As Haddonfield prepares for its municipal government election on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, residents have the opportunity to shape the future of their borough by selecting from four passionate, experienced candidates for Borough Commissioner. Each candidate brings a unique vision, background, and set of priorities to the table.
Whether your top concern is community safety, development, transparency, or infrastructure, this guide offers an in-depth look at where the candidates stand—and why your vote matters.
🗳️ How to Vote in Haddonfield
In-person voting takes place Tuesday, May 13, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at your assigned polling location. You can also vote by mail or use the Camden County Official Election Ballot Drop Box, conveniently located outside Haddonfield Borough Hall.
Need to find your polling place? Search by address on the state’s voter information site.
Have a question or issue on Election Day? Contact the Board of Elections at (856) 401-8683.
🌟 Candidate Spotlight: Itir Cole
Age: 40
Profession: Product Manager / Technologist
About Itir:
A mother of two and a self-described “community builder,” Itir Cole is blending tech-savviness with grassroots energy. With a master’s in urban planning and experience in the White House as a senior technologist, Cole is no stranger to complex challenges—or delivering real-world results.
She and her family are active in town life, from school involvement to outdoor recreation. Her passions? Running, gardening, and ensuring Haddonfield remains a place where everyone feels heard, safe, and welcomed.
Top Issues:
- Sustainable Growth: Focused on thoughtful, inclusive development and affordable housing options.
- Transparency & Engagement: Advocating for consistent, clear communication and broader civic participation.
- Neighborhood Safety: Prioritizing smart street design and stronger connections between public safety teams and residents.
Cole’s Vision:
“Haddonfield works best when all voices are at the table. I’m committed to leadership that listens, acts, and puts people first.”
🌟 Candidate Spotlight: William C. “Bill” Shanahan
Age: 65
Profession: Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director, DRPA
About Bill:
With over 30 years of military and government service, Bill Shanahan brings a commanding presence and deep institutional knowledge to the race. A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and licensed attorney, Shanahan has served in emergency management, public safety, and social services—all while raising a family in town.
He’s a problem-solver by nature and believes in practical, cost-effective governance.
Top Issues:
- Zoning Reform: Updating outdated ordinances to ensure balanced, responsible development.
- Smart Collaboration: Tapping into county and state resources to improve infrastructure and recreation spaces.
- Public Safety Innovation: Proposing tools like a real-time “See Something, Say Something” app to enhance safety awareness.
Shanahan’s Vision:
“Government is service. Let’s use every resource available to improve life in Haddonfield while preserving what makes it special.”
🌟 Candidate Spotlight: David “Dave” Siedell
Age: 53
Profession: Executive Director of Teaching & Learning Tech, Wharton School (UPenn)
About Dave:
A veteran of local leadership, Dave Siedell has served on the Haddonfield Board of Education, led the Haddonfield Civic Association, and currently sits as a Borough Commissioner. A tech executive with a strong sense of community service, Siedell is known for pushing transparency and building productive partnerships.
He’s a father of three, a volunteer umpire, and a firm believer in responsive, forward-thinking governance.
Top Issues:
- Staff Succession Planning: Ensuring smooth transitions as long-serving borough staff retire.
- Stormwater Solutions & Infrastructure: Advocating for smart investments with county and state partners.
- Civic Trust: Creating a transparent, engaged local government that earns public confidence.
Siedell’s Vision:
“Good government starts with good relationships. My focus is building a town that works for—and with—its residents.”
🌟 Candidate Spotlight: Frank Troy
Age: 52
Profession: VP, Walker Diving Underwater Construction; Former Naval Officer
About Frank:
Now completing his first term as Borough Commissioner, Frank Troy brings a business-minded, results-oriented approach to town government. A former Naval officer and corporate turnaround expert, Troy has spearheaded programs that improved tree removal efficiency, expanded public safety efforts, and addressed property use concerns.
With roots in Haddonfield and a reputation for direct, responsive leadership, Troy wants to build on the momentum of his first term.
Top Issues:
- Public Safety: Tackling crime with a visible, proactive stance and modern tools.
- Telecommunications: Implementing a long-term tech infrastructure plan to meet 21st-century demands.
- Open Space & Development: Revitalizing underused borough properties and expanding green space while lowering taxpayer costs.
Troy’s Vision:
“We don’t need to be broken to improve. It’s time to think boldly and act decisively—for today and the next generation.”
🗳️ Why This Election Matters
The role of a Haddonfield Commissioner goes far beyond budgets and ordinances. It’s about shaping the kind of town we want to live in: safe, connected, forward-looking, and inclusive. From preserving green space to updating stormwater infrastructure and building trust in local government, the stakes are high—and the decisions ahead are critical.
Election Recap:
- 🗓️ Election Day: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
- 🕕 Poll Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- 🗳️ Vote at: Your local polling place, by mail, or at the drop box outside Borough Hall.
✔️ Stay Informed: Results & Updates
Once you cast your vote, come back to Explore New Jersey and follow our real-time coverage of election night as the results come in. We’ll break down what each result means for the future of Haddonfield—and what’s next for our community.