The Herald And The Lantern

Thursday, Octoberis, m»

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Assembly Candidate Wilhelm Says Leadership Important (fTomftjel) carefully, Wilhelm added. c _ ^ *

scene as a candidate, he is

no stranger to politics. As a .... UICII member of a campaign are, and then services firm for the past them.”

12 years, Wilhelm knows the nuts and bolts at a

carefully, Wilhelm added "You go to the people, ask what their priorities

;ht, for

successful political bid for office. Opposing incumbents Joaeph Chinnici and James Hurley is, admittedly no piece of cake. But, Wilhelm is not exactly awed by the two legislators’records. "People are looking for a new face, fresh blood. The know these guys (Chinnici and Hurley) are burned out.” “This year Jerry and I are giving the people a choice,” Wilhelm sakf Promises Leadership The choice Wilhelm is offering to Cape May County resident is a strong, active, strident form at leadership. ‘Leadership is tending up and telling the people what they need to know, not what they want to hear ” the candidate emphasized. And, leadership is not only guiding but listening

Top Issues Some of three prloriUre, as Wilhelm currently perceives them, are a need to develop «n "reteblished, comprehensive, longterm” dredging program for Cape May County’s canals and inlets. “We’re got to get more money appropriated for dredging and beach eroaion. It doesn’t make senae to have a multimilllan dollar industry depending on only $400,000 in appropriations to keep it going,” Wilhelm said. A more • -serious, specific approach” is needed for New Jersey's second largest industry, tourims, the candidate added. Other issues that loom large in the Wilhelm campaign include the plight of area senior citizens, the needs of senior citizens in the district have become abundantly clear to Wilhelm in the course of his month campaign, he

said.

Jerry Livingston

(From Page 1) that league," Livingston

said.

The candidate also sees the state Democratic majority and the possible leverage that could result for a Democratic District 1 assemblyman as a point in his favor. In addition, the livings ton-Wilhelm ticket represents a real team where as no such unity exists between Hurley and Chinnici, Livingston said. Livingston, who holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Long Beach State University California, says politics has always been a special love. *i don’t have any other hobbies. Polities, is my hobby.” But, the candidate makes a fine distinction when using the terms politics and politicians. "Politics is the art of compromise.” "When you talk about clout in Trenton you have to talk about more than the local or previncial outlook,** Livingston said. Most current state legislation favors Northern New Jersey. A regional approach 14 needed wherein South Jersey legislators could band together to form a bloc vote, Livingston said. This would result in more benefits for Cape May County, the candidate explained. Livingston saM he can "withstand becoming a politician” in the negative seme of the word. "I’m dot the Bon Tweed typo. I wouldn’t evo* compromise my principles for any cause, party or organization.” « "I’m a public servant that travels in political circln,” he added. What are some of the issues Livingston will address if successful in Ms bid for the assembly'’ "Energy, inflation, tourism are the biggest issues," he said. Completion of Route 55 on the southern end, increased benefits for seniors, proper Find land

i of a

concerns of area residents the candidate places great emphasis on one-trvone contact. "The only way to know what’s goingon is to go out and talk to the people.” Livingston said. "People are concerned about prices. They find they are not able to heat their homes, feed their families. There is a terrible sense of frustration," he added. The only solution to solve these tremendous probjems is to "take one thing at a time, focus on one things at a time," the candidatesaid. Livingston has never held public office before although he narrowly lost to Anthony Catanese in last year’s county freeholder

race.

He has worked as a coordinator in Congressman Bill Humes' Cape May County dampa igns since 1974, was Democratic Party leader for the City of Cape May for 10 years and is a former Democratic Party county committeeman. A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., he has resided in Cape May County for 10 years. Livingston is the assistant superintendent of' Lower Township Schools and principal at the new Villas Mstnorial School. He and his wife Cathe. a teacher, are the parents of two sons, five and three-months-old Livingston is a member of a number of professional educational associations He has a specs il interest in drama "

pecially basketball, baseball and football. The Distrist 1 Assembly race at this point is still "a horse race," Livingston

said.

•We've outworked them (opponents). We’re running as a team which is an ingredient^ they don’t have.” “And, if we’ve done nothing ebe we’ve made this one hell of a race."

"When you work the district like this you become aware more and more that senior citizens that have worked hard all their Mfe should be allowed an opportunity to remain useful." Wilhelm said. Program* that will make prime use of senior citizens invaluable talents arid rich experience should be implemented, the candidate suggested. In addition, economic burden* for the seniors should be lightened by increasing property tax deductions and minimizing other drains on their fixed in-

comes, he added. Energy Concern

Another primary Wilhelm concern is the arm’s ability to become a self-sufficient energy

consumer.

Dependence on foreign oil cartels can be decreased by stricter conservation methods and better incentives for developing alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power, Wilhelm said. "The government has not provided enough incentive

for the average citizen to develop alternative energy sources," the candiuate

explained.

Such incentives should include purchase plans with long term, low interest

loam, he added.

Wilhelm said he is also concerned with the current methods of nuclear waste disposal and thinks a workable evacuation plan

is needed

Wilhelm and running mate Livingston will fight for all such reforms as a team, the candidate em-

.phasized.

"We’ll be there to vote on bills. We’ll work to provide legislation that is beneficial to the district" But. Wilhelm, emE hasized, he and ivingston will look out for the Cape May County’s interests by extending the scope of their legislative vision beyond Cape May County’s borders. Hw candidates will work with legislators from other districts to create mutually beneficial bills thereby increasing the county’s chances of getting a larger share <of state attention,

Wilhelm said.

In his years of professional political work Wilhelm said he has worked with officials from virtually every department in state government. “We should develop a good sound relationship with people in the legislature and all state departments. Jerry and I can and have done this.”

Vineland Native

Wilhelm, a Vineland native has been involved inlocal politics as the campaign manager for N.J. Congressman William J. Hughes’ successful >e- . election effort in 1978. He has acted as a fundraiser for the Leone for U.S. Senate Committee campaign, was regional field coordinator in the Jordan for Governor campaign and as a Democratic delegate in local, state and national conventions. He holds a BA. in philosophy and general social science from Villanova University. His penchant for philosophy has given him a more logical approach to problems a^d a greater

change Wilhelm

flexibility for where needed,

said.

Wilhelm’s political activities include mem>n the Vineland ICA Board of Directors and the Vineland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, chairman of the Vineland Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee and a United Way Division leader. He is active in Kiwanis and a Boy Scouts sponsor. The candidate also has an interest in sports both as an observer and participant. Why should Cape May county residents vote for Randy Wilhelm? "The best way the voters can tell who to vote for is by the personal candidate—the degree of sincerity evidenced,” Wilhelm said. "That’s what our campaign’s all about. We wouldn’t have subjected ourselves to months of an aggressive campaign moling the people like we hare unless we really wanted the job.”

development and a regular dredging program are several of my issues the candidate has formulated.

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