Theresa Bender Chapman Announces Candidacy for Warren County Freeholder

Democrat Seeks to Bring 21^st Century Services, Technology, Economic Growth to County

HARMONY, NJ (Aug. 21, 2020)—Theresa Bender Chapman, a special education teacher, sustainability advocate and lifelong Warren County resident has announced her candidacy for Warren County Freeholder in November’s general election. Chapman, a Democrat, is running on a platform to bring improved access to high-speed Internet service, to attract job-creating industries and economic growth to the region, and to bring more federal dollars into Warren County to help modernize and upgrade infrastructure and services.

“As a working mother of two, I am very aware of the challenges that families face making ends meet,” Chapman said. “Fiscal responsibility, developing viable economic opportunities, delivering high quality services, and encouraging agricultural development are important aspects of maintaining and improving the quality of life in Warren County,” she said.

Chapman said high-speed Internet access and securing Warren County’s fair share of federal funding to improve technology infrastructure, will be a top priority.

“Why, in 2020, are Warren County residents, schools and businesses still suffering without desperately needed high speed Internet service?” Chapman said. “Our long neglect of this issue has become even more urgent during the COVID-19 crisis, when technology has become crucial for our residents to attend school remotely, work from home, and run their businesses. The federal government has made funding available for local communities to upgrade their technology infrastructure. Why aren’t we accessing these funds?” she said.

Chapman said she will also focus on attracting industry and investment to Warren County that will provide smart and sustainable investment in the county.

“Warren County is quickly becoming Warehouse County,” Chapman said. “We need to look for better, more sustainable solutions for our large commercial vacancies, such as the Phillipsburg Mall. There are many industries that would bring high quality jobs and increased economic revenues to Warren County that would enhance our communities,” Chapman said.

Chapman said she was inspired to run for office by her father, Thomas G. Bender, a Vietnam veteran who formerly served as Chairman of Government Affairs for Rolling Thunder and chair of the New Jersey Veteran Advisory Council.

“I learned my advocacy skills from my father, who was nationally recognized as POW/MIA Activist of the Year by the National Alliance of POW/MIA Families for his efforts,” Chapman said.

ABOUT THERESA BENDER CHAPMAN

Therese Chapman Bender is a special education teacher with more than 18 years of experience working in education and promoting the welfare of children, schools, and the community. She holds a B.S. in Marine Biology from the University of West Florida, and an Executive M.A. in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University, where she obtained her Principal and Supervisor Certification. Throughout her career, she has coached and led groups of students to become peer leaders; served as a member of the District Technology Committee, and chaired several committees, including the School Safety and the Faculty Advisory Committee.

Chapman has served as a tireless advocate for public education, working on educational issues at the local, state, and national levels, and has prioritized community involvement and volunteerism. She has served as Committee Chair of Harmony Cub Scouts Pack 503, coach for Harmony Township Youth Athletic Association, team manager for ENCO Soccer Club and secretary for Harmony PTA and Belvidere Wrestling Booster Club. Currently, she is the president of the non-profit group Citizens for Sustainable Development, CFSD. In this role, she has increased public awareness on local land use policy, inappropriate developments in our area, and advocated for local municipalities to review and update zoning to align with current Master Plans.

Chapman has lived in Warren County for more than two decades and resides in Harmony with her two children—a sixth grader at Harmony Elementary School and a senior at Belvidere High School.

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