Heather Simmons - Democrat Freeholder Candidate
New Leadership for a Better Gloucester County
by June Swords Bower

It’s always exciting for me to meet politicians in person and to sit down with them and try to hone in on the realness, honesty and intent of that individual. Because of that importance, I pay very close attention and I found that Heather Simmons valued some of the same things that I found to be extremely important; integrity, education and job creation. Heather joins Robert Zimmerman on the Democratic party ticket, running for two open seats on the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders this November.  They are both first-time candidates for county positions.

In the current wave of economic and political struggles, she said something that was very dear to my heart. She looks at the bigger picture and says that neither side needs to demonize each other. I believe that when that occurs, things come to a detrimental halt and nothing gets accomplished. She would like to be proactive in team building in ways to help others see the potential and find ways to make things happen.

Heather and her three siblings were raised by a father who was a judge. They were encouraged at dinner to talk about current events. They were taught about the power of being involved. He would say, "Ask what you can do?" If you commit to becoming involved, you will be heard no matter what. What wonderful lessons for children to learn so early.

During the campaigning process, it is important to Heather for people to know that she examines issues on face value and their individual merits. One of the reasons that she is seeking political office is so that her two stepchildren can see an example of what a difference one person can make. She believes that it is important to commit to being part of something that is bigger than yourself. Paying it forward from her own father.

Heather Simmons and running mate Robert Zimmerman’s main goal is to continue the county’s priority in continuing to stabilize property taxes, along with a strong commitment to enhance job creation. This can be accomplished in several ways:

• Alternate revenue streams

• Shifting priorities

• Keeping the focus on getting the best educational system for the future

Heather says, "As a local business owner and volunteer for many community-service organizations, I am committed to improving the quality of life in Gloucester County. That’s why I will fight to ensure our citizens receive the services they need during these tough economic times."