THOMAS J. SWAN

FOR Mayor

Councilman Thomas Swan is a lifelong resident of Burlington City, a graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in Political Science, and holds a Juris Doctor degree from Widener University, Delaware Law School. 

Tom has been an active member of the community all his life. When he was 11, Tom worked as a paperboy for the Burlington County Times, a job he proudly held for 6 years. As a teenager he worked as a waiter and busboy at Francesco’s Italian Restaurant and worked part-time at the Quaker Meeting House. Later, he worked as a clerk at the Burlington Cleaners for 6 years, all the while cutting grass, detailing cars, shoveling snow for those in his neighborhood, while also tending to his undergraduate and postgraduate studies. It was through these experiences that Tom learned the value of hard work and cemented his commitment to our community at a young age. 

In 2011, Tom met the love of his life, Alejandra, while traveling in Ecuador to visit family. The two were married in 2015, and have been active participants in our City. Tom and his wife have volunteered in various events to support local community organizations in an effort to bring new life into Burlington. They recognize that these organizations are the lifeblood of the City.  

For the past 6 years Tom has served as an active and vocal member of City Council, representing Burlington’s Second Ward. As a councilman, he advocates for the entire community, working hard to address the issues in the City, many of which have gone overlooked. He takes pride in being responsive to his citizens’ concerns. In doing so, he has had the opportunity to see Burlington from many points of view, knowing that there is great potential here that can be unleashed. Tom represents a new vision, a fresh perspective, and a creative way of thinking that will foster Burlington to grow and prosper. Tom loves this City, it is his home, and he will continue to work tirelessly to realize its full potential.

GABRIELLE BENSON

FOR COUNCIL AT LARGE

Gabrielle Benson has been a Burlington City resident for over 20 years. An alumna of Burlington City High School, Gabrielle has a proven passion for community service, as she has participated in several volunteer programs and leadership seminars. Growing up in Burlington City taught her that it is the community that makes her City so unique and a great place to live.

Gabrielle graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Applied Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science. She currently works as a Software Engineer at ASRC Federal. In addition, she also volunteers as a Colorguard Instructor with the Burlington City High School Marching Band, allowing her to both learn from and counsel youth. Gabrielle is also fortunate to have several influential role models in her life, many of which are community members and educators who taught her the value of leadership and activism. 

Gabrielle’s desire to play a more active role in her community inspired her to run for City Council. She is excited to be able to deliver her experiences and skills to continue her community engagement. As an elected member of Council, she will encourage continued respect of our City’s history while also taking inspiration from community members to drive innovation. Gabrielle looks forward to collaborating with all members of our Burlington City community to continue building upon the vision that we all share.

AISHA O’DONNELL

FOR COUNCIL AT LARGE

Aisha O’Donnell fell in love with Burlington City when she and her husband, David, bought their forever home in the City’s historic district. Aisha has a degree in Sociology from Long Island University and received her certification as an Early Childhood Educator at The College of New Jersey. Aisha taught Pre-Kindergarten for 14 years in Princeton, NJ.  Her passion for Early Childhood Education led her to become a Partnership Development Manager at Tools of the Mind, a research-based Early Childhood curriculum program, training teachers throughout New Jersey. 

From an early age Aisha always believed in the power of community. This is what brought her to start the Burlington Running Club after moving to the City. The club was formed to build community and promote Burlington City as a fun place to gather together and visit local small businesses. What started with 10 runners has grown under Aisha’s leadership to over 750 members with up to 80 people gathering weekly for group runs. These runners are not just City residents, they also come from surrounding towns, bringing new economic opportunities to local small businesses. It is through this experience of bringing diverse people together that Aisha will not only build our community but actively better our community, sharing ideas and prospering together. 

Aisha has organized to raise money for local causes, participates in an annual food drive, and has led several clothing drives that benefit the homeless. Aisha looks forward to working with various organizations in the city to help build a strong, connected community.

Aisha has truly made Burlington a better place to work, play, and raise a family. Her love for the City as it is, and for what it can be, is infectious. Aisha hopes to bring what she has learned about community-building and outreach to her future work as a public servant for the people.