Democrat Riggin ousts GOP sheriff; Democrats win Atlantic County Commissioner seats
SOMERS POINT — “It’s a leadership position and I am a leader,” city resident Lisa Bender said of her victory over incumbent county clerk Joe Giralo on Nov. 3.
The small-business owner and sustainability consultant said she feels the two most important aspects of the role are communication and accessibility.
“I am very excited about this position; it is in my skillset and my professional background lends itself to this kind of work,” Bender said of the paid, nonpartisan position. “I look forward to it. I can make it efficient and well-run.”
The Democrat collected 49,443 votes (just shy of her goal of 50,000) to Giralo’s 41,830, winning 54 percent to 46 percent.
The 50-year-old, who had previously run for Somers Point City Council and for state Assembly, is looking forward to leading her staff in a new direction.
She said growing up in a small business, she is used to being a manager, delegating and educating workers and soliciting their feedback.
“I look forward to working with the Board of Elections and superintendent of elections,” Bender said, adding that the office should be promoting voting in all forms.
She said the Clerk’s Office has specific duties — such as administering elections, recording property deeds and registering businesses — but feels as a government entity, it should be communicating those duties to the public.
For example, she said business owners must register with the office, which usually is a final step. Instead, she envisions being the first stop, offering information and seminars on how to start a small business and how the clerk can assist.
“I want to connect people with resources, have seminars so people can learn the steps they need to take,” she said. “That’s the kind of service I want to provide.”
Ensuring a fair, free and informed election is among her top priorities. She said mail-in ballots have not been provided in a timely manner in some communities and that regardless of location, many people do not understand the difference between them and a sample ballot.
“We need to explain the process to people, educate them about voting,” Bender said, noting the clerk is the chief administrator of elections.
“As a leader in that role, I have to be communicating with the public,” she said, noting she plans to have a strong social media presence and be active in the community.
Bender earned a bachelor’s degree in geology from Vanderbilt University and a master’s degree in oceanography from University of South Florida. She owns a marketing and photography business and is a licensed real estate agent.
After serving in Americorps, Bender, former chairwoman of the Somers Point Green Advisory Committee and member of the Environmental Commission, served as a Watershed Ambassador for the Great Egg Harbor River Watershed and worked as recycling coordinator for the Atlantic County Utilities Authority. She later oversaw a recycling campaign in Ocean City
Her passion for sustainability led her to community service activities. She frequently organizes community outreach projects as a leader in the Somers Point Democratic Club, led the Somers Point Environmental Commission for nine years and served as a Cub Scout leader with Scouting America. Bender and her husband, Bob, a former firefighter in Ocean City, have two sons.
Democrats oust
sheriff, commissioners
Bender will be joined at the county level by Democrat Sean Riggin, who defeated incumbent sheriff Joe “Tokyo” O’Donoghue 48,980 to 42,476, or 54 percent to 46 percent.
Democrats Jonathan Marcellus and Kyle Gornick defeated incumbents John Risley Jr. and Linwood resident June Byrnes for at-large seats on the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners. Marcellus collected the most votes, 49,727, followed by Gornick with 49,452. Risley garnered 41,033 and Byrnes 40,368.
Democrat Richard Healey topped Republican Andrew Parker 10,651 to 8,628, or 55 percent to 45 percent, in District 3.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
