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Q&A: Candidates for township council, board of education EDiTED BY JOE EMANSKi
A display in the library of the First Presbyterian Church of Hamilton Square commemorating the 250th anniversary of the parish’s existence. (Photo by Rich Fisher.)
‘Little White Church’ to mark 250 years in the Square BY RiCH FiSHER Part 1 of 2 Upon entering First Presbyterian Church of Hamilton Square for Sunday service, one quickly senses a feeling of warmth and acceptance. It’s feels like being transported to a small-town church in Iowa back in the 1800s. Take it from a Midwesterner. “I definitely got that homey feel,” said music director Julie Caudle, who hails from Michigan and joined the church in
2007. “People are very friendly. I felt accepted right away. My kids did Sunday School and Youth Group and had a good experience with that.” Then there is Paul Tindall who, at age 88, has been a lifetime First Presbyterian member whose ancestors go back its origin. “I may not be here if it was not a pleasant place to be,” Tindall said. “I’d probably look for another church. We have other denominations here. They don’t come because it’s Presbyterian.
I think they come because they want a friendly place. ” The amiable environment is just one variable in the longevity of First Presbyterian, which will celebrate its 250th anniversary with a banquet at the German American Club Oct. 18. Technically the church’s first gathering was in 1772 and the first formal worship service was in 1774, but planning for the anniversary was sidetracked by Covid, which made the semi quincentennial celebration a See CHURCH, Page 11
There are two local races on the ballot in Hamilton, each featuring six candidates for three seats. One is Hamilton Township Council, where incumbent Democrats Charles “Chuddy” Whalen, Rick Tighe, and Anthony Carabelli Jr. are looking to retain their seats. Noah Barnacz, Rich Balgowan and Sean Lucas are the Republican challengers in that race. And as usual, three seats are in play on the Hamilton Township Board of Education. In that nonpartisan election, there are two slates of three candidates each. One slate features two incumbents, Dina Thornton and Jason McSheene III, as well as a former board member in Christopher Scales. The other includes candidates John Muka, Kyle Chadwick and Jessica Trombino. Hamilton Township Community Supporting Education, in conjunction with the Hamilton Township Education Association, plans to host a “Meet the Hamilton Township Board of Education Candidates” forum on Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Ham-
ilton Township Public Library. Five of the six candidates for the board of education have pledged to attend. This is the 8th candidate forum organized by HTCSE. The Hamilton Post is continuing its annual tradition of covering the elections this year. We have sent surveys to all of the candidates, and their bios and responses to our questions are below. Answers have been lightly edited for clarity. Richard M. Balgowan, 71, has lived in Hamilton for 62 years. He is a civil engineer and the owner/founder of RM Balgowan Forensic and Engineering Services, LLC. He is a licensed professional engineer in 12 states, a licensed professional planner in New Jersey and holds numerous other certifications regarding government. With RM Balgowan Forensic & Engineering Services, he provides expert witness services to the legal profession. He is married to his wife, Caren. They have five children. All attended Hamilton Township schools and are college graduates. His parents were Sam and Cathie Balgowan, who owned See ELECTION, Page 12
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