Back in February, we at the GT Observer pointed out a curious trend: Gloucester Township’s recycling of old “Ask the Mayor” episodes conveniently re-aired as Mayor David Mayer gears up for re-election in 2025. Now, a new piece of the puzzle has emerged—a letter from the sewer department about a recent call, sent to residents in a way that’s never been done before. Is this just good governance, or could it be another subtle use of taxpayer funds to boost the mayor’s visibility during an election cycle? Let’s unpack it.
The Sewer Letter: A New Playbook Tactic?
Residents who have called for a clean-out recently received a letter from the sewer department—nothing groundbreaking on its face. What’s unusual, though, is that this type of communication hasn’t historically been standard practice. The timing is notable too: these letters started appearing after the dissolution of the Gloucester Township Municipal Utilities Authority (GTMUA), converting it into a township-run utility. That move, as many recall, was a critical step in the push to sell the sewer system to New Jersey American Water—Dave Mayer’s employer—for $143 million.
The proposed sale went to a public vote in November 2024, and township residents rejected it by a landslide, (roughly) 22,000 to 5,000. Despite the defeat, the mayor’s name remains tied to the sewer saga, and now these letters are landing in mailboxes. Could this be a way to keep his name in front of voters, framed as a diligent public servant addressing their concerns? We’re not saying it’s a campaign ad—but the optics are hard to ignore.
Taxpayer Funds and Election Timing
Public resources—like staff time, township letterhead, and postage—come from your tax dollars. When they’re used for communications that spotlight the mayor, especially in an election year, it’s fair to ask: where’s the line between governing and campaigning? Historically, Gloucester Township has ramped up media efforts every other year—like clockwork—around election time. We’ve seen it with recycling campaigns and TV commercials featuring the mayor. This sewer letter feels like it could fit the same pattern.
If this is getting you mad, stay tuned as there are also new staff positions in town that have been “created” with the appearance of full time campaign tasks.
To be clear, we’re not alleging any illegal activity here—just pointing out a trend worth watching. The mayor’s dual role as township leader and an employee of New Jersey American Water already raised eyebrows during the sewer sale debate. Residents questioned whether his push to privatize was about township finances or personal gain, though he recused himself from sale discussions. These new letters, while not explicitly promotional, subtly reinforce his presence in your daily life. Coincidence? Maybe. But it’s a question worth asking.
Why It Matters
Subtle messaging can be powerful. Unlike a blatant campaign flyer, a sewer department letter doesn’t scream “vote for me”—but it keeps the mayor’s name and authority front and center. With the 2025 election looming, every touchpoint counts. Other towns don’t typically flood residents with personalized utility updates featuring their mayor’s oversight, so why Gloucester Township? And why now?
We’re not here to accuse—just to inform. Public funds should serve the public, not a politician’s visibility. The sewer sale’s failure showed residents are paying attention, and they deserve transparency on how their money’s spent.
Stay Curious, Stay Informed
Patterns like these don’t always jump out at first glance, but once you see them, they’re hard to unsee. Whether it’s recycled TV spots or unexpected sewer letters, the timing often aligns with election cycles. Keep an eye out, and decide for yourself what it means.
For more on this and other township happenings, subscribe to the GT Observer Podcast on YouTube—click the bell for notifications. Share this with your neighbors, and let’s keep the conversation going. After all, an informed community is a strong one.
Note: This post reflects observations based on public information and resident feedback. It’s not intended to assert legal wrongdoing, but to encourage awareness and discussion.
