Direct from Keith Gibbons: Your Questions, My Answers
I’ve heard from employees across Gloucester Township about fears and misinformation circulating about my candidacy. That’s not fair to you. As a candidate for mayor, I believe every township worker should feel confident and valued, not worried by whispers. This page is your space to hear my responses, grounded in my vision for a transparent, accountable, and thriving Gloucester Township.
As your potential mayor, I’m committed to open communication. Your work keeps Gloucester Township running, and I want you to feel heard and respected. Let’s replace fear with facts and build a township we’re all proud of. Thank you for trusting me with your questions—keep them coming!
Check back regularly as I update this page with new responses. If you haven’t submitted a question yet, now’s the time! [CLICK HERE] to share your thoughts and ask your questions—I’m all ears.
Rumor #1 – Mayor Gibbons is taking away our 4 day work week.
Answer: Thanks for bringing this up—it’s exactly why I created this space to tackle rumors head-on. Let me be clear: I have no plans to change Gloucester Township public employees’ 4-day work week to a 5-day week. Your work-life balance matters, and I value the efficiency our current system provides.
My focus as mayor will be on smarter spending and transparency, not disrupting the schedules that work for our township’s dedicated employees. If anything, I’d explore ways to support you better—like streamlining operations to reduce unnecessary tasks—while keeping what’s working, like the 4-day week.
Rumors like this can create worry, and I’m here to set the record straight. Have another question or concern? Submit it anonymously through the form [BY CLICKING HERE], and I’ll respond directly. Let’s keep the conversation open and honest!
Rumor #2 – Mayor Gibbons won’t support our police department.
Answer: Thank you for raising this—I’m glad to set the record straight on this troubling rumor. Let me be unequivocal: I absolutely support our Gloucester Township Police Department and their critical work keeping our community safe. Our officers deserve the best tools and resources to do their jobs effectively, and I’m committed to ensuring they have the equipment they need.
Frankly, I find it offensive when some on the council point fingers at our police department, blaming them for budget increases. Our officers aren’t the problem—they’re the solution, putting their lives on the line every day. As mayor, I’ll prioritize smart budgeting to fund our police properly without scapegoating them, focusing on cutting wasteful spending elsewhere to free up resources for what matters, like public safety.
Rumors like this spread fear, and I’m here to replace that with facts. Got another question or concern? Submit it anonymously through the form [BY CLICKING HERE], and I’ll respond directly. Let’s keep the conversation honest and keep supporting our police!
Rumor #3 – I’ve heard that public employees will be fired if they don’t vote for the current mayor and that the mayor can see how we vote. Is this true, and what’s your take?
Answer: Thank you for bringing this rumor to my attention—it’s important to clear up this kind of misinformation. Let’s set the record straight: nobody, including the mayor, knows how you vote. Your vote is completely private, protected by law. The only thing public records show is whether you cast a vote, not who you voted for. Suggesting otherwise is simply not true and seems designed to scare township employees.
As your candidate for mayor, I’m appalled by any rumor that threatens your job security over something as personal as your vote. Gloucester Township’s public employees deserve to feel safe and valued, not pressured or intimidated. If elected, I’ll protect every worker’s rights and focus on building a workplace where you’re supported, not coerced. No one should fear retaliation for their private choices, and I’ll stand firmly against any such tactics.
My campaign is about transparency and fairness for all. Have another concern or question? Submit it anonymously through the form [BY CLICKING HERE], and I’ll respond directly. Let’s replace fear with facts and move Gloucester Township forward together!
Rumor #4 – I’ve heard you don’t care about employees, might reduce pay and benefits, stop promotions, and let everything stagnate.
Note: This is a common question! I received many versions of it, all sharing the same concern. To address the spirit of these questions without repeating answers, I’ve combined them into one response covering all related rumors.
Answer: Thank you for your question and for the essential work township employees do. These rumors are completely false. I fully support our employees—you’re the heart of Gloucester Township, and I’d never harm your careers.
Claims of cutting pay, benefits, or promotions are baseless. Most of you are protected by union contracts that secure wages and benefits. As a Gloucester Township Board of Education member, I’ve consistently supported our workers and support higher pay. I also fought alongside MUA employees to save their jobs when the current administration tried to sell the sewer system. It’s ironic they’re now spreading these false rumors about me.
In my private sector career, I’ve helped hundreds advance—from interns to managers, and even managers to regional managers and vice presidents. I did this by recognizing strengths, fostering leadership, and streamlining “busy work” to improve workplaces. As mayor, I’ll apply that approach: supporting fair promotions, simplifying tasks, and ensuring Gloucester Township thrives, not stagnates. I’ll honor union contracts and cut wasteful spending to keep our workforce strong.
These rumors aim to scare, but I’m here with facts. Have another concern? Submit it anonymously via the form [BY CLICKING HERE]. Let’s talk and build a better Gloucester Township together!
Rumor #5 – I’ve heard you might consolidate the six fire departments into a single Gloucester Township Fire Department. Is this true, and would it provide 24/7 coverage for the town?
Answer: Thank you for submitting this question—it’s a great opportunity to address an important issue for Gloucester Township’s safety. Over the years, dozens of our dedicated firefighters and first responders have raised the idea of consolidating our six fire districts into a unified Gloucester Township Fire Department. These are the people on the front lines, protecting our community, and their call for change carries weight. I even touched on this in my candidacy announcement video, noting it’s a topic worth exploring.
At first glance, the current system—six separate fire districts, not always coordinated, with overlapping equipment—seems to prioritize a select few over the residents who fund it and rely on its protection. Consolidation could improve efficiency, potentially ensuring 24/7 coverage and better service, but I don’t have all the details yet. As mayor, I’d launch a thorough, transparent study to evaluate the benefits, costs, and challenges, involving input from firefighters, residents, and experts. The findings would be shared publicly, so any decision is open and accountable to you.
Our first responders deserve a system that supports their heroic work, and our residents deserve top-notch protection. This issue needs serious attention, and I’m committed to getting it right. Have more thoughts on public safety? Submit them anonymously via the form [BY CLICKING HERE]. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Rumor #6 – Is it true you’ll replace department heads like the Chief of Police, Public Works Director, and Business Administrator to bring fresh ideas to Gloucester Township?
Answer: Thank you for this question—it’s a great chance to clarify my approach to leadership in Gloucester Township. Let’s address the rumor directly: I’m not planning a sweep of department heads, but I am committed to ensuring our township’s leadership serves residents effectively.
Under our Faulkner Act Plan B Strong Mayor government, the mayor appoints department heads, but changes require council approval. Despite what some suggest, these decisions aren’t solely at my discretion—they involve collaboration with the council. My focus is on building a team that prioritizes transparency, efficiency, and public safety, not making changes for change’s sake.
For the Chief of Police, I’ve seen the strong leadership he brings to our department, and I have no intention of replacing him. Instead, I’d work closely with him to identify what his team needs—whether it’s equipment, training, or other resources—to keep our community safe. Public safety is non-negotiable, and our police deserve full support.
Regarding the Business Administrator and Public Works Director, who are currently the same person, I have concerns about transparency and oversight. At public meetings, I’ve noticed a lack of openness and even dismissiveness toward residents, which undermines trust. The attempted sewer utility sale highlighted issues, like one person proposing and approving their own actions without proper checks, eroding accountability. I’d explore separating these roles and ensuring leadership is responsive to the public, but any changes would follow a thorough review with council input, not hasty decisions.
Fresh ideas are vital, but so is stability. I’ll evaluate each department’s performance to ensure we’re serving taxpayers, not just a few insiders. Have thoughts on township leadership? Submit them anonymously via the form [BY CLICKING HERE]. Let’s shape a Gloucester Township that works for everyone!