Berlin Rotary

Presents

2008 Spring Fling

at

Lucien's Manor

 Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli, Jr. Speaking on the State of the County

Since joining the Camden County Freeholders in 2003, Louis Cappelli, Jr. has brought a fresh approach and innovative ideals to Camden County government. He is a lifetime resident of Collingswood where he lives with his wife, Jackie and their five children.

After graduating from Rutgers Law School, Lou became involved in public service on the Collingswood School Board for six years. He was then elected to the Collingswood Board of Commissioners in 1993 and became an integral part of a team that revitalized a town with an uncertain future. The rebirth of this community began with the remarkable restoration of Sutton Towers, a dilapidated complex of four mostly vacant high rise residential housing units, into the Park View, a vibrant housing alternative and residential community, which includes community and senior services and offers its residents convenient transportation to local shopping. Building on the success of the Park View project, Commissioner Cappelli implemented such progressive measures as the Neighborhood Preservation Program, the Duplex Conversion Program, and expanded community recreation and arts programs. These projects all clearly demonstrated that his hometown of Collingswood was making a comeback.

The business community underwent a resurgence including the formation of three business improvement districts, the establishment of the Collingswood Partners, and the recruitment of 46 new businesses. These accomplishments are marked by the transformation of Haddon Avenue into a flourishing business districted dotted with trendy retail stores and stylish restaurants. The formation of the Collingswood Foundation for the Arts, the creation of the Newton Colony Arts Bank and the lease of the Scottish Rite Auditorium strengthened Collingswood's commitment to the arts. Lou's devotion to senior citizens in the community is noteworthy. He saw through completion of the construction of a magnificent new Senior Center in the heart of the community. The Center, primarily for senior citizens' activities, also serves as a great meeting place for government and community events.

Lou brought the same commitment to public service he demonstrated in Collingswood to Camden County government. As a Freeholder, Lou created the Brownfield and Redevelopment Center (BARC) as part of the county's ongoing effort to focus on economic development in the region and creatively manage the problems of suburban sprawl and other symptoms of overdevelopment in Camden County. One of the top priorities of the new office will be the reclamation of brownfields, abandoned industrial sites across the county.

Lou also assisted in the effort to transform the massive and dormant Langston Steel facility in Cherry Hill Township into the new home of the Towers-Perrin Corporation, bringing with it hundreds of jobs, and has been instrumental in retaining Campbell’s Soup in Camden City.

In addition to economic development, Freeholder Cappelli is spearheading the effort to upgrade Camden County's 911 system, enhancing communications between jurisdictions and assuring a quick response to those in need. Lou also has implemented the Camden County Video Court, which allows for defendants to testify remotely, streamlining the hearing process, thus easing the strain on an overburdened court system.

All of this has been accomplished while reducing spending and the county tax rate. The government workforce has been reduced by over 300 employees over the past three years. At the same time, new ethics and anti-nepotism policies have been adopted that are the most stringent of any county in New Jersey.

As an active member of the community, Lou volunteers for many organizations, including the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Greater Camden Partnership, Camden Special Services District and the Order of the Sons of Italy.

Lou often says, "My experience as a public servant has taught me success can only be achieved with teamwork." As part of his team, he looks forward to tackling the challenges of economic development and leading Camden County into the future.

2007 State of the County Address