SOMERS POINT — City Council President Janice Johnston is facing a challenge from political newcomer Patricia Scamoffa on Nov. 5 in Ward I.
Pat Scamoffa
Scamoffa is a senior citizen with varied experiences who loves living near the ocean.
The career educator who has lived in southern New Jersey for many years describes herself as a “cat lady” who hugs all trees. She worked on the child study team in Linwood when she retired.
Scamoffa grew up in Galloway Township but moved around with her husband to multiple states before settling in Egg Harbor Township. There she raised her three daughters, who jointly own Bake Works in Northfield. She has been a resident of Somers Point for 12 years.
Scamoffa lists the environment, with an interest in climate change and its potential effects on the city, among her priorities, noting that she is a certified environmental steward through the Atlantic County Utilities Authority.
She said if elected she would put a focus on taxes, working to ensure it remains affordable to live in the city, and public safety through emergency services.
Scamoffa also believes there needs to be a balance between business development — “We are a hub for shopping and services.” — and the residential community.
She is a member of the Somers Point Garden Club.
“I believe the city needs a female, senior, multiple-point-of-view person — namely Democrat point of view,” Scamoffa said. “This is especially important in light of the Master Plan review.”
Scamoffa said through living in multiple states she has seen how other towns provide for their residents, especially their children.
“We need good schools, and make sure there is money for education without higher taxes and programs for the parents so they can participate in their children’s education,” Scamoffa said.
She believes Somers Point has a lot going for it but must boost resiliency for the future.
“Our city has so many assets. We need to listen to what science says about climate change and the impact on our shoreline,” Scamoffa said. “We need to keep our trees.”
She said the city needs to address how its businesses affect residents and their neighborhoods.
“Businesses need to pay their fair share of taxes,” she said.
Janice Johnston
Johnston, 68, is a commercial real estate agent and small-business owner with extensive community service experience.
In addition to her more than five years on City Council, she has served on the city’s Zoning Board and Economic Development Advisory Commission, the Mainland Regional High School Board of Education and Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce.
Johnston was appointed to the seat in July 2019 after former councilman Ron Meischker resigned. She was elected that November to serve the remainder of the three-year term and chosen as council president during the re-organization meeting in January 2021.
That November, she faced a challenge from Democrat Lisa Bender, winning 940 to 597, or 61.5 percent to 38.5 percent. She now is running for her second full term.
Johnston, who is married and has two step-children, two grandchildren and two cats, grew up in Delaware County, Pa., with four brothers.
“I spent my summers here in Somers Point and moved here permanently in 1975,” she said.
Johnston attended Upper Darby High School, Delaware County Community College and Vineland Beauty Academy, later working as a hair stylist for more than 20 years. She owned a salon in Linwood.
She also is a licensed commercial real estate agent since 1996, currently with Keller Williams. She also previously owned the Peanut Store in Ocean City and Pretzel Factory in Egg Harbor Township.
“I have always enjoyed being involved in my community,” she said, noting she was a CCD teacher at St. Joseph’s and worked with the Child Assault Prevention Program in many area elementary schools.
Johnston has served on many boards and commissions over the years and currently is a member of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
Prior to serving on City Council, she was a member of the Economic Development Advisory Commission and Zoning Board.
In addition, Johnston is president of Lawson’s Pride, an organization serving our U.S. Coast Guard community.
She said she wants to continuing serving because she loves Somers Point.
“I have learned so much in the past six years of serving on council about what it takes to run a city. I truly enjoy the work and I am proud of the progress we have made,” she said. “I want to continue to contribute to this great community. Somers Point is a great place to live and visit. I want to make it even better.”
Johnston, who has been working since age 15, said her perseverance and ability to work hard lend themselves to the position.
“I know my willingness to work hard is important. I take my position on City Council very seriously,” she said. “I listen to the residents’ opinions and ideas and make decisions based on what is best for the community as a whole.”
She added that her many years of experience in commercial real estate and business provides her great insight on what it takes to get things done.
Johnston said it is important to balance progress with community values.
“Our major issue is managing smart growth with development that maintains our great way of life and will offset cost increases and maintain steadiness in tax rates,” she said.
She feels building consensus is the key to accomplishing those goals.
“We need to hear input and suggestions from the residents so we can balance the diverse needs of this community. We have full-time residents, second-home buyers, retirees and lots of young families,” Johnston said, noting an example of smart new development is the project on Shore Road and Pleasant Avenue that replaced boarded-up homes with a parking lot and new townhomes.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff