All Around Pennsauken

By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

At the beginning of this month, two new voices joined the governing body representing the people of Pennsauken. Jessica Rafeh and Marco DiBattista were elected to Township Committee in November’s general election; and the two are extremely eager to serve their community.

“I’m really excited for this opportunity and I’m humbled by it,” says Rafeh. “I appreciate that the residents of Pennsauken believed in Marco and I; we’re ready to make a difference.”

“As a guy who spent his whole life in town, I’m ready to help guide the direction of Pennsauken and help lead this community into the future,” adds DiBattista. “It’s a great opportunity and Jess and I are excited to get started.”

Jessica moved from Venezuela to the United States at a very young age and has lived in Pennsauken for nearly 20 years with her husband, Husan. Rafeh is an adjunct professor at Rowan University, teaching courses in English as a Second Language. She is fluent in Arabic, English, and Spanish, a first for a member of Township Committee.

“I’m a true example of the rich diversity of this town,” explains Jessica. “I’d like to help bridge that gap and help residents who may not speak English have a voice; to know that language isn’t a barrier. I want residents to be comfortable coming to Committee and have someone listen to them and be a liaison.”

Marco DiBattista is a lifelong Pennsauken resident elected to the local governing body. Marco is a proud member of Pennsauken High School’s Graduating Class of ’94; he lives in the same home he grew up in with Lemonia, his wife of 14 years, and his two daughters, Sophia and Juliana; and has worked at the Pennsauken Sewerage Authority for over 20 years, currently serving as the organization’s treasurer and office manager.

“I have no spot in my life where I haven’t been in Pennsauken,” says DiBattista. “I went to school here; my family and friends are here; I’ve seen this town grow. You have to know where you’ve been in order to know where you’re going. Being from Pennsauken is going to play a big role in how I approach making decisions as a member of Township Committee.”     

“We’re residents too. We want the best for Pennsauken.”

Marco DiBattista

The opportunities for service that Jess and Marco will have for the next three years are somewhat bittersweet, as two longtime Committee members are stepping down from public service. John Figueroa, a longtime volunteer firefighter and former Public Works superintendent, had served on Committee for almost a decade. Bill Orth, the head of the Pennsauken Sewerage Authority and a dedicated community advocate, had been a member of Township Committee for well over 30 years, serving as mayor numerous times. Both Rafeh and DiBattista know they have “big shoes” to fill.

“As I think about John and Bill, ‘big shoes’ aren’t strong enough words,” explains DiBattista. “John Figueroa’s family has done so much for this town for so many years. The lives they’ve affected. The guy has been a lifelong servant to the community. Bill Orth’s love of this community is second to none. He’s played an integral part in so many things personally that are great for this town. I’m honored to know him and call him a friend. It’s almost an impossible feat, but Jess and I are going to work tirelessly to do it.”

“Marco and I hope to make a difference, just like they did for so many years, and continue moving their legacy forward,” adds Rafeh.

As they begin their first foray into public service, Jess and Marco want residents to know they want to hear from them and are ready to listen.

“We’re residents too. We want the best for Pennsauken,” says DiBattista. “They can reach out and share their ideas with us.” “We’re extremely approachable. We want people to feel confident to tell us what they think,” adds Rafeh. “We’re going to listen.”