Kristen’s Pick: Dr. Deborah “Deb” Buzby-Cope, Burlington County Surrogate
Running Mates: Al Pallanti & John Adams, Commissioner Candidates
I’ve been telling my sons that I am volunteering for the “good guy” (Jack) to beat the “bad guy” (Phil). All summer, I looked for ways to be of service. Much of my work involved attending BOE meetings with parents in other towns across the State, taking me away from my “Mom” time with my boys.
A local Meet & Greet event popped up on my social media feed. Meet Jack at Dadz Bar & Grille in Lumberton, just one town over, on a Wednesday night in July. Being a child of a candidate, I remembered attending political functions. Looking back now, I am so proud of my mom for jumping into the field as a candidate and balancing work, family, career, and political advocacy.
So I decided to grab my boys after work and head straight over to the event, so they could meet “the good guy”. Without devices to keep them busy, it was a risk, but one with a great reward. As we walked the parking lot, American flags in tow, we ran directly into Jack & Melinda, and had a quick, personal greeting with the good guy. My boys still ask about him to this day.
Of course, bringing your 7 and 3.5 year old to a campaign event is ill-advised without their Kindles, but Nik saved the day by joining me. We sat and sandwiched the boys in a booth among the packed room, filled with an energized, dynamic crowd. Music, food, handshakes, and most importantly, normalcy. The first “party” I saw in 2021 where old and new friends confidently gathered to cheer on this year’s candidate slate.
There we met Deb Buzby-Cope, candidate for Burlington County Surrogate.
A county Surrogate works with the County Clerk and Chancery and Family Parts of the Superior Court of each County, administering various probate matters, intestate (dying without a will) and adoption matters. Additionally, this role involves supervising the trust fund of a pool of monies held for minors from settlements, inheritances, etc.
The role clearly calls for a person of character, trust, and empathy.
Stopping at our booth to greet us, Deb was patient and kind as she spoke with Nik and me among the interruptions and clamoring for attention of my boys. She listened to our mission, she empathized.
A mother, a doctor, a business owner. She embodies the characteristics and experiences needed to dutifully execute the role of Surrogate.
Meet Deb Buzby-Cope…
Kristen: Who are you?
Deb: I am Dr. Deb Buzby-Cope. I am a Doctor of Chiropractic for over 30 years, owning my own business. I have served as an elected official for over 21 years, with the last 13 years as Mayor.
Kristen: Why are you running?
Deb: I care about people and want to help them in their time of need. I feel with mybackground enables me to accomplish these tasks.
Kristen: What is your stance on parental choice for medical freedom in schools?
Deb: I feel that the parents should have the right to choose whether their child should get vaccinated and wear a mask to school.
Kristen: What is your favorite amendment?
Deb: The 2nd amendment is my favorite.
Kristen: Give me your best pitch on why and how we can support your campaign?
Deb: I would appreciate your help getting the word out to my constituents that I am a caring and considerate candidate
for the surrogate position. Getting folks to vote for me, making phone calls and encouraging friends to vote and/or donating monetarily would be most helpful.
To Help:
Like and share my page on Facebook
Meet the Candidate Slate and Volunteer & Learn More
Best of luck to the team of Buzy-Cope, Pallanti and Adams! I have had the pleasure of meeting all three candidates (with my wild children in tow), and I can see to their genuine kindness and devotion to public service. We endorse this team!
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