Candidate Profile: Margaret "Peg" LaTorre

Editor's Note: Five Woodbridge council seats are up for election on Nov. 5.

Ward 1, Democrat newcomer Nancy J. Drumm faces Republican newcomer John Vrtaric. 

In Ward 2, Republican newcomer Margaret "Peg" LaTorre has challenged incumbent Democrat Richard Dalina.

In Ward 3, Democrat incumbent Michele Charmello has been challenged by Republican newcomer Cathy Andreuzzi-Kovalsky and Independent newcomer Kevin J. Garcia, Sr. 

In Ward 4, Democrat incumbent James H. Major has been challenged by Republican newcomer Thomas A. Sobe, Jr. and newcomer Sanjeev Kapoor.

In Ward Five, Democrat newcomer Debbie Meehan runs unopposed.

Patch distributed a list of questions to the candidates to give them a chance to express their positions on local issues. Their responses will be printed as we receive them, up to election day.

Name: Margaret "Peg" LaTorre
Age: 64
Occupation: Self-employed as a certified Life Coach

1) Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background and why you should be elected: As a single mom who raised two children, I understand the tremendous struggles today's families are facing. Having also served as the primary caregiver of my now deceased father has also enabled me to understand and better serve the individual and family needs of people in our community. I know the daily challenges in living within a budget and delayed fiscal gratification.

2. What do you think distinguishes you from other candidates? What do you bring to the table? Employed 25 years in the Telecommunications industry, I successfully developed and employed the necessary skills of perseverance, teamwork, and problem solving, which will be most helpful in  working on a bi-partisan council.

Employed for seven years as a church administrator, I was able to develop strong relationships and help people who needed my skills and compassion.

In 2010 I was commissioned as a Pastoral Counselor by the NCC Church and later attended school to further my education and pursue certification as a Life Coach. I have since started my own business in this field.

3. What are the most pressing issues facing the community today? How would you approach and resolve these issues? I love my community in Fords but we pay too much money in taxes each year to Woodbridge Township.
In my campaigning experience, I have come upon many foreclosed and abandoned homes and businesses in Fords, Hopelawn and Keasby. We cannot continue to spend taxpayer money unwisely in this community.

I believe to ensure that money is used responsibly, it is imperative to have checks and balances in our financial accounting, and that can only be accomplished by a governing body of diverse Republicans and Democrats that will work together.