Politics & Government

Former Police Chief Fowles Announces Election Bid

Steve Fowles and Ken Gertie will run as Independents in November's general election.

Former Police Chief Steve Fowles announced his plans to run as an Independent in the general election for township committee this year. 

Two seats will be up in November. The primary is June 7 and only Republican incumbents and Ben Young have . The deadline for general election candidates is also June 7.

Fowles will run along with Ken Gertie, another lifelong Cinnaminson resident. Gertie was defeated in last year's election, when he ran as a Democrat. Fowles and Gertie will run under the banner "Cinndependence."

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"I am concerned with issues in the township," Fowles said. "I obviously do not like the way this committee runs things."

Fowles in April from the following a regarding post-retirement benefits for him and his family. The controversial issue still doesn't sit well with Fowles, and because of all the support he's received on this issue, he said, he wants to run for township committee.

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"I believe myself and Ken Gertie stand a good chance," Fowles said. "A lot of people are saying this ... and I’m sure I can get a lot of support from people."

Fowles said he's running as an Independent because he doesn't like the way parties are run.

"It seems like [candidates] have to follow party lines and jump on this bandwagon," he said. "I believe it’s who the best person is for the job."

Gertie has always been interested in politics, Fowles said, and is an accountant, so he's "good with budget numbers." Fowles doesn't call himself a politician.

"You don’t need to be a 'politician.' You have to be a person of values, morals and ethics," Fowles said. "I see a lot of that lacking. Something needs to be done."

Fowles is a 49-year resident of Cinnaminson, having graduated from here in 1980, in the same class as Gertie. Fowles has been involved in baseball, soccer, softball and other community groups, he said. He served on the police force for 25 years before retiring in April. 

"Once we start rolling, we'll have plenty of backing, and I think it’s time for a change," Fowles said. "I think people deserve a change."


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