By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

Each January, the Pennsauken residents elected last November to serve on Township Committee begin their terms of office. There is more than one new face joining the town’s local governing body, bringing different and unique perspectives, along with a desire to serve the community in which they live. 

Martinez, Roberts Join Township Committee

In addition to Tim Killion’s re-election to Township Committee last year, Vince Martinez won a successful bid for his first three-year term. Martinez, a 30-year resident and member of Pennsauken High School’s Class of 2002, is anxious to get started.

“I’m looking forward to working with the other committee members and learning something new,” said Martinez, who earns his living as member of International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 21 Local 2011. “Growing up on Browning and Elvena by Carson School and living in Bloomfield, I get the concerns that my neighbors have. I understand where they’re coming from. We all want to make sure that Pennsauken continues to be a great place to live and raise a family.”

“I’m excited that Vince is joining us on Township Committee,” said Killion, who served as the town’s mayor for 2020. “His enthusiasm and work ethic are great additions to our team.” 

With a background in youth sports – Martinez is involved both in the Merchantville Little League and organizes yearly youth baseball clinics for Pennsauken and Merchantville children – Vince has an interest in providing opportunities for young people to be active and engaged.

“My fiancé, Ellie, and I have two sons, Vince, Jr. and Lincoln. We know how important it is to have opportunities for them to have fun and learn important life lessons. One of my goals as a new member of Committee is to do as much as I can for the youth in our town.”

Nikki Roberts, a lifelong resident who grew up in the Homestead section of Pennsauken, is an appointee to Township Committee for 2020. Roberts, who is employed by Pennsauken Public Schools as the secretary to the superintendent, replaces Al Dyer, who resigned on Dec. 1 to serve as a member of the Camden County Commissioners. Roberts takes inspiration both from the work of her one-time neighbor, Robert Cream, who started the Homestead Youth Association, as well as her parents, who were original members of the Association and served on its board. The opportunities Nikki had growing up wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment of her family – including aunts, uncles, and cousins – and the people in her neighborhood.

“You get to a point in your life when you start reflecting on how much you’ve received and how fortunate you’ve been in Pennsauken,” said Roberts. “I have a true, burning desire and excitement about serving my community as a member of Township Committee. I hope that with my history and my love of the town that I serve in an excellent way.

“Everyone on Committee has been very welcoming and I feel that we have a real opportunity to work as a team and do some great things for Pennsauken. We all share a passion and love for the town.”

Nikki is a graduate of Pennsauken High School’s Class of 1981. She married Darryl, a fellow PHS alumnus, in 1983; and raised their children, Darrah, Darryl, Jared and Isaiah, in town. Roberts has been a PYAA volunteer, as well as served as a board member for the Pennsauken-based South Jersey Rising Stars AAU basketball organization, for many years. Her appointment in December was a historic moment for both Township Committee and Pennsauken.

“I’m very excited and proud, as we’re making history,” said Killion. “Nikki is the first African-American female that is serving on Township Committee. It’s something that has been long overdue. Mrs. Roberts is a great addition, and we are very much looking forward to her contributions and insight.”

“It really hadn’t hit me until I my daughter said it was inspiring. I thought, ‘Wow, the first black female ever to serve on Township Committee.’ And to serve with other diverse members is awesome.”

As two new members join Committee, two public servants are moving on to new things. On Dec. 15, Al Dyer was sworn in by Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. as the newest Camden County Commissioner.  

“Thank you to the residents of Pennsauken for electing me as Committeeman,” said Dyer in a social media post on Dec. 3. “I am forever grateful for the humbling experience I was afforded as a public servant for Pennsauken Township. As I transition into my new role as Commissioner Elect for Camden County, I’ll continue to advocate for the residents of Pennsauken.”

Betsy McBride is also moving on, after serving on Committee since 2011.

“It was an honor and privilege to serve the residents of Pennsauken on Township Committee over the last nine years. I’m particularly proud of my work to bring families together in celebration of our cultural diversity at the Harvest Festival for five years,” said McBride, who plans to take a well-deserved break before determining what’s next. “I am also happy to have been called ‘The Green Lady,’ as I sought to bring environmental education and action to our community.”

“We once again thank Al and Betsy for their time on Committee and service to the Pennsauken community,” said Killion. “We are excited with what Nikki and Vince bring to the table and look forward to what we can accomplish together in 2021.”