We invited the candidates for the borough municipal government to tell voters a little about themselves ahead of the vote. Here’s how they responded.
By Matt Skoufalos | November 1, 2021
On November 2, voters in Oaklyn will choose from among three balloted candidates for two seats on the borough council. Incumbent Democrats Nancy MacGregor and Christopher Walters face Republican challenger Dominic Longo.
We invited everyone to reply to the same set of prompts, telling voters about themselves, their priorities, and their views of the current state of the community. Answers were edited for clarity and length.
Dominic Longo. Credit: Dominic Longo.
Dominic Longo (R, Challenger)
Oaklyn native Dominic Longo is a retired corrections officer who grew up in the borough, the son of an Oaklyn police officer, and spent a decade with the Haddon Township Public Works Department. He currently works another union job.
Longo is married, father to a Collingswood High School senior student, and stepfather to five other children. He coaches soccer in Oaklyn and wrestling in a neighboring community.
What is your philosophy of government?
Fiscal conservatism, low taxes, small government, equal rights, equal opportunity, equal justice. Government is a representation of the people, for the people.
Why would you like to serve on the Oaklyn borough council?
What are the biggest challenges Oaklyn faces?
We as a community face many challenges. Our current administration does nothing to face these challenges head-on. They are more of a wait-and-see-what-happens type. We cannot continue as a community this way and thrive!
We need to get down to business, stop with the partisan politics, and become the inclusive, diverse community the current administration claims we are.
What are the biggest strengths of Oaklyn?
- Small, family-friendly town
- Our police department
- Our public works department
What are three key issues on which you’d like to focus if elected?
- Taxes
- Kids facilities
- Abandoned commercial lots and buildings
Nancy MacGregor. Credit: Nancy MacGregor.
Nancy MacGregor (D, Incumbent)
Nancy MacGregor is the co-owner of Key Counseling, a small group therapy practice based in Oaklyn.
She is a licensed professional counselor and art therapist who provides clinical supervision to new professionals.
MacGregor, 47, is mother to two children, both of whom graduated from Oaklyn Public School and now attend the Collingswood Junior-Senior High School.
An artist, MacGregor likes to work on her Oaklyn home and to spend time with her friends and family.
What is your philosophy of government?
My philosophy of government is the simple idea that its role is to support the best possible life for its citizens.
Municipal government is so different from county, state, or federal government. We don’t make or change laws; we don’t participate in foreign affairs.
We do have the opportunity to focus on things that directly affect the communities we live in, and hopefully have a positive impact.
Why would you like to serve on the Oaklyn borough council?
I feel very lucky to have been able to serve on the council for the borough of Oaklyn. It has afforded me the chance to better understand that inner workings of the running of the borough, to have important conversations with people about what they want and need in their community, to be increasingly open to other views, and to approach decision-making with a longer and more collective lens.
We do not always agree, but everyone on our council is thoughtful and active, and truly cares about Oaklyn and its residents. It is so wonderful to see that kind of care go into every discussion. I’m so honored to be a part of it, and hope to continue to do so.
What are the biggest challenges Oaklyn faces?
As a smaller municipality, our resources are more limited, so finding creative ways to accomplish things becomes important.
What are the biggest strengths of Oaklyn?
The elbow grease, tenacity, and ingenuity of our residents is huge cog in our wheel, and is without a doubt our biggest strength.
What are three key issues on which you’d like to focus if elected?
As Director of Building and Grounds, I would like to continue working towards building a recreational space where the private Oaklyn Swim Club used to be.
Additionally, I am interested in looking at how our municipal buildings can utilize sustainable energy sources, like solar power, and continue to support that grassroots organizations that make Oaklyn more than a place to live, but a community you want to be a part of.
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