UPPER TOWNSHIP – Pharmaceutical sales representative Samuel “Sam” Palombo, 27, is a husband and father who grew up in the township, where he played soccer, basketball and baseball while attending local schools.
The 2014 Ocean City High School graduate participated in travel and recreational clubs and sports such as soccer, French club and Class Council. He was a member of the French Immersion Program at Upper Township Primary School and remains fluent in the language to this day.
He joined the Upper Township Beach Patrol in 2012.
“I enjoyed representing our township on the beach patrol and upholding the safety of locals and tourists during the summer months,” he said.
After graduating from OCHS, he attended the University of the Sciences seeking a degree in pharmacy. He then transferred to Stockton University, “knowing that my skill set and interests would be better suited in the field of business.”
In 2019, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in French. He took a job after graduation in outside sales for a national construction supply company.
Through his work, he attended many leadership conferences that provided specific training for both how to lead in the field of sales and in personal life.
“In 2021, I was given the opportunity to work for a small pharmaceutical company that offered more sales experience. The experience I gained here eventually propelled me into the job I have now with Salix Pharmaceuticals,” he said. “I love working in sales and being able to network with doctors in our region. I am especially grateful for Ocean City High School and Stockton University for propelling me into a career I feel so passionate about.”
Palombo said he is a practicing Roman Catholic. He and his wife were raised attending Saint Maximilian Kolbe Roman Catholic Church.
He is seeking election because he believes local government is the best way to get involved and serve his community.
“Having just purchased our first home and beginning to set our roots in Upper Township, it is more important to me than ever to get involved and start serving my community,” he said, noting that he attends sports and school board meetings with his wife, who is a teacher at Ocean City High School. “I am currently seeking more leadership opportunities and ways to support our residents of all ages.”
Palombo said he watched as his grandfather and uncle helped their towns throughout their lives.
“They helped bridge the gap in communication from government to the community while helping make their towns better,” he said. “I hope to help my generation start to make their impression on politics while preserving ideals that made my grandfather and uncle appreciated in their communities.”
Palombo said doing so starts with youth.
“Children are the heart of our community and deserve a town that is safe and supportive,” he said.
Both he and his wife were children in Upper Township and “made the conscious decision to stay here and raise our family. I feel extremely motivated to uphold the quality of life we had as children and continue to feel as though our town is worth returning to.”
He believes is interpersonal skills would make him an asset to Township Committee.
“I thrive in social settings and believe strongly in my mediation and networking abilities,” he said. “I enjoy conversations and gaining the perspectives of others, and pride myself in my ability to both converse and listen.”
Palombo said he has gained invaluable skills working in multiple sales environments and positions.
“Specifically, I hope to use my background in construction sales to support township decisions regarding the development of different areas such as the B.L. England lot, as well as other zoning decisions that will improve the face of our community,” he said.
Palombo said the top issues the community is facing are redevelopment of the B.L. England Generating Station site, attracting commercial ratables and school funding.
He advocates for collaboration with local and state governments to get relief and promoting small businesses in Upper Township.
Palombo said it’s vital to preserve the rural character of the township amid the constant drive for development at the shore.
“It is important to appreciate what the township has while also being able to identify areas of improvement,” he said. “Development at the shore has only been increasing in recent years and as the shore towns begin to overflow, it is our job to be able to help preserve our town while adapting to new opportunities. We must make sure to balance between overdevelopment and losing out on opportunities.”
He said that can be done through collaboration with builders and “robust planning to ensure we maximize efficiency. Smarter planning will lead to better ratables for old and new residents of the township,” as well as collaboration with government entities to help attract new commercial enterprises and community outreach to businesses looking to expand into southern New Jersey.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
