Community Corner

Neal Rochford Running for Borough Commissioner

The former Haddonfield commissioner is trying to reclaim a seat.

Neal Rochford, a former borough commissioner, announced Tuesday he is running again for office.

Rochford was elected to the board in 2005 and served as director of revenue and finance for four years, according to a news release. He lost his bid for re-election in 2009 by eight votes.

That margin inspired the slogan Rochford adopted for his current campaign: "THIS time: Neal!"

All three seats on the borough Board of Commissioners are up for election. Commissioner Letitia "Tish" Colombi, who has been mayor for the past 12 years, announced last month that she will not seek another four-year term after 28 years on the commission.

Find out what's happening in Haddonfield-Haddon Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Commissioner Jeff Kasko also announced his election bid Tuesday; Commissioner Ed Borden is expected to announce his decision this week.

Meanwhile, Rochford isn't waiting.

Find out what's happening in Haddonfield-Haddon Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Since late January, people have been calling me and stopping me in the street, saying they hope I will run," Rochford said. "I'm very gratified by these early signs of support, and also by the number of people who already have volunteered to serve on my campaign committee."

Rochford, a former Lions Club Citizen of the Year, said that as a lifelong resident he is passionate about Haddonfield.

During his time away from the commission, Rochford helped found the Haddonfield Green Team, a community committee whose mission is to promote sustainable practices in Haddonfield. Their work resulted in Haddondfield's becoming one of 36 municipalities to receive a bronze designation from Sustainable Jersey, the statewide organization that helps municipalities adopt and promote sustainable practices.

Candidates face a March 15 filing deadline for the May 14 election. Haddonfield has a nonpartisan form of government in which party affiliation of candidates is not printed on the ballot.

Editor's note: This story was updated 9:35 p.m. Feb. 19.

Don't miss any Haddonfield or Haddon Township news. Sign up for Patch's free daily newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here