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2025 Haddonfield Municipal Elections
Four Haddonfield residents are seeking three open seats on the borough commission: challengers Itir Cole and Bill Shanahan, and incumbents Dave Siedell and Frank Troy. Each is running independently of the others. The winners will serve a four-year term in local government.
All four candidates have been invited to reply to the same set of prompts, telling voters about themselves, their priorities, and their views of the current state of affairs in their community. Answers have been edited only for clarity and length.
Voting
In-person voting for the Haddonfield municipal government election will occur from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13. Voters will cast their ballots at their usual polling places, by mail, or at the Camden County Official Election Ballot Drop Box outside of Haddonfield Borough Hall.
After you vote, come back and check with NJ Pen for the results as they come in Tuesday evening.
- Not sure which is your polling place? Here’s how to find your polling place by address.
- Polling place problem? Questions? Call the Board of Elections at 856-401-8683.
Candidate Responses
Itir Cole, 40
Product Manager / Technologist
NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies, interests, and/or family.
ITIR COLE: My husband and I are raising our two energetic boys, ages 3 and 6, and like many families in town, we spend a lot of time walking to the playground, grabbing coffee on Kings Highway, and trying to tire the kids out while keeping ourselves awake.
I love sharing meals with friends, gardening, caring for my senior dog, catching up with a good book, and finding ways to give back to our school and community.
I also enjoy running outdoors—it’s how I recharge—and I’ve loved joining local 5Ks as a way to stay active and connect with the running community.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of government?
COLE: I believe local government should reflect the best of who we are: responsive, transparent, and deeply invested in the well-being of residents.
Government’s role isn’t to do the bare minimum—it’s to meet challenges with urgency, compassion, and competence. That means ensuring safety, maintaining infrastructure, and delivering services—but also strengthening social connection, promoting inclusion, and helping people thrive.
The public sector can and should be a force for good when guided by integrity, equity, and care.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a borough commissioner?
COLE: I hold a master’s degree in Urban Planning, and most recently served in the last White House as a senior technologist, leading mission-driven programs that helped real people.
My work has always centered on listening carefully, building consensus, and translating policy goals into tangible outcomes. I bring that same mindset to Haddonfield: collaborative, pragmatic, and grounded in the belief that our town works best when all voices are at the table.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
COLE: I’m running because I care deeply about this town and believe we’re at a pivotal moment.
I want Haddonfield to be a place where families can afford to stay, where residents feel informed and heard, and where thoughtful leadership charts a course through complicated decisions.
My family is just starting our 15-year journey through the public schools, and I want to invest in the town my kids will grow up in—helping shape a future that reflects our shared values of community, care, and progress.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges Haddonfield faces in 2025?
COLE: We’re navigating major decisions on zoning, development, public safety, infrastructure, and school capacity—often with competing needs. The challenge is not just in finding answers, but in building a culture of engagement and trust so that residents believe in how those answers are reached.
We need leadership that welcomes hard conversations and is willing to look beyond short-term fixes.
NJ PEN: What are the strengths of the borough as you understand them?
COLE: Haddonfield’s strength is its people. We are a town of volunteers, problem-solvers, and proud neighbors who love where we live. We have incredible public schools, strong civic institutions, and a downtown that brings people together. When we listen to each other and stay focused on shared goals, we are capable of doing hard things well.
NJ PEN: If elected, what are three key issues on which you will focus in your term of service?
COLE: Sustainable Growth. We must shape development that reflects our values: inclusion, character, and affordability.
That includes fulfilling our affordable housing commitments in ways that work for our infrastructure—and addressing the real concern that too many new homes are out of reach for both downsizing seniors and young families.
Housing is not just an economic issue—it’s a reflection of who gets to belong.
Transparency & Engagement. Effective leadership is grounded in trust. That means better information, more consistent communication, and creative ways to engage all residents—not just the loudest voices.
Everyone deserves to understand how decisions are made, why they’re made, and how to participate.
Safe, Livable Neighborhoods. Although crime and traffic incidents are down, anxiety is up. We need to meet that with data, empathy, and solutions that make everyday life feel more secure — better street design, safer crosswalks, and meaningful dialogue between residents and public safety professionals.
William C. “Bill” Shanahan, 65
Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director, Delaware River Port Authority
NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies, interests, and/or family.
BILL SHANAHAN: I have twins, now adults in their junior year in college, and I’ve been married for over 30 years. My hobbies changed over time. Before we had kids, Shannon and I were avid sailors out of Cape May. As the kids, Liam and Caitlin, got older, I, like nearly everyone in town, became a multi-sport coach and a sports field chauffeur.
This was a great hobby, watching them grow and participate in many of the great youth sports programs in town. When the kids got older, I built a shore house, which now my entire family enjoys.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of government?
SHANAHAN: Government is a public service. It’s not designed to make a profit, but shouldn’t be extravagant either. For Haddonfield, I want to ensure the integrity of our great town, while moving forward.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a borough commissioner?
SHANAHAN: I have more than 20 years of public service — as a Government Relations and Grants Director for the DRPA, a bi-state agency; then as a Homeland Security and Emergency Manager.
I served more than 30 years as a U.S. Army officer, both on active duty and reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Aviation Branch, and held a Top Secret/Secure Compartmentalized Information clearance.
I held several commands as well as many staff officer positions; both hone leadership and competence. I am a licensed attorney in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Court of International Trade. I completed a joint degree in Law at Rutgers Law School and a Masters of Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
I’ve completed the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, a masters-level course. I have a current Justice Department/FBI Secret Clearance, and am National Incident Management Certified.
I am the long-time Chair of the Regional Transit Security Working Group for the Philadelphia Region, developing strategy for the region’s transit agency and funding transit security projects. I’m a member of the Haddonfield Post 38 of the American Legion, and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
I served previously as the Chair of the Board of Social Services, the Camden County Environment Commission, Unions Organized for Social Service, which provided services to seniors in the county, and the Camden County Prison Advisory Board.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
SHANAHAN: I gave my time and service to our nation while serving in the military, our state while in the New Jersey Army National Guard, and it’s time to serve my local community. I bring a wealth of experience in challenging environments to the commission seat I’m seeking.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges Haddonfield faces in 2025?
SHANAHAN: Like any municipality in New Jersey, we’re asked to do much while getting little. I believe we have to collaborate with other levels of government and take advantage of the resources that are out there.
For example: the borough could seek a state brownfields grant to completely redo the Crows Woods Recreation Field and facilities, or work with the county to review stormwater plans and make improvements. The county could start a proactive app — like Look Up Speak Up, which I helped create for the transit community — that would essentially allow residents to report suspicious activities directly to the county 9-1-1 system.
Our zoning ordinances are outdated, and really need to be updated to allow residents to make commonsense improvements, and place a check on builders gaming the system with larger homes on smaller lots, outside of the character of the neighborhood.
NJ PEN: What are the strengths of the borough as you understand them?
SHANAHAN: The residents. I call the volunteers, in every facet, one of the foundational pillars of what makes this town awesome.
Parents volunteer to coach youth sports, entrepreneurs volunteer to help the business district grow and thrive, people volunteer to give chemo patients rides to treatments, the list goes on.
Our schools are a huge factor in what makes this town great as well. I’ve never not voted for a school bond. Even though it hurts the wallet, it’s a huge reason why people move here in the first place.
NJ PEN: If elected, what are three key issues on which you will focus in your term of service?
SHANAHAN: Zoning ordinance reform. It’s time to take a hard look at this.
Collaboration with other municipalities, the county, and the state to get resources needed for improvements to our outdated infrastructure. We need to take on large projects like Crows Woods by smartly and effectively using available grant funding to provide great fields and facilities, while thinking ahead to other sports and activities that can use the space.
Our police need the support of the town in a responsible manner. The Look Up, Speak Up-type app that I mentioned is a good start to increase the eyes and ears of the department using the proper reporting lines of communication. Then, we need to incentivize new recruits to the police force to get them up to the level we need in town.
David “Dave” Siedell, 53
Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Technology, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies, interests, and/or family.
DAVE SIEDELL: I’m the father of three children — two in college at Drexel and Rowan, and my youngest attends St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia.
I enjoy volunteering and helping others in the community. I’m also an active umpire with the Haddon Umpire Association, which keeps me connected to local youth sports and our shared spaces.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of government?
SIEDELL: I believe local government should make you feel safe and welcome in Haddonfield. That starts with supporting our first responders, ensuring they’re well-trained, well-equipped, and visible in the community. Borough services like public works, road maintenance, and downtown cleanliness should run smoothly so residents don’t have to worry.
I believe in creating opportunities for the community to gather, whether it’s for a holiday celebration or a town event. Government should also be transparent; residents should see how their tax dollars are spent, and where future investments are needed.
Above all, local government should be helpful, not combative. We’re here to serve the public, not push back against it.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a borough commissioner?
SIEDELL: I bring a long history of service to Haddonfield, including nine years on the Board of Education across three terms, in which I also served as vice president.
I’ve been president of the Haddonfield Civic Association and held leadership roles in other town organizations, giving me a deep understanding of how our community operates, and how collaboration and engagement can make it stronger.
I believe a community is only as strong as its volunteers, and I’ve always stepped up when called upon.
Professionally, I oversee a multi-million dollar budget and manage a team larger than the entire staff of Borough Hall. I understand how to lead complex operations with accountability and transparency, and I’m well-prepared to bring that experience to municipal government, ensuring Haddonfield runs efficiently while planning for the future.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
SIEDELL: I initially ran for the open seat vacated by Kevin Roche to bring stability and civility back to Borough Hall.
I saw — and still see — how insular practices have kept the public at arm’s length, eroding trust in local government. In my first six months, I’ve worked hard to change that.
I’ve pushed for greater transparency by ensuring our expert professionals present information publicly, not behind closed doors. I’ve engaged directly with community organizations to understand their needs and shape borough responses that reflect our shared priorities.
I believe Borough Hall should be a partner to residents, not a gatekeeper. I’m running to continue the progress we’ve made, building a more open, responsive, and collaborative local government.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges Haddonfield faces in 2025?
SIEDELL: Our biggest challenges include developing a long-term strategy for Crows Woods that balances recreational needs with environmental stewardship.
We must also move forward with the Woodmont redevelopment project, while aligning it with our open-space goals in that area.
Another critical challenge is planning for staff succession. Many of our most essential borough employees carry deep institutional knowledge of Haddonfield, a town steeped in tradition and history, and we need a plan to preserve that continuity as transitions occur.
I also want to continue working closely with our town sports organizations to strengthen the partnerships that have served Haddonfield well through the years.
Haddonfield has many strengths, but space isn’t one of them. Balancing the needs of youth sports, adult recreation, and open space is an ongoing challenge that can only be addressed through open dialogue and shared commitment.
NJ PEN: What are the strengths of the borough as you understand them?
SIEDELL: Haddonfield’s strongest assets are the excellence of our schools, which draw many families to town, and the charm of our downtown, which makes people fall in love with the community.
These are pillars of our identity, and they’re supported by two of the most important working relationships we have: those with the Board of Education and the Partnership for Haddonfield. Maintaining and strengthening those relationships should be among our highest priorities.
Haddonfield is “historically hip” — a town that honors its past while embracing a vibrant, engaged future. That theme ties our strengths together and makes Haddonfield truly unique.
NJ PEN: If elected, what are three key issues on which you will focus in your term of service?
First, I’ll focus on recruiting and hiring new staff to replace long-serving, valued employees whose institutional knowledge is critical to keeping Haddonfield running smoothly.
Second, I’ll continue building strong relationships with our county and state partners to advance stormwater management solutions, and ensure every resident has access to reliable cell service — something that’s long overdue.
But none of these priorities can move forward without trust, transparency, and a strong relationship between taxpayers and their local government. That foundation is essential to everything we hope to accomplish.
Frank Troy, 52
Vice President, Walker Diving Underwater Construction
NJ PEN: Tell us something about your hobbies, interests, and/or family.
FRANK TROY: I’ve been a resident for nine years, but I have strong roots in Haddonfield.
My father owned Grove Professional Center (now Ripa Medical Center) for thirty years, where he practiced law until he retired in 2006.
I am joined by my wife Debbie, daughter Carly, a freshman at University of Delaware, and dog Jetty (a boxer). I am originally from Haddon Heights, graduated from Bishop Eustace Prep, University of Rhode Island (BS, Accounting), and University of San Diego (MBA).
I was a Naval Officer for six years, and did two deployments on the guided missile cruiser U.S.S. Anzio to the Persian Gulf, Adriatic, and Mediterranean Seas.
In business, I am a 22-year turnaround expert, where I fix multi-million-dollar underperforming operations. In my free time, I am an avid surfer, golfer, Lionel train collector, and boater in the Barnegat Bay.
NJ PEN: What is your philosophy of government?
TROY: Henry David Thoreau stated, “That government is best which governs the least.” Smaller governments should act as a facilitator of the best practices, talents, and ideas of those willing to contribute.
Government should define the rules, make them easy to understand, and do its best to step out of the way.
NJ PEN: What personal and professional experiences would you bring to the table as a borough commissioner?
TROY: First and foremost, I have the most experience of any candidate running for Commissioner, with four years of experience. In my first term, I did not have government experience, so I leaned in to the strengths I’ve honed in business, such as:
Great Customer Service: We changed leadership and created a culture of being responsive to resident needs. Seek “yes” answers, and I will communicate a no answer with an explanation why.
Thinking Creatively: The TREE Program and START Programs revolutionized our tree inventory, taking down 32 percent more dead/dying trees than in the previous four years by just changing our approach to workflow.
Getting Feedback: I have put myself out there in public forums and online to collect input, address concerns, seek compromise, and report out. It sometimes gets heated, but I’d rather have passion than apathy.
Being Responsive: Residents reach out to Commissioners when the normal channels didn’t work. I try to find ways to strike a balance between consistency and flexibility to help people with their problems.
Being Honest: Residents respect leaders who are genuine. I always tell the truth in every aspect of my life and people sense and appreciate that.
NJ PEN: Why are you running for office?
TROY: I have always felt it important to give back. The reason I am running for Commissioner is the same reason I became a Naval Officer in 1995, and the same reason I ran in 2021: I love our Borough the same way I love our country.
I also have a unique skillset that can be applied to directly to address complex problems within Haddonfield.
NJ PEN: What are the biggest challenges Haddonfield faces in 2025?
TROY: Finalizing the Bancroft redevelopment agreement by May 12 to avoid a builder’s remedy lawsuit. This is probably one of the most misunderstood topics in current events. If we lose our immunity, there could be HUNDREDS of apartment units being built, and we are responsible for the infrastructure costs to support it. There are 159 towns in New Jersey being sued since January 2025 alone.
Spikes in crime. Two of my friends had their houses burglarized in 2024 with their families either in the house or nearby. This is simply unacceptable. We need a more forceful approach to law enforcement, and to take public actions to show Haddonfield will not tolerate people coming here to cause harm. A mix of immediate actions and diverse tactics should be employed to keep residents safe.
Stormwater management. We completed three projects to reduce stormwater issues in my tenure, but there is more left to do. Some areas join a piping system serving 400 acres of land and four different towns, ultimately terminating to the Cooper River. Because the outfall is tidal, it requires both state and federal resources to resolve the aging and complex infrastructure complexities.
NJ PEN: What are the strengths of the borough as you understand them?
TROY: Our borough contains intelligent, generous people who will devote time, talent, and treasure to make it a better place to live.
I will continue to appeal to my long-term friendships and new network of friends I’ve met over the last four years to get involved. They will continue to come forward and be a part of the positive improvement.
As I’ve repeated countless times on the campaign trail, you don’t need to be bad to be better.
NJ PEN: If elected, what are three key issues on which you will focus in your term of service?
TROY: The biggest priority in general is improving communication and fostering better teamwork between government and residents. However, there are specific focus areas that need to be addressed:
Telecommunications. We must take findings from the Telecom study, finalize the plan, and send out RFPs to meet the needs of 2025 and beyond. The 18.8 billion IoT devices (global 2024) is expected to reach 40 billion by 2030.
Haddonfield is at risk of falling behind in basic communications, which impacts remote work, businesses, and even safety. The foundation work is done, and now we need to put the plan in place.
Public Property & Open Space. We need to finalize the development or sale of Borough-owned properties. I have taken action to market and sell properties that have been left to decay for years (i.e., Lullworth and Boxwood Hall).
We have also taken measures to permanently cap the Crows Woods landfill, and submit for grants to make that more usable active and passive open space. Selling properties and better use relieves taxpayers of the financial burden of maintenance, creates ratables (tax revenue) where income never existed before, and removes “broken glass” issues, which invites crime.
Crime. Haddonfield experiences spikes of crime in targeted areas. We need to employ new technologies, improve communication with residents, and send a strong message to outsiders that crime will not be tolerated in our town.
