Governor's Visit to Galloway Eagerly Anticipated by Republican, Democratic Council Members

Gov. Chris Christie is coming to Galloway Township next Wednesday, June 13, the Governor's Office announced Wednesday afternoon, June 6.

Christie will hold a town hall meeting at the gymnasium. Doors for the meeting will open at 1:45 p.m., and seating is on a first come, first serve basis, the Governor's Office said.

"I think it's great for Galloway," Mayor Don Purdy said prior to the official announcement. "It's great for the residents to have the governor come down here."

"This affords the people of Galloway the opportunity to voice their concerns to the governor," Deputy Mayor Tony Coppola said. "How often do you get to talk directly to the governor?"

Christie was in Galloway for a political event at the last year, according to Coppola, but he hasn't held a town hall in Galloway. Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno has been a frequent visitor to the township and to Atlantic City, for various events, including fundraisers and conferences. She is scheduled to be at the Seaview on Thursday, June 7, for the 97th annual New Jersey Utilities Association Conference.

It will be Gov. Christie's first town hall meeting in Atlantic County since he visited New Jersey Manufacturers in in March of 2011.

"I think it's great how accessible he's made himself," Coppola said. "He's made some bold moves. He's a controversial figure, but I have a lot of respect for him and I hope we keep him in New Jersey."

Jim Gorman, the only Democrat on Galloway's seven-member council, also looks forward to Gov. Christie's visit, and hopes the governor takes the Garden State Parkway to come into the township.

"I think the 44 interchange is a good idea, but forget about 41 and let's talk about Route 30," Gorman said, referring to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority's plans to bring two full interchanges to Galloway and cut off access to the service area off Jimmie Leeds Road. "They need to leave the rest stop alone.

"That should be the priority, the redevelopment of Galloway and to bring money to the county."

Gorman also looks forward to the media attention the visit will inevitably draw.

"All the media that will be here, they'll have to eat at restaurants," and use some of Galloway's other services, Gorman said. "When you're on the news, that's good. People will see it. We're not in the same party, but it's good to have the governor here. Maybe people watching will find out something about Galloway they didn't know before."

Christie was last in the county when he visited Atlantic City to open the

Chrisitie will be in Haddonfield one day prior, on Tuesday, June 12.

The Governor's Office encourages New Jersey residents to bring their families, friends and neighbors to the public forum. 

For more information or to RSVP, residents can call 609-777-2500.