jersey Transportation Authority. Garrett is seeking a second three-year term as the First District Freeholder, who represents Atlantic City, Pleasantville, and parts of Egg Harbor Township.

Galloway Township Councilman and Operating Engineers Union Member Jim Gorman is seeking the Democratic nomination for the Fourth Freeholder District, which includes Absecon, Brigantine, Galloway Township, and Port Republic.

“Right now, people are angry and feeling divided over a number of issues.  I want to use my record of working in a bipartisan manner to help bring people together and find real solutions to our economic and social problems,” said Gorman, 47, who is the lone Democrat on the Galloway Township Council.  “As a casino worker myself, I am particularly focused on how we can create new jobs by diversifying our economy and making Atlantic City a true destination resort with additional casino properties and non-gaming attractions.” 

Schenker is a lifelong Atlantic County resident, having grown up in Linwood.  He and his wife Sharon have been married for 20 years and have three children. 

Garrett was born and raised in Atlantic City where he currently resides with his wife, Augusta. He is a Vietnam veteran and former business owner.  He is the father of two children, both raising their families in Atlantic County. 

Gorman has lived in both Brigantine and Galloway Township.  He and his wife Tricia have two children, one attending college and one attending Absegami High School.

Schenker, Garrett and Gorman will seek their party’s nominations at the Atlantic County Democratic Party convention on Sunday, March 28^th at the Vienna Inn in Galloway Township.

 

 

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