UPPER TOWNSHIP – Seeking to make commonsense common again, Lenora Boninfante Kodytek and Shawna Mulford are kicking off their campaign for Upper Township Committee.
An accomplished public and private sector communications specialist, Boninfante Kodytek has been a resident of Cape May County for 39 years and has called Upper Township home for the last 25 years. She is a graduate of Temple University and earned a master of administrative science from Farleigh Dickinson University.
Mulford, a small-business owner, school psychologist, and community advocate graduated summa cum laude from Rowan University, having earned a master of arts and an education specialist degree in school psychology.
They have combined efforts to run a campaign to be “United 4 Upper.”
“I feel privileged to call Upper Township and Cape May County my home,” Boninfante Kodytek said. “I have always strived to give back to the community and improve the quality of life for others and that is why I decided to run for Township Committee. We are at a crossroads and Township Committee is on the verge of making decisions that will greatly impact our future. I believe Shawna and I can lead the township in the right direction.”
“Upper Township is a small community with a big heart,” Mulford said. “There is much that brings us together, whether it’s the small businesses, recreation or even the issues facing the township today. Although we may not always agree, I feel it’s important for our residents to know their opinions are valued and voices are heard. It’s not about the politics, it’s about results. Lenora and I are ready to take on the hard work ahead to get the results the residents deserve.”
The duo said their top priorities will be to explore ways to raise revenue, not taxes, work to bring new businesses to Upper Township, increase community engagement by introducing new family events and more recreation opportunities, and promote transparency in government, allowing the residents to have a voice in Upper Township’s future.
A veteran of county government, Boninfante Kodytek said she has strived to keep the public informed for more than 20 years – first as communications director for many years and currently as a public relations specialist at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County. She has spent her life advocating for people with special needs, women and non-profit organizations. She served on the school board for the Cape May County Special Services School District for 26 years and is a founding member of a foundation that raises money for children with special needs in Cape May County. She is the recipient of numerous professional awards and commendations including the National Association of Counties “Achievement Award” for public information and the Southern New Jersey County Commissioners Association “Southern Star” award for distinguished service. She resides in Seaville with her husband of 38 years, Jeffrey, and two daughters, Kristine and Cynthia.
Mulford believes her multi-disciplinary resume demonstrates her ability to champion opportunities and get the big projects done. As a nationally certified school psychologist, she designs programs for students to support educational growth. She has also created and manages Let’s Party Events, a small business that produces 400 events annually and employs a staff of 20-plus local talents. Dedicated to her community, she was asked to remake Upper Township’s Fourth of July fireworks into a festival and went on to create the Spring Fling Egg Hunt, Fall Fest, Ocean City High School Alumni Association and the All-Class Reunion. During her years in Florida, she was active in marketing, politics and homebuilding, leaving her mark with a statewide vote registration drive on college campuses and coordinating marketing for an “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” build. The recipient of numerous professional awards and civic honors, she was recognized most recently by the Upper Township Committee for her service to the community. She lives in Petersburg with Rocco, raising three children Vivian, and twins Taylor and Jackson.
Follow them on Facebook at United 4 Upper, Instagram @united4upper.
Editor’s note: This information was provided by the campaign.